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Badger Meter
Annual Report 2012

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FY2012 Annual Report · Badger Meter
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2012  ANNUAL REPORT

As the world’s populAtion 

grows, so does the demAnd for 

fresh, cleAn wAter A nd other 

precious nAturAl resources.

Badger Meter products help water and 

gas utilities, Municipalities and industrial 

custoMers around the world not only 

count every drop, But use that inforMation 

to efficiently generate revenues, Manage 

their systeMs and control processes.

froM Metering a hoMe for the first 

tiMe, to developing advanced Meter 

reading technologies and enaBling 

Businesses to Measure and control 

a variety of liquids, Badger Meter is 

helping the world conserve.

BAdger meter is A leAding 

innovAtor in flow meA surement 

And control products, 

serving wAter And gA s 

utilities, municipAlities, And 

commerciAl And industriAl 

customers worldwide. 

Me asUr e

our products measure a variety of liquids, 

from water to oil and chemicals, and are 

known for their high degree of accuracy 

and long-lasting durability.

MON It Or

advanced metering solutions from 

Badger Meter provide valuable and 

timely measurement data that help 

customers monitor their systems  

and improve operations.

CONtrOl

Badger Meter low-flow precision valves 

provide precise, accurate control of liquids 

and gases in production processes and in 

research and development applications. 

B a d g e r   M e t e r   s a l e s   M I X   2 0 1 2

Municipal Water 
Industrial Flow Products
Specialty Products

66.7%

29.0%

4.3%

M U N I C I P A L
W AT E R

MARKETS SERVED:

Water utilities

I N D U S T R I A L   F L O W 
P R O D U C T S

MARKETS SERVED:

Industrial process

Building automation / HVAC

Chemical and petrochemical

Oil and gas

Water and wastewater

Test and measurement

Aerospace

Research and development

Pharmaceutical

Food and beverage

Power generation

Mining

Semiconductor

S P E C I A LT Y 
P R O D U C T S

MARKETS SERVED:

Gas utilities

Construction

deAr   s hAr e h o l d e r s ,

whenever i see a popular television commercial related 

to a certain brand of beer, i am constantly amazed at the 

oxymoronic advice of the most interesting man in the world 

trying to sell the product by advising his friends to “stay 

thirsty.” he might have more success by using the phrase:  

“stay fluid, my friends.” that’s exactly what we try to do at 

Badger Meter.

like most companies, we operate in a challenging business 

environment. every day, we deal with the paradox of 

maintaining a solid foundation, while staying sufficiently fluid 

to address the ever-changing currents of our marketplaces. 

we need to continually develop new products, aggressively 

pursue new market opportunities, integrate new acquisitions, 

and carefully manage our financial resources. 

this annual report highlights a strong financial year for 

earnings rebounded from the unusually weak year we had in 

our company. it also demonstrates our importance to the 

2011, increasing 46% in 2012 to $28.0 million. we generated 

markets we serve as we continue to help the world conserve 

$34.8 million in cash from operations. even after acquiring 

its precious resources—one drop at a time. today, more 

racine federated, executing a $30 million stock repurchase 

than ever, our flow meters are an essential part of many 

program and increasing our dividend for the twentieth 

sustainable resource control processes. and our meters 

consecutive year, we still ended 2012 with a debt-to-

continue to provide our customers with the key information 

capitalization ratio of 28%. the net result is that we have 

they need to optimize those resources and to stay fluid—

significantly grown the business, while maintaining a strong 

just as Badger Meter works hard to stay fluid.

balance sheet. we are well positioned for future growth. 

We stay fluid for our shareholders.

i should also point out that our 2012 stock repurchase 

in 2012, we saw significant increases in our sales, 

earnings and cash flow. while the acquisition of racine 

federated, inc. in January of 2012 contributed much 

of the increase, it also was a good year for our legacy 

program allowed us to retire 888,000 shares of our stock at 

an average price of $34 per share. this created significant 

value for our shareholders, as the current stock price has 

risen well beyond that level.

products. total 2012 sales of $319.7 million increased 

We stay fluid for our customers. 

21.6% over 2011, primarily due to the addition of the 

racine federated products. however, even excluding 

racine federated, our municipal water meter products 

were up 12% and our industrial flow products increased 

6.4%, driving a strong year for our company.

in 2012, we greatly expanded our product offerings 

through new product development and the addition  

of the racine federated product lines. our long-term 

focus has enabled us to continue to invest in research  

2

and development projects, even in weaker years, which 

We stay fluid for the future.

enables us to offer our customers leading-edge flow 

management products year after year.

our strong 2012 performance positions us well for the future. 

we have completed the integration of racine federated and 

racine federated brought us new flow technologies, with 

are looking aggressively at new acquisition opportunities.  

product lines such as vortex, ultrasonic and differential 

we continue to invest in research and development projects 

pressure meters. as discussed further in this annual report, 

to bring the latest flow technologies to our customers. 

we continue to offer a wide variety of meters and valves 

with applications in hvac, agriculture, food and beverage, 

petroleum and many other industries. in 2012, we also 

developed and introduced a full line of oval gear meters 

for industrial applications. these non-utility product lines 

have grown to almost one-third of our sales and we expect 

to see sustained growth as the united states and global 

economies continue their long recovery.

in the water utility market, we developed and introduced 

the e-series® ultrasonic water meters and a new lcd 

we expect to benefit from increased demand for water 

meters as the housing market continues to recover. we are 

also aggressively pursuing new opportunities created by 

the recent decision of one of our major competitors to exit 

the mechanical water meter business in the u.s. later this 

year. we believe these events, along with our new product 

offerings, will drive future growth for our company.

we also believe that increased industrial spending and the 

opportunity to cross-sell the new racine federated product 

we hAve significAntly grown the 

Business, while mAint Aining A  

strong BAlAnce sheet.  we Are well 

positioned for future growth.

y
r
O
g
e
t
a
C
y
B

s
e
l
a
s

2
1
0
2

66.7%

11.3%

17.7%

4.3%

Municipal Water 
Non-Municipal Water 
Industrial Flow Products
Specialty Products

register for use with our water meter products. we also 
continue to improve our market-leading orion® automatic 

meter reading product family, with a new two-way system 

and strong analytics software that enable our customers to 

better manage their water systems. our two-way system 

allows customers to upgrade their radio transmitters 

remotely, without gaining access to the consumers’ 

properties. our fixed network radios offer a drive-by 

back-up option that enables utilities to continue to obtain 

meter readings even if the network system is interrupted, 

lines with our existing products will drive growth in our 

industrial flow business. 

the fundamental drivers of our business remain the same. 

increased scarcity has driven people, businesses and 

governments to look for new ways to conserve their water, 

chemicals, oil, and other resources. and as they do, we will 

be there with precision products that measure liquids and 

monitor systems. that includes providing meters to beer 

producers who advise you to “stay thirsty.” 

thus providing our customers with a highly reliable meter 

it is our mission to help our customers conserve the 

reading system. features such as these have made orion 

world’s precious resources and to “stay fluid, my friends.” 

one of the leading water metering systems in the market.

new federal regulations go into effect in 2014 that will 

limit the amount of lead in products used in the delivery of 

drinking water. for many years, we have offered lead-free 

thank you for your continued confidence and support. 

versions of our water meters, including lead-free brass, 

richard a. Meeusen

stainless steel and polymer products. we are proud to state 

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

that we have a full line of water meters that meet the new 

lead standards that will go into effect in 2014.

3

 
 
4

water is an essential resource that sustains life. however, 

our municipal water business includes products such as 

one in three people around the globe are affected by water 

the M-series® electromagnetic and dynasonics® ultrasonic 

scarcity. in the united states, the population has shifted to 

meters that measure inflows and outflows in water and 

areas with less water, and in recent years, frequent drought 

wastewater treatment plants. 

conditions have created water supply shortages in many 

regions of the country. 

new products introduced in 2012 further expand our water 

measuring and monitoring capabilities. the extended size 

the case for water conservation is clear, and metering is one 

range of our e-series® ultrasonic meters meets a broader 

way to help achieve it. Badger Meter is a leading provider of 

range of customer requirements. the newest meter reading 

meters, meter-reading technology and software that enable 

product is an electronic lcd encoder, with features including 

municipalities to proactively manage their systems—and 

improved leak detection, field programming capabilities and 

conserve water.  

Water MeterINg

status indicators.

MeasUre, MONItOr, CONserVe

it starts with the water meter providing the information 

the u.s. environmental protection agency estimates that 

utilities need to generate revenues by billing customers 

metering alone can reduce water consumption by 20% - 

for their water use. combined with today’s technological 

40%. By monitoring water utility systems and measuring 

advancements, the water meter is also an accurate source 

water and wastewater flow, Badger Meter products play a 

of a vast array of data that utility managers can use to 

critical role in helping to conserve the earth’s most precious 

monitor operations, analyze and track consumption,  

natural resource—water.

the c Ase for wAter 
conservAtion is cleAr, 
And metering is one wAy 
to help A chieve it.

detect leaks, and monitor water conservation  

programs. this critical information can  

help to reduce water usage and waste. 

orion® smart endpoint  (se), part of 

our advanced Metering analytics (aMa) 

Mobile/Backup

ORION SE - Network
Gateway Transceiver

RF

Utility

RF

system, is gaining traction in the market 

by combining two-way communication 

and meter reading capabilities with 

sophisticated analytics-based software. 

with our broad meter, meter reading and 

software product portfolio, utilities can 

select either the orion or galaXy® 

system to suit their goals and budget. 

our meter reading systems can also obtain 

information from natural gas meters. in  

fact, the city of garretson, south dakota, 

will be the first in the country to deploy 

a combined water and natural gas aMa 

system from Badger Meter in 2013. 

ORION SE - Smart Endpoint
Transceiver for Fixed Network
or Mobile Gas Applications

ORION® SE - Network
Gateway Receiver

Public or Private
Backhaul Network

ReadCenter

ORION SE - Smart Endpoint
Transceiver for Fixed Network
or Mobile Water Applications

Mobile/Backup

RF

The Badger Meter ORION® family of automatic meter reading 
systems enables utility personnel to obtain meter readings by 
walking or driving down the street or remotely through fixed 
network technology. Our Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) 
system combines two-way mobile and fixed network meter reading 
capabilities with sophisticated analytics-based software. 

5

6

the united states uses nearly a million dollars’ worth of 

provide precision fluid and pressure control in reserves 

energy every minute of every day—every day of the year. 

where higher temperatures, pressures and concentrations 

when we save energy, we not only save money, we also 

of corrosive gases are required to produce oil and gas. 

reduce demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural  

Badger Meter preso® differential pressure meters measure 

gas. and less burning of fossil fuels means lower emissions  

the thick, slow-moving raw product produced in the tar 

of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. 

sands in canada, while our hedland® variable area meters 

help to ensure proper lubrication and drill-bit temperatures 

on hydraulic-powered drilling rigs.

MeasUre, MONItOr, CONserVe

from heating college dorms to drilling for oil, Badger Meter 

products enable our industrial customers to save energy— 

and produce it as well. By measuring and monitoring our 

energy resources, Badger Meter is contributing to global 

conservation efforts and a healthier environment.

1

2

3

4

Energy Metering and Submetering

Irrigation Management

Water and Wastewater Management

Data Acquisition and Analysis

1

when customers have accurate information about 

their processes and systems, they can work to improve 

efficiency, save energy and reduce costs. through 

acquisitions including data industrial corporation, cox  

flow Measurement, inc., remag ag and most recently, 

racine federated, inc., Badger Meter has built an  

industrial product portfolio that enables customers to  

both measure and monitor valuable natural resources.

HVaC aPPlICatIONs

the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (hvac) market 

provides growth opportunities for several of our industrial 

products. for example, Badger Meter products measure 

the energy and water heated or consumed in apartment 

buildings and buildings on college campuses. they also 

monitor hydronic energy usage in large industrial facilities 

and buildings, and in cooling-loop applications such as 

sensitive computer installations. 

our data industrial® and dynasonics® Btu meters integrate 

flow and temperature sensors to provide effective 

metering solutions used as stand-alone diagnostic 

equipment or as part of large building automation 

systems. when customers know precisely what their 

energy usage is today, they can plan for improvements 

that save energy and lower costs tomorrow. 

when customers hAve A ccurAte 
informAtion  ABout  their 
processes  And  systems, they 
cAn work to improve efficiency, 
sAve energy And reduce costs.

2

OIl aNd gas INdUstry

the world’s growing energy demands are also driving the 

need for measuring and monitoring applications in the oil 

3

and gas industry. 

4

3

1

3

1

in oil and gas drilling projects, our Blancett® turbine meters 

measure chemicals and water injected into the well head 

and the resulting wastewater. our research control® valves 

Badger Meter industrial flow products perform a variety 
of heating, ventilating and cooling functions in facilities 
ranging from apartment buildings and college dorms to 
industrial facilities and commercial buildings. 

7

SALES

EARNINGS

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DECEMBER 31 

2012 

2011  % ChangE 

Y e a r - e n d   F i n a n c i a l   P o s i t i o n   ( d o l l a r s   i n   t h o u s a n d s ) 

total assets  

total debt 

$290,453  

$218,910  

32.7

$ 66,730  

$  1,790  

3,627.9

shareholders’ equity  

$171,247  

$179,281  

(4.5)

debt as a percent of 
total debt and equity 

net earnings as a percent  
of ending equity  

ot h e r

28.0%  

1.0%  

2,700.0

16.4%  

10.7%  

53.3

number of employees  

1,366 

1,220 

12.0

number of shareholders:

 in employee plans 

 of record 

shares outstanding  
at december 31 

563 

 981  

490 

952  

14.9

3.0 

14,314,029 

15,122,701 

(5.3)

8

DECEMBER 31 2012 2011 % ChangE OperatiOns (dollars in thousands)Net sales  $319,660  $262,915  21.6Net earnings  $ 28,032  $ 19,161   46.3DiluteD per COmmOn share amOuntsDiluted earnings  $   1.95  $   1.27  53.5Cash dividends  $   0.66  $   0.60  10.0Net book value  $  11.96  $  11.85  0.9MEASURINGPERFORMANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
BADGER METER, INC.

4545 W. Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223
(414) 355-0400
A Wisconsin Corporation
IRS Employer Identification No. 39-0143280
Commission File No. 001-06706

The Company has the following classes of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of class:
Common Stock
Common Share Purchase Rights

Name of each exchange
on which registered:
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

The Company does not have any securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

Indicate by check mark if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.    Yes  

        No  

Indicate by check mark if the Company is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Exchange Act.    Yes  

        No  

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file 
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

        No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, 
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

        No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, 

and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by 
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a 

smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller 
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one).

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer

Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 

Act).    Yes  

        No  

 
 
 
    
    
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Company as of June 29, 2012 was 
$510,127,001.  For purposes of this calculation only, (i) shares of Common Stock are deemed to have a market value of $37.55 per 
share, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2012, and (ii) each of the 
Company's executive officers and directors is deemed to be an affiliate of the Company.

As of February 6, 2013, there were 14,309,738 shares of Common Stock outstanding with a par value of $1 per share.

Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the 

Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the registrant's fiscal year, are 
incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other information provided from time to 
time by Badger Meter, Inc. (the “Company”) or its employees, may contain forward looking statements that involve risks and 
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements.  The words 
“anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “think,” “should,” “could” and “objective” or similar expressions are intended to 
identify forward looking statements.  All such forward looking statements are based on the Company's then current views and 
assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties.  Some risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those expressed or implied in forward looking statements include those described in Item 1A of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that include, among other things:

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

the continued shift in the Company's business from lower cost, manually read meters toward more expensive, value-
added automatic meter reading (AMR) systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems and advanced 
metering analytics (AMA) systems that offer more comprehensive solutions to customers' metering needs;
the success or failure of newer Company products;
changes in competitive pricing and bids in both the domestic and foreign marketplaces, and particularly in continued 
intense price competition on government bid contracts for lower cost, manually read meters;
the actions (or lack thereof) of the Company's competitors;
changes in the Company's relationships with its alliance partners, primarily its alliance partners that provide radio 
solutions, and particularly those that sell products that do or may compete with the Company's products;
changes in the general health of the United States and foreign economies, including to some extent such things as the 
length and severity of global economic downturns, the ability of municipal water utility customers to authorize and 
finance purchases of the Company's products, the Company's ability to obtain financing, housing starts in the United 
States, and overall industrial activity;
the timing and impact of government programs to stimulate national and global economies;
changes in the cost and/or availability of needed raw materials and parts, such as volatility in the cost of brass castings 
as a result of fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for copper and scrap metal at the supplier level, foreign-
sourced electronic components as a result of currency exchange fluctuations and/or lead times, and plastic resin as a 
result of changes in petroleum and natural gas prices;
the Company's expanded role as a prime contractor for providing complete connectivity systems to governmental 
entities, which brings with it added risks, including but not limited to, the Company's responsibility for subcontractor 
performance, additional costs and expenses if the Company and its subcontractors fail to meet the timetable agreed to 
with the governmental entity, and the Company's expanded warranty and performance obligations;
the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses or products;
changes in foreign economic conditions, particularly currency fluctuations in the United States dollar, the Euro and the 
Mexican peso;
the loss of certain single-source suppliers; and
changes in laws and regulations, particularly laws dealing with the use of lead (which can be used in the manufacture 
of certain meters incorporating brass housings) and the United States Federal Communications Commission rules 
affecting the use and/or licensing of radio frequencies necessary for radio products.

All of these factors are beyond the Company's control to varying degrees.  Shareholders, potential investors and other 

readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward looking statements contained in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements.  The forward looking 
statements made in this document are made only as of the date of this document and the Company assumes no obligation, and 
disclaims any obligation, to update any such forward looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

1

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

K.

together.

beverage; and pharmaceutical production. 

concrete vibrators.

PART I

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

Badger Meter, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of products incorporating flow 

Badger Meter, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of products incorporating flow 

measurement and control technologies serving markets worldwide.  The Company was incorporated in 1905.

measurement and control technologies serving markets worldwide.  The Company was incorporated in 1905.

Throughout this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the Company.

Throughout this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the Company.
PART I

Available Information

Available Information

Badger Meter, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of products incorporating flow 

measurement and control technologies serving markets worldwide.  The Company was incorporated in 1905.

The Company's Internet address is http://www.badgermeter.com.  The Company makes available free of charge (other 
The Company's Internet address is http://www.badgermeter.com.  The Company makes available free of charge (other 
than an investor's own Internet access charges) through its Internet website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports 
than an investor's own Internet access charges) through its Internet website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports 
on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, on the same day they are electronically filed 
on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, on the same day they are electronically filed 
with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company is not including the information contained on or 
with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company is not including the information contained on or 
available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-
available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-
K.
K.

Throughout this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the Company.

Available Information

Market Overview, Products, Systems and Solutions

Market Overview, Products, Systems and Solutions

The Company's Internet address is http://www.badgermeter.com.  The Company makes available free of charge (other 
than an investor's own Internet access charges) through its Internet website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports 
on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, on the same day they are electronically filed 
with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company is not including the information contained on or 
available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-

The core competency of the Company is flow measurement solutions.  The Company is a leading innovator, 
The core competency of the Company is flow measurement solutions.  The Company is a leading innovator, 
manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and 
manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and 
industrial customers worldwide.  Measuring a wide variety of liquids ranging from water and oil to lubricants in industrial 
industrial customers worldwide.  Measuring a wide variety of liquids ranging from water and oil to lubricants in industrial 
processes, the Company's products are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and ability to provide 
processes, the Company's products are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and ability to provide 
valuable and timely measurement information to customers.  The Company's product lines fall into three categories: sales of 
valuable and timely measurement information to customers.  The Company's product lines fall into three categories: sales of 
water meters and related technologies to municipal water utilities (municipal water), sales of meters to various industries for 
water meters and related technologies to municipal water utilities (municipal water), sales of meters to various industries for 
water and other fluids (industrial flow) and sales of concrete vibrators and gas meter radios to unique markets (specialty 
water and other fluids (industrial flow) and sales of concrete vibrators and gas meter radios to unique markets (specialty 
products).  The Company estimates that over 75% of its products are used in water applications when all categories are grouped 
products).  The Company estimates that over 75% of its products are used in water applications when all categories are grouped 
together.
together.
The core competency of the Company is flow measurement solutions.  The Company is a leading innovator, 

Market Overview, Products, Systems and Solutions

manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and 
industrial customers worldwide.  Measuring a wide variety of liquids ranging from water and oil to lubricants in industrial 
processes, the Company's products are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and ability to provide 
valuable and timely measurement information to customers.  The Company's product lines fall into three categories: sales of 
water meters and related technologies to municipal water utilities (municipal water), sales of meters to various industries for 
water and other fluids (industrial flow) and sales of concrete vibrators and gas meter radios to unique markets (specialty 
products).  The Company estimates that over 75% of its products are used in water applications when all categories are grouped 

Municipal water, the largest category by sales volume, includes water meters and related technologies and services 
Municipal water, the largest category by sales volume, includes water meters and related technologies and services 
used by water utilities as the basis for generating water and wastewater revenues.  The key market for the Company's water 
used by water utilities as the basis for generating water and wastewater revenues.  The key market for the Company's water 
meter products is North America, primarily the United States, because the meters are designed and manufactured to conform to 
meter products is North America, primarily the United States, because the meters are designed and manufactured to conform to 
standards promulgated by the American Water Works Association.  Sales of water meters and related technologies and services 
standards promulgated by the American Water Works Association.  Sales of water meters and related technologies and services 
are commonly referred to as residential or commercial water meter sales, the latter referring to larger sizes of meters.     
are commonly referred to as residential or commercial water meter sales, the latter referring to larger sizes of meters.     

Industrial flow includes products sold worldwide to measure and control materials flowing through a pipe or pipeline 
Industrial flow includes products sold worldwide to measure and control materials flowing through a pipe or pipeline 
including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases.  These meters and valves are used in a variety of applications, such 
including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases.  These meters and valves are used in a variety of applications, such 
as water/wastewater; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); oil and gas; chemical and petrochemical; food and 
as water/wastewater; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); oil and gas; chemical and petrochemical; food and 
beverage; and pharmaceutical production. 
beverage; and pharmaceutical production. 

Municipal water, the largest category by sales volume, includes water meters and related technologies and services 
used by water utilities as the basis for generating water and wastewater revenues.  The key market for the Company's water 
meter products is North America, primarily the United States, because the meters are designed and manufactured to conform to 
standards promulgated by the American Water Works Association.  Sales of water meters and related technologies and services 
are commonly referred to as residential or commercial water meter sales, the latter referring to larger sizes of meters.     

concrete vibrators.

concrete vibrators.

Specialty products include sales of radio technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters, and 

Specialty products include sales of radio technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters, and 

Industrial flow includes products sold worldwide to measure and control materials flowing through a pipe or pipeline 
including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases.  These meters and valves are used in a variety of applications, such 
as water/wastewater; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); oil and gas; chemical and petrochemical; food and 

For municipal water, residential and commercial water meters are generally classified as either manually read meters 

For municipal water, residential and commercial water meters are generally classified as either manually read meters 
or remotely read meters via radio technology.  A manually read meter consists of a water meter and a register that gives a visual 
or remotely read meters via radio technology.  A manually read meter consists of a water meter and a register that gives a visual 
meter reading display.  Meters equipped with radio transmitters (endpoints) use encoder registers to convert the measurement 
meter reading display.  Meters equipped with radio transmitters (endpoints) use encoder registers to convert the measurement 
data from the meter into an encrypted digital format which is then transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver that collects and 
data from the meter into an encrypted digital format which is then transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver that collects and 
formats the data appropriately for water utility billing systems.  Mobile systems, referred to as automatic meter reading (AMR) 
formats the data appropriately for water utility billing systems.  Mobile systems, referred to as automatic meter reading (AMR) 
systems, have been the primary technology deployed by water utilities over the past two decades, providing accurate and cost-
systems, have been the primary technology deployed by water utilities over the past two decades, providing accurate and cost-
effective billing data.  In an AMR system, a vehicle equipped for meter reading purposes, including a radio receiver, computer 
effective billing data.  In an AMR system, a vehicle equipped for meter reading purposes, including a radio receiver, computer 
and reading software, collects the data from the utility's meters.
and reading software, collects the data from the utility's meters.

Specialty products include sales of radio technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters, and 

For municipal water, residential and commercial water meters are generally classified as either manually read meters 

or remotely read meters via radio technology.  A manually read meter consists of a water meter and a register that gives a visual 
meter reading display.  Meters equipped with radio transmitters (endpoints) use encoder registers to convert the measurement 
data from the meter into an encrypted digital format which is then transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver that collects and 
formats the data appropriately for water utility billing systems.  Mobile systems, referred to as automatic meter reading (AMR) 
systems, have been the primary technology deployed by water utilities over the past two decades, providing accurate and cost-
effective billing data.  In an AMR system, a vehicle equipped for meter reading purposes, including a radio receiver, computer 
and reading software, collects the data from the utility's meters.

2

2

2

Fixed network advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems continue to build interest among water utilities.  These 
systems incorporate a network of permanent data collectors or gateway receivers that are always active or listening for the radio 
transmission from the utilities' meters.  AMI systems eliminate the need for utility personnel to drive through service territories 
to collect meter reading data.  These systems provide the utilities with more frequent and diverse data from the utilities' meters 
at specified intervals. 

In 2011, the Company introduced what it believes will be the next generation of metering technology, advanced 

metering analytics (AMA), along with a host of automated utility management tools to facilitate the ability of water and gas 
utilities to increase their productivity and revenue, as well as proactively utilize their data.  AMA is comprised of ReadCenter® 
Analytics software coupled with ORION® SE two-way fixed network or GALAXY® one-way fixed network technology, 
which is complemented by a family of highly accurate and reliable water meters.  

The ORION SE system can operate as a mobile AMR system, a fixed network AMI system, or both.  For example, a 

water or gas utility can begin deployment in mobile mode and migrate to a fixed network system.  Also, if the system is 
operating in fixed network mode and the collector network goes down, the system will automatically revert to mobile mode, 
allowing the utility to continue collecting readings.  Once the collector network is back up, it will automatically revert back to 
its fixed network mode.  By using AMA, utilities will be able to proactively manage their day-to-day operations through 
powerful analytics-based software and a fixed network meter reading system.  

The Company's net sales and corresponding net earnings depend on unit volume and product mix, with the Company 

generally earning higher margins on meters equipped with radio technology.  In addition to selling its proprietary radio 
products, including the ORION radio technologies and GALAXY AMI/AMA system, the Company also remarkets the Itron® 
radio products under a license and distribution agreement with Itron.  The Company's proprietary radio products generally 
result in higher margins than the remarketed, non-proprietary technology products.  The Company also sells registers and 
endpoints separately to customers who wish to upgrade their existing meters in the field.

The proprietary ORION endpoint technology has been licensed to other technology providers on a non-exclusive 

basis, including those providing radio products that communicate over power lines, broadband networks, and proprietary radio 
frequency networks, allowing ORION a distinct advantage in the radio solutions market.  In addition, the ORION universal 
gateway receiver transmits data over a variety of public wireless networks, which allows for strategic deployments, such as 
monitoring large commercial users.

Water meter replacement and the adoption and deployment of new technology comprise the majority of water meter 
product sales, including radio products.  To a much lesser extent, housing starts also contribute to the new product sales base.  
Over the last decade, there has been a growing trend in the conversion from manually read water meters to radio technology.  
This conversion rate is accelerating and contributes to an increased water meter and radio solutions base of business.  The 
Company estimates that less than 30 percent of water meters installed in the United States have been converted to a radio 
solutions technology.  The Company's strategy is to fulfill customers' metering expectations and requirements with its 
proprietary meter reading systems or other systems available through its alliance partners in the marketplace.

Industrial flow and specialty products serve niche flow measurement and control applications across a broad industrial 

spectrum.  Specialized communication protocols that control the entire flow measurement process drive these markets.  The 
Company's specific flow measurement and control applications and technologies serve the flow measurement market through 
both customized and standard precision flow measurement technologies.   

The Company's products are primarily manufactured and assembled in the Company's Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Racine, 

Wisconsin; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Scottsdale, Arizona; Nogales, Mexico; Neuffen, Germany; Brno, Czech Republic; and Bern, 
Switzerland facilities.  

The Company's products are sold throughout the world through employees, resellers and representatives.  Depending 
on the customer mix, there can be a moderate seasonal impact on sales, primarily relating to higher sales of certain municipal 
water products during the spring and summer months.  No single customer accounts for more than 10 percent of the Company's 
sales.

3

 
 
 
 
Competition

There are competitors in each category in which the Company sells its products, and the competition varies from 

moderate to intense.  Major competitors for utility water meters include Sensus USA Inc., Neptune Technology Group, Inc., 
Elster AMCO Metering, LLC and Master Meter, Inc.  The Company's primary competitors for water utility radio products are 
Itron, Inc., Neptune Technology Group, Inc. and Sensus USA Inc.  While the Company sells its own proprietary radio systems 
(ORION and GALAXY), it is also a reseller of the Itron products.  A number of the Company's competitors in certain markets 
have greater financial resources than the Company.  However, the Company believes it currently provides the leading 
technology in water meters and radio water systems.  As a result of significant research and development activities, the 
Company enjoys favorable patent positions and trade secret protections for several of its technologies and products.

There are many competitors in the industrial flow and specialty products markets due to the various markets and 

applications being served.  For example, major competitors in the industrial flow markets include Emerson Electric Company, 
Krohne Messtechnik GmbH, Endress & Hauser Management AG, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.  In the HVAC market, 
the key competitor is Onicon Inc.  In upstream oil and gas, Cameron International Corporation is the primary competitor.  The 
Company competes with AW-Lake Company in the measurement of on-machine hydraulic fluids.  With the acquisition of 
Racine Federated, Inc. in January 2012, the Company has a large portfolio of metering technology to compete in these markets. 

Backlog

The Company's total backlog of unshipped orders at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $34.8 million and $33.4 
million, respectively.  The backlog is comprised of firm orders and signed contractual commitments, or portions of such 
commitments, that call for shipment within 12 months.  Backlog can be significantly affected by the timing of orders for large 
projects and the amounts can vary due to the timing of work performed.  

Raw Materials

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.  There are multiple sources for these raw materials, but 
the Company relies on single suppliers for certain brass castings and certain electronic subassemblies.  The Company believes 
these items would be available from other sources, but that the loss of certain suppliers would result in a higher cost of 
materials, delivery delays, short-term increases in inventory and higher quality control costs in the short term.  The Company 
carries business interruption insurance on key suppliers.  The Company's purchases of raw materials are based on production 
schedules, and as a result, inventory on hand is generally not exposed to price fluctuations.  World commodity markets and 
currency exchange rates may also affect the prices of material purchased in the future.  The Company does not hold significant 
amounts of precious metals.

Research and Development

Expenditures for research and development activities relating to the development of new products, the improvement of 

existing products and manufacturing process improvements were $9.6 million in 2012 compared to $8.1 million in 2011 and 
$7.2 million in 2010.  Research and development activities are primarily sponsored by the Company.  The Company also 
engages in some joint research and development with other companies.

Intangible Assets

The Company owns or controls several trade secrets and many patents, trademarks and trade names in the United 

States and other countries that relate to its products and technologies.  No single patent, trademark, trade name or trade secret is 
material to the Company's business as a whole.  

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Protection

The Company is subject to contingencies related to environmental laws and regulations.  The Company is named as 

one of many potentially responsible parties in two landfill lawsuits.  The landfill sites are impacted by the Federal 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and other environmental laws and regulations.  At 
this time, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial position or results of operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a 
whole.  This belief is based on the Company's assessment of its limited past involvement with these landfill sites as well as the 
substantial involvement of and government focus on other named third parties with these landfill sites.  However, due to the 
inherent uncertainties of such proceedings, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any of these matters.  A future 
change in circumstances with respect to these specific matters or with respect to sites formerly or currently owned or operated 
by the Company, off-site disposal locations used by the Company, and property owned by third parties that is near such sites, 
could result in future costs to the Company and such amounts could be material.  Expenditures for compliance with 
environmental control provisions and regulations during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Employees

The Company and its subsidiaries employed 1,366 persons at December 31, 2012, 133 of whom are covered by a 
collective bargaining agreement with District 10 of the International Association of Machinists.  The Company is currently 
operating under a five-year contract with the union, which expires on October 31, 2016.  The Company believes it has good 
relations with the union and all of its employees.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Name

Position

Richard A. Meeusen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Richard E. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Vice President — Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Fred J. Begale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Engineering

William R. A. Bergum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — General Counsel and Secretary

Gregory M. Gomez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Business Development

Horst E. Gras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — International Operations

Raymond G. Serdynski . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Manufacturing

Beverly L. P. Smiley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Controller

Kimberly K. Stoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Sales and Marketing

Dennis J. Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President — Customer Solutions

Age at
2/29/2013

58

58

48

48

48

57

56

63

46

65

There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers.  Officers are elected annually at the first 

meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of the shareholders.  Each officer holds office until his or her 
successor has been elected or until his or her death, resignation or removal.  There is no arrangement or understanding between 
any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which he or she was elected as an officer.

Mr. Meeusen has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer for more than five years.  

Mr. Johnson has served as Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for more than five 

years.   

Mr. Begale was elected Vice President - Engineering in December 2010.  Mr. Begale served as Vice President - 

Business Development from April 2009 to December 2010, and Director - Business Development from March 2007 to April 
2009.  

Mr. Bergum has served as Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary for more than five years.  

Mr. Gomez was elected Vice President - Business Development in December 2010.  Mr. Gomez served as Vice 

President - Engineering from February 2008 to December 2010, and Director of Engineering from July 2007 to February 2008.

Mr. Gras has served as Vice President - International Operations for more than five years.

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr. Serdynski was elected Vice President - Manufacturing in February 2008.  Mr. Serdynski served as Director of 

Manufacturing Operations prior to that.  

Ms. Smiley has served as Vice President - Controller for more than five years.

Ms. Stoll was elected Vice President - Sales and Marketing in February 2012.  Ms. Stoll served as Vice President - 
Marketing from April 2009 to February 2012, and served as Director - Utility Marketing from August 2008 to April 2009.  
Prior to August 2008, Ms. Stoll was Marketing Manager at Dorner Manufacturing from April 2007 to June 2008.

Mr. Webb was elected Vice President - Customer Solutions in February 2012.  Mr. Webb served as Vice President - 

Sales from April 2009 to February 2012, and Vice President - Sales and Marketing from February 2008 to April 2009.  Mr. 
Webb served as Vice President - Sales, Marketing and Engineering prior to that.

Foreign Operations and Export Sales

The Company distributes its products through employees, resellers and representatives throughout the world.  

Additionally, the Company has a sales, distribution and manufacturing facility in Neuffen, Germany; sales and customer 
service offices in Mexico, Singapore, China and Slovakia; manufacturing facilities in Nogales, Mexico; and manufacturing and 
sales facilities in Brno, Czech Republic and Bern, Switzerland.  The Company exports products from the United States that are 
manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Racine, Wisconsin; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Information about the Company's foreign operations and export sales is included in Note 10 “Industry Segment and 

Geographic Areas” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on        
Form 10-K.

Financial Information about Industry Segments

The Company operates in one industry segment as an innovator, manufacturer and marketer of products incorporating 
flow measurement and control technologies as described in Note 10 “Industry Segment and Geographic Areas” in the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider the significant business risks described below 
in addition to the other information set forth or incorporated by reference in this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including 
the “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” at the front of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  If any of 
the events contemplated by the following risks actually occur, our financial condition or results of operations could be 
materially adversely affected.  The following list of risk factors may not be exhaustive.  We operate in a continually changing 
business, economic and geopolitical environment, and new risk factors may emerge from time to time.  We can neither predict 
these new risk factors with certainty nor assess the precise impact, if any, on our business, or the extent to which any factor, or 
combination of factors, may adversely impact our results of operations.  While there is much uncertainty, we do analyze the 
risks we face, perform a probability assessment of their impacts and attempt to soften their potential impact when and if 
possible.

Competitive pressures in the marketplace could decrease our revenues and profits.

Competitive pressures in the marketplace for our products could adversely affect our competitive position, leading to a 
possible loss of market share or a decrease in prices, either of which could result in decreased revenues and profits.  We operate 
in an environment where competition varies from moderate to intense and a number of our competitors have greater financial 
resources.  Our competitors also include alliance partners that sell products that do or may compete with our products, 
particularly those that provide radio solutions.  The principal elements of competition for our most significant product 
applications, residential and commercial water meters for the municipal water utility market (with various radio technology 
systems), are price, product technology, quality and service.  The competitive environment is also affected by the movement 
toward radio technologies and away from manually read meters, the demand for replacement units and, to some extent, such 
things as global economic conditions, the timing and size of governmental programs such as stimulus fund programs, the 
ability of municipal water utility customers to authorize and finance purchases of our products, our ability to obtain financing, 
housing starts in the United States, and overall economic activity.  For our industrial flow and specialty products, the 
competitive environment is affected by the general economic health of various industrial sectors particularly in the United 
States and Europe.

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The inability to develop technologically advanced products could harm our future success.

We believe that our future success depends, in part, on our ability to develop technologically advanced products that 

meet or exceed appropriate industry standards.  Although we believe that we currently have a competitive advantage in this 
area, maintaining such advantage will require continued investment in research and development, sales, marketing and 
manufacturing capabilities.  There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient resources to make such investments or that 
we will be able to make the technological advances necessary to maintain such competitive advantage.  If we are unable to 
maintain our competitive advantage, our future financial performance may be adversely affected.   We are not currently aware 
of any emerging standards or new products that could render our existing products obsolete.

The inability to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials and component parts at favorable prices could decrease our 
profit margins and negatively impact timely delivery to customers.

We are affected by the availability and prices for raw materials, including 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 that are used in the manufacturing process.  The inability 
to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials and component parts for our products at favorable prices could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations by decreasing profit margins and by negatively 
impacting timely deliveries to customers.  In the past, we have been able to offset increases in raw materials and component 
parts by increased sales prices, active materials management, product engineering programs and the diversity of materials used 
in the production processes.  However, we cannot be certain that we will be able to accomplish this in the future.  Since we do 
not control the actual production of these raw materials and component parts, there may be delays caused by an interruption in 
the production of these materials for reasons that are beyond our control.  World commodity markets and inflation may also 
affect raw material and component part prices.

New regulations related to conflict minerals may force us to incur additional expenses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission recently adopted additional disclosure requirements related to certain 

minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries, or “conflict minerals,” that are necessary 
to the functionality of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, by a Securities and Exchange Commission 
reporting company.  The minerals that the final rules cover are commonly referred to as “3TG” and include tin, tantalum, 
tungsten and gold.  Implementation of the new disclosure requirements could affect the sourcing and availability of some of the 
materials that we use in the manufacture of our products.  Our supply chain is complex, and if we are not able to conclusively 
verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products or that our products are “conflict free,” then we may face 
reputational challenges with customers or investors.  We could also incur significant costs related to the compliance process, 
including potential difficulty or added costs in satisfying the disclosure requirements.

Economic conditions could cause a material adverse impact on our sales and operating results.

As a supplier of products, the majority of which are to water utilities, we may be adversely affected by global 
economic conditions and delays in governmental programs created to stimulate the economy that affect our customers, 
including independent distributors, large city utilities, private water companies and numerous smaller municipal water utilities.  
These customers may delay capital projects, including non-critical maintenance and upgrades, or may not have the ability to 
authorize and finance purchases during economic downturns or instability in world markets.  We also sell products for other 
applications to reduce our dependency on the municipal water market.  A significant downturn in this market could cause a 
material adverse impact on sales and operating results.  Therefore, a downturn in general economic conditions, as well as in the 
municipal water market, and delays in the timing or amounts of possible economic stimulus fund programs or the availability 
of funds to municipalities could result in a reduction in demand for our products and services and could harm the business.

Failure to manufacture quality products could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If we fail to maintain and enforce quality control and testing procedures, our products will not meet required 

performance standards.  Product quality and performance are a priority for us since our products are used in various 
applications where precise control of fluids is essential.  Although we believe we have a very good reputation for product 
quality, any future production and/or sale of substandard products would seriously harm our reputation, resulting in both a loss 
of current customers to competitors and damage to our ability to attract new customers.  In addition, if any of our products 
prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in a recall involving such products.  A successful claim brought against 
us with respect to a defective product in excess of available insurance coverage, if any, or a requirement to participate in a 
major product recall, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

7

 
 
 
 
 
Litigation against us could be costly, time consuming to defend and could adversely affect our profitability.

From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.  For 

example, we may be subject to workers' compensation claims, employment/labor disputes, customer and supplier disputes, 
product liability claims, intellectual property disputes and contractual disputes related to warranties arising out of the conduct 
of our business.  Litigation may result in substantial costs and may divert management's attention and resources, which could 
adversely affect our profitability or financial condition.

Changes in environmental or regulatory requirements could entail additional expenses that could decrease our 
profitability.

We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future environmental or regulatory requirements to which our 

operations might be subject or the manner in which existing or future laws will be administered or interpreted.  Compliance 
with such laws or regulations may entail additional expenses that could decrease profitability.  We are subject to a variety of 
environmental laws, such as lead content in certain meters incorporating brass housings, and regulatory laws affecting the use 
and/or licensing of radio frequencies necessary for radio products, as well as regulations related to customs and trade practices.  
Currently, the cost of complying with existing laws is included as part of our on-going expenses and does not have a material 
effect on our business or financial position, but a change in the future could adversely affect our profitability.

Risks related to foreign markets could decrease our profitability.

Since we sell products worldwide as well as manufacture products in several countries, we are subject to risks 
associated with doing business internationally.  These risks include such things as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, 
changes in a specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, potentially negative consequences from changes in 
tax laws or regulatory requirements, differing labor regulations, and the difficulty of managing widespread operations.

An inability to attract and retain skilled employees could negatively impact our growth and decrease our profitability.

Our success depends on our continued ability to identify, attract, develop and retain skilled personnel throughout our 

organization.  Current and future compensation arrangements, including benefits, may not be sufficient to attract new 
employees or retain existing employees, which may hinder our growth.  

Rising healthcare and retirement benefit costs could increase cost pressures and decrease our profitability.

We estimate liabilities and expenses for retirement plans and other postretirement benefits that require the use of 

assumptions relating to the rates used to discount the future estimated liability, rate of return on any assets and various 
assumptions related to the age and cost of the workforce.  Actual results may differ from the estimates and have a material 
adverse effect on future results of operations or on the financial statements as a whole.  Rising healthcare and retirement benefit 
costs in the United States may also add to cost pressures and decrease our profitability.

A failure to maintain good corporate governance practices could damage our reputation and adversely affect our future 
success.

We have a history of good corporate governance, including procedures and processes that are required by the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules and regulations, such as board committee charters, and a code of business 
conduct that defines how employees interact with our various stakeholders and addresses issues such as confidentiality, conflict 
of interest and fair dealing.  Failure to maintain these corporate governance practices could harm our reputation and have a 
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses or products could adversely affect our operations.

As part of our business strategy, we continue to evaluate and may pursue selected business or product acquisition 

opportunities that we believe may provide us with certain operating and financial benefits.  If we complete any such 
acquisitions, they may require integration into our existing business with respect to administrative, financial, sales, marketing, 
manufacturing and other functions to realize these anticipated benefits.  If we are unable to successfully integrate a business or 
product acquisition, we may not realize the benefits identified in our due diligence process, and our financial results may be 
negatively impacted.  Additionally, significant unexpected liabilities may arise during or after completion of an acquisition.

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The principal facilities utilized by the Company at December 31, 2012 are listed below.  The Company owns all such 

facilities in fee simple except as noted.  The Company believes that its facilities are generally well maintained and have 
sufficient capacity for its current needs.

Location

Principal use

Approximate area

(square feet)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Racine, Wisconsin, USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Brno, Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Neuffen, Germany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Nogales, Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Nogales, Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices
Bern, Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manufacturing and offices

323,500   
134,000 (1)
23,000 (2)
59,500   

27,800   

21,500   

140,000   

41,300   
1,100 (3)

(1)  Leased facility.  Lease term expires December 31, 2025.
(2)  Leased facility.  Lease term expires June 30, 2014.
(3)  Building is owned, but land is leased from the government.  Lease term expires October 18, 2021.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, the Company is named in legal proceedings from time to time.  There are currently 

no material legal proceedings pending with respect to the Company.  The more significant legal proceedings are discussed 
below.

Like other companies in recent years, the Company is named as a defendant in numerous pending multi-claimant/

multi-defendant lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos, manufactured by third parties, and 
integrated into or sold with a very limited number of the Company's products.  The Company is vigorously defending itself 
against these claims.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company does not believe 
the ultimate resolution of these issues will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of 
operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.  This belief is based in part on the fact 
that no claimant has proven or substantially demonstrated asbestos exposure caused by products manufactured or sold by the 
Company and that a number of cases have been voluntarily dismissed.

             The  Company  has  been  named  as  a  defendant  in  one  pending  patent  infringement  lawsuit.  The  lawsuit  alleges  the 
Company and other parties infringed a patent on a metering data feature.  The Company believes this claim is without merit and 
it is vigorously defending its interests.  As part of its contracts, the Company indemnifies certain customers and alliance partners 
for intellectual property infringement claims on its products.  Some of those types of parties are also named defendants in this 
lawsuit.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company does not believe the ultimate 
resolution of this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, either from 
a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.

The Company is subject to contingencies related to environmental laws and regulations.  Information about the 

Company's compliance with environmental regulations is included in Part I, Item 1 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form  10-K 
under the heading “Environmental Protection.”

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Information required by this Item is set forth in Note 11 “Unaudited: Quarterly Results of Operations, Common Stock 
Price and Dividends” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 
10-K.

The following information in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or 
to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated 
by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the 
Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing.

The following graph compares on a cumulative basis the yearly percentage change since January 1, 2007 in (a) the 

total shareholder return on the Common Stock with (b) the total return on the Russell 2000 Index, and (c) the total return of the 
peer group made up of 15 companies in similar industries and with similar market capitalization.  

The graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2006.  It further assumes the reinvestment of dividends.  The 

returns of each component company in the peer groups have been weighted based on such company's relative market 
capitalization.

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return

December 31
Badger Meter, Inc.

Return %
Cum $

Russell 2000 Index Return %

Peer Group

Cum $
Return %
Cum $

2007

$

$

$

100.00 $

100.00 $

100.00 $

2008
(34.78)%
65.22
(33.78)%
66.22
(25.92)%
74.08

$

$

$

2009

2010

39.11%
90.72
27.17%
84.22
13.47%
84.06

$

$

$

12.55%
102.11
26.86%
106.84
24.87%
104.96

$

$

$

2011
(32.27)%
69.15
(4.17)%

102.38

(2.85)%

101.97

$

$

$

2012

63.98%
113.40
16.35%
119.12
38.16%
140.88

The Peer Group consists of A.O. Smith Corp. (AOS), Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI), CIRCOR International, Inc. (CIR), 

Colfax Corporation (CFX), ESCO Technologies Inc. (ESE), Flow International Corporation (FLOW), Franklin Electric Co, Inc. 
(FELE), Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (FSYS), Gorman-Rupp Company (GRC), Lindsay Corporation (LNN), Measurement 
Specialties, Inc. (MEAS), MFRI, Inc. (MFRI), Mueller Water Products (MWA), Robbins & Myers, Inc. (RBN), and Watts 
Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS).

10

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

BADGER METER, INC.

BADGER METER, INC.

Ten Year Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Ten Year Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(In thousands except per share data)

(In thousands except per share data)

2012

2011
2012

2010
2011

2009
2010

2008
2009

2007
2008

2006
2007

2005
2006

2004
2005

2003
2004

2003

Years ended December 31,

Years ended December 31,

Operating results

Operating results

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $319,660

262,915
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $319,660

276,634
262,915

250,337
276,634

279,552
250,337

234,816
279,552

229,754
234,816

203,637
229,754

188,663
203,637

168,728
188,663

168,728

Research and development . . . . . . . . . .

$9,857
Research and development . . . . . . . . . .

8,086
$9,857

7,164
8,086

6,910
7,164

7,136
6,910

5,714
7,136

5,458
5,714

5,343
5,458

4,572
5,343

6,070
4,572

6,070

Earnings from continuing operations 
before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings from continuing operations 
$43,471
before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27,349
$43,471

44,438
27,349

42,333
44,438

39,555
42,333

29,325
39,555

27,489
29,325

25,664
27,489

20,325
25,664

15,658
20,325

15,658

Earnings from continuing operations . .

$28,032
Earnings from continuing operations . .

19,161
$28,032

28,662
19,161

26,780
28,662

25,084
26,780

18,386
25,084

16,568
18,386

16,164
16,568

12,056
16,164

9,798
12,056

9,798

Earnings (loss) from discontinued
  operations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) from discontinued
  operations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  n/a

n/a
$  n/a

n/a
n/a

7,390
n/a

n/a
7,390

(1,929)
n/a

(9,020)
(1,929)

(2,911)
(9,020)

(2,423)
(2,911)

(2,221)
(2,423)

(2,221)

Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$28,032
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19,161
$28,032

28,662
19,161

34,170
28,662

25,084
34,170

16,457
25,084

7,548
16,457

13,253
7,548

9,633
13,253

7,577
9,633

7,577

Earnings from continuing operations to 
sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings from continuing operations to 
sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.8%

Per Common share

Per Common share

Basic earnings from continuing 
operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings from continuing 
operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1.96

Basic earnings (loss) from 
Basic earnings (loss) from 
discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  n/a

Total basic earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total basic earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1.96

Diluted earnings (loss) from 
Diluted earnings (loss) from 
continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1.95

Diluted earnings (loss) from 
Diluted earnings (loss) from 
discontinued operations  . . . . . . . . . . . .
discontinued operations  . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  n/a

Total diluted earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total diluted earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1.95

Cash dividends declared:

Cash dividends declared:

Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$0.66

Price range - high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$48.60
Price range - high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45.47
$48.60

Price range - low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$29.30
Price range - low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26.86
$29.30

Closing price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$47.41
Closing price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

29.43
$47.41

Book value * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$11.96
Book value * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11.85
$11.96

Shares outstanding at year-end

Shares outstanding at year-end

7.3%
8.8%

10.4%
7.3%

10.7%
10.4%

9.0%
10.7%

7.8%
9.0%

7.2%
7.8%

7.4%
7.2%

6.4%
7.4%

5.8%
6.4%

5.8%

1.28
$1.96

1.92
1.28

1.81
1.92

1.72
1.81

1.29
1.72

1.19
1.29

1.20
1.19

0.91
1.20

0.76
0.91

0.76

n/a
$  n/a

1.28
$1.96

n/a
n/a

1.92
1.28

0.50
n/a

2.31
1.92

n/a
0.50

1.72
2.31

(0.13)
n/a

1.16
1.72

(0.65)
(0.13)

(0.22)
(0.65)

(0.18)
(0.22)

(0.17)
(0.18)

(0.17)

0.54
1.16

0.98
0.54

0.73
0.98

0.59
0.73

0.59

1.27
$1.95

1.91
1.27

1.79
1.91

1.69
1.79

1.26
1.69

1.15
1.26

1.15
1.15

0.89
1.15

0.75
0.89

0.75

n/a
$  n/a

1.27
$1.95

0.60
$0.66

n/a
n/a

1.91
1.27

0.52
0.60

45.49
45.47

32.58
26.86

44.22
29.43

11.19
11.85

0.49
n/a

2.28
1.91

0.46
0.52

44.90
45.49

22.50
32.58

39.82
44.22

9.65
11.19

n/a
0.49

1.69
2.28

0.40
0.46

62.74
44.90

17.58
22.50

29.02
39.82

7.50
9.65

(0.13)
n/a

1.13
1.69

0.34
0.40

46.43
62.74

23.00
17.58

44.95
29.02

6.33
7.50

(0.63)
(0.13)

(0.20)
(0.63)

(0.18)
(0.20)

(0.17)
(0.18)

(0.17)

0.52
1.13

0.95
0.52

0.71
0.95

0.58
0.71

0.58

0.31
0.34

32.20
46.43

19.51
23.00

27.70
44.95

5.07
6.33

0.29
0.31

25.63
32.20

13.23
19.51

19.62
27.70

5.36
5.07

0.28
0.29

16.00
25.63

8.53
13.23

14.98
19.62

4.77
5.36

0.27
0.28

9.94
16.00

6.13
8.53

9.54
14.98

4.19
4.77

0.27

9.94

6.13

9.54

4.19

Common Stock .....................................

14,314
Common Stock .....................................

15,123
14,314

15,048
15,123

14,973
15,048

14,808
14,973

14,519
14,808

14,154
14,519

13,696
14,154

13,444
13,696

13,170
13,444

13,170

Financial position

Financial position

Working capital * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$27,294
Working capital * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

78,782
$27,294

64,658
78,782

60,419
64,658

35,740
60,419

38,725
35,740

33,648
38,725

32,923
33,648

25,461
32,923

25,946
25,461

25,946

Current ratio * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3 to 1
Current ratio * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.5 to 1
1.3 to 1

3.0 to 1
4.5 to 1

3.3 to 1
3.0 to 1

1.7 to 1
3.3 to 1

1.9 to 1
1.7 to 1

1.7 to 1
1.9 to 1

1.8 to 1
1.7 to 1

1.6 to 1
1.8 to 1

1.7 to 1
1.6 to 1

1.7 to 1

Net cash provided by operations. . . . . .

$34,801
Net cash provided by operations. . . . . .

31,317
$34,801

18,396
31,317

36,588
18,396

26,143
36,588

27,934
26,143

16,750
27,934

18,361
16,750

6,297
18,361

15,221
6,297

15,221

Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$8,202
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,336
$8,202

9,238
5,336

7,750
9,238

13,237
7,750

15,971
13,237

11,060
15,971

9,088
11,060

5,582
9,088

5,214
5,582

5,214

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $290.453

218,910
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $290.453

215,864
218,910

191,016
215,864

195,358
191,016

150,301
195,358

139,383
150,301

145,867
139,383

142,961
145,867

133,851
142,961

133,851

Short-term and current portion of long-
term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Short-term and current portion of long-
$66,730
term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  n/a

1,790
$66,730

12,878
1,790

8,003
12,878

19,670
8,003

13,582
19,670

17,037
13,582

13,328
17,037

22,887
13,328

9,188
22,887

9,188

n/a
$  n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

5,504
n/a

3,129
5,504

5,928
3,129

15,360
5,928

14,819
15,360

24,450
14,819

24,450

Shareholders' equity (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . $171,247

179,281
Shareholders' equity (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . $171,247

168,383
179,281

144,461
168,383

111,023
144,461

91,969
111,023

71,819
91,969

73,416
71,819

64,066
73,416

55,171
64,066

55,171

Debt as a percent of total debt and 
equity * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Debt as a percent of total debt and 
28.0%
equity * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.0%
28.0%

7.1%
1.0%

5.2%
7.1%

18.5%
5.2%

Return on shareholders' equity *. . . . . .

16.4%
Return on shareholders' equity *. . . . . .

10.7%
16.4%

17.0%
10.7%

18.5%
17.0%

22.6%
18.5%

Price/earnings ratio * . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Price/earnings ratio * . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24.3

23.2
24.3

23.2
23.2

22.2
23.2

17.2
22.2

15.4%
18.5%

20.0%
22.6%

35.7
17.2

26.8%
15.4%

23.1%
20.0%

24.1
35.7

30.1%
26.8%

22.0%
23.1%

17.1
24.1

37.0%
30.1%

18.8%
22.0%

16.8
17.1

37.9%
37.0%

17.8%
18.8%

12.7
16.8

37.9%

17.8%

12.7

(1)  The Company's French operations have been presented as discontinued operations through 2007, the years of ownership.  In 2009, discontinued operations 
represented the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits for certain deductions that were taken on prior tax returns related to the shutdown of the 
Company's French operations.

(1)  The Company's French operations have been presented as discontinued operations through 2007, the years of ownership.  In 2009, discontinued operations 
represented the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits for certain deductions that were taken on prior tax returns related to the shutdown of the 
Company's French operations.

(2)  The Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Standards Accounting Board Accounting Standards Codification 715, “Compensation - Retirement 
Benefits” on December 31, 2006, with respect to recognizing the funded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans, and at December 31, 2008, with 
respect to changing the measurement date. 

(2)  The Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Standards Accounting Board Accounting Standards Codification 715, “Compensation - Retirement 
Benefits” on December 31, 2006, with respect to recognizing the funded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans, and at December 31, 2008, with 
respect to changing the measurement date. 

11

11

* 

Description of calculations as of the applicable year end:

Book value per share equals total shareholders' equity at year-end divided by the number of common shares outstanding.

Working capital equals total current assets less total current liabilities.

Current ratio equals total current assets divided by total current liabilities.

Debt as a percent of total debt and equity equals total debt (the sum of short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt) divided by the 
sum of total debt and total shareholders' equity at year-end.  The debt of the discontinued French operations is included in this calculation through 2007, the 
years of ownership, although there was no debt at the end of 2007 related to the French operations.

Return on shareholders' equity equals earnings from continuing operations divided by total shareholders' equity at year-end.

Price/earnings ratio equals the closing stock price for common stock divided by diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

The core competency of the Company is flow measurement solutions.  The Company is a leading innovator, 

manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and 
industrial customers worldwide.  Measuring a wide variety of liquids ranging from water and oil to lubricants in industrial 
processes, the Company's products are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and ability to provide 
valuable and timely measurement information to customers.  The Company's product lines fall into three categories: sales of 
water meters and related technologies to municipal water utilities (municipal water), sales of meters to various industries for 
water and other fluids (industrial flow) and sales of concrete vibrators and gas meter radios to unique markets (specialty 
products).  The Company estimates that over 75% of its products are used in water applications when all categories are grouped 
together.

Municipal water, the largest category by sales volume, includes water meters and related technologies and services 
used by water utilities as the basis for generating water and wastewater revenues.  The key market for the Company's water 
meter products is North America, primarily the United States, because the meters are designed and manufactured to conform to 
standards promulgated by the American Water Works Association.  Sales of water meters and related technologies and services 
are commonly referred to as residential or commercial water meter sales, the latter referring to larger sizes of meters.     

Industrial flow includes products sold worldwide to measure and control materials flowing through a pipe or pipeline 
including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases.  These meters and valves are used in a variety of applications, such 
as water/wastewater; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); oil and gas; chemical and petrochemical; food and 
beverage; and pharmaceutical production. 

Specialty products include sales of radio technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters, and 

concrete vibrators.  

Additional information about the Company's business is described in Part 1, Item 1 “Business” under the heading 

“Market Overview, Products, Systems and Solutions” in this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Trends

Increasingly, the electric utility industry relies on AMI technology for two-way communication to monitor and control 

electrical devices at the customer's site.  Although the Company does not sell products for electric market applications, the 
trend toward AMI affects the markets in which the Company does participate, particularly for those customers in the water 
utility market that are interested in more frequent and diverse data collection.  Specifically, AMI and AMA technologies enable 
water utilities to capture readings from each meter at more frequent and variable intervals.  

The Company sells its technology solutions to meet customer requirements.  Since the technology products have 

comparable margins, any change in the mix between AMR, AMI or AMA is not expected to have a significant impact on the 
Company's net sales related to meter reading technology.

12

 
There are approximately 53,000 water utilities in the United States and the Company estimates that less than 30 

percent of them have converted to a radio solutions technology.  Although there is growing interest in AMI and AMA 
communication by water utilities, the vast majority of utilities installing such technology continue to select AMR technologies 
for their applications.  The Company's ORION technology has experienced rapid acceptance in the United States as an 
increasing number of water utilities have selected ORION as their AMR solution.  The Company anticipates that even with 
growing interest in AMI and AMA, AMR will continue to be the primary product of choice for a number of years.  For many 
water utilities, AMR technology is simply the most cost-effective solution available today.  However, with the introduction of 
AMA, the Company believes it is well-positioned to meet customers' future needs.   

Acquisitions

On January 31, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Racine 

Federated, Inc. (“Racine Federated”) of Racine, Wisconsin and its subsidiary Premier Control Technologies, Ltd. (“PCT”) 
located in Thetford, England for approximately $57.3 million in cash, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million.  
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company sold PCT for a nominal amount after the majority of its functions were 
absorbed by the Company's European subsidiary.  The Company also merged Racine Federated into Badger Meter, Inc. on 
December 31, 2012.  Racine Federated manufactures and markets flow meters for the water industry as well as various 
industrial metering and specialty products.  These products complement and expand the Company's existing lines for the global 
flow measurement business.  This acquisition is further described in Note 3 “Acquisitions” in the accompanying Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On January 26, 2011, the Company purchased Remag, AG (“Remag”) of Bern, Switzerland for $4.9 million.  Remag 
distributes a line of precision flow measurement products, some of which they manufacture, for the global industrial market.  
Their small turbine meters complement and expand the Company's existing line of industrial flow products.  This acquisition is 
further described in Note 3 “Acquisitions” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 
of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On April 1, 2010, the Company purchased Cox Instruments, LLC (“Cox”) of Scottsdale, Arizona, and its subsidiary 

Flow Dynamics, Inc. for $7.8 million.  Cox Instruments and Flow Dynamics manufacture and market precision high 
performance flow meters that are used in demanding applications such as aerospace, custody transfer and flow measurement 
test stands.  The Company merged the two entities into a wholly-owned subsidiary named Cox Flow Measurement, Inc. on 
April 1, 2010, and merged the subsidiary into Badger Meter, Inc. on December 31, 2010.  This acquisition is further described 
in Note 3 “Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K.

Revenue and Product Mix

Prior to the Company's introduction of its own proprietary radio products, for example ORION and GALAXY, Itron 

water utility-related products were a dominant radio products contributor to the Company's results.  Itron products are sold 
under an agreement between the Company and Itron, Inc. that has been renewed multiple times and is in effect until early 2016.  
The Company's radio products directly compete with Itron water radio products.  In recent years, many of the Company's 
customers have selected the Company's proprietary products over Itron products.  While the Company's proprietary product 
sales are generally greater than those of the Itron licensed products, the Company expects that Itron products will remain a 
significant component of sales to water utilities.  Continuing substantial sales in both product lines underscores the continued 
acceptance of radio technology by water utilities and affirms the Company's strategy of selling Itron products in addition to its 
own proprietary products.

As the industry continues to evolve, the Company has been vigilant in anticipating and exceeding customer 
expectations.  In 2011, the Company introduced AMA as a hardware and software solution for water and gas utilities, which it 
believes will help maintain the Company's position as a market leader.  The Company continues to seek opportunities for 
additional revenue enhancement.  For instance, the Company is periodically asked to oversee and perform field installation of 
its products for certain customers.  The Company assumes the role of general contractor, hiring installation subcontractors and 
supervising their work.  The Company also supports its product and technology sales with the sale of extended service 
programs that provide additional services beyond the standard warranty.  In recent years, the Company has sold ORION radio 
technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters.  With the exception of a large sale of gas radios to one 
particular customer, the revenues from such products and services are not yet significant and the Company is uncertain of the 
potential growth achievable for such products and services in future periods.   

13

 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

Net sales in 2012 increased $56.8 million, or 21.6%, to $319.7 million from $262.9 million in 2011.  The overall 
increase was due to the inclusion of Racine Federated's net sales for eleven months of the year and higher municipal water 
sales, offset somewhat by lower sales of radios to natural gas utilities.  Racine Federated's sales for the eleven months ended 
December 31, 2012 were $41.3 million. 

Municipal water sales increased $22.9 million, or 12.0%, to $213.2 million in 2012 from $190.3 million in 2011.  

These sales represented 66.7% of total net sales in 2012 compared to 72.4% in 2011.  The sales increase was due to higher sales 
of residential meters sold with technology as well as higher commercial meter sales.  Sales of meters with technology increased 
11.6% for the year due to higher volumes of product sold.  Sales of manually read residential meters were essentially flat 
between years.  Commercial water meter sales increased 19.5% in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher volumes of product 
sold.  The Company believes the net overall increase for the year was due to normal buying patterns beginning to resume after 
a period where there were (and still are) negative factors affecting market conditions.  These factors include lingering concerns 
about municipal spending, which have resulted in delayed buying decisions, and slower housing starts.  In addition, the 
Company's introduction in 2011 of the next generation of the ORION product lengthened the sales cycle for water utilities as 
they evaluate this new technology.  Weather may have also played a role as poor weather in the Midwest and Northeast had a 
negative impact on sales in early 2011 due to its effects on budget demands and installation rates, which did not recur in early 
2012.

Industrial flow products represented 29.0% of total net sales in 2012 compared to 21.5% in 2011.  These sales 

increased $36.2 million, or 64.0%, to $92.8 million from $56.6 million in 2011.  As previously noted, Racine Federated was 
acquired on January 31, 2012 and Racine Federated's sales were included from that point forward.  Within this product 
grouping, Racine Federated's sales were $32.6 million.  The remainder of the increase was due to higher sales in most of the 
remaining industrial flow product lines. 

Specialty products represented 4.3% of total net sales in 2012 compared to 6.1% in 2011.  These sales decreased $2.3 
million in 2012, or 14.4%, to $13.7 million from $16.0 million in 2011.  Included in this product grouping was $8.7 million of 
sales from Racine Federated.  Without these sales, specialty products would have shown a larger sales decrease due to lower 
sales of radios into the natural gas market.  The 2011 sales included higher sales of radios to one particular natural gas customer 
that did not recur in 2012.

International sales for municipal water meters and related technologies are generally made to customers in Canada and 
Mexico, which use similar mechanical technology and standards as customers in the U.S.  International sales for industrial flow 
and specialty products are generally made throughout the world.  In Europe, sales are made primarily in Euros.  Other 
international sales are made in U.S. dollars or local currencies.  International sales increased 53.8% to $48.6 million in 2012 
from $31.6 million in 2011 primarily due to the addition of Racine Federated's product lines.  

Net sales in 2011 decreased $13.7 million, or 5.0%, to $262.9 million from $276.6 million in 2010.  The overall 
decrease was the net result of lower volumes sold for the Company's municipal water products, offset somewhat by higher sales 
of industrial flow and specialty products.  Higher prices in certain product lines also helped offset the lower municipal water 
product sales.

Municipal water sales represented 72.4% of total net sales in 2011 compared to 79.4% in 2010.  These sales decreased 
in 2011 by $29.2 million, or 13.3%, to $190.3 million from $219.5 million.  The decline was due primarily to lower volumes of 
the Company's residential technology products, as well as lower sales of commercial and manually read residential meters, 
offset by somewhat higher prices in certain product lines.  The Company believes the net decrease in municipal water sales was 
due to a continuation of certain factors, including concerns over municipal spending that continue to delay order decisions, 
slower housing starts and the Company's introduction in early 2011 of the next generation of the ORION product that caused 
water utilities to take time to evaluate this new technology.  In addition, poor weather in the Midwest and Northeast had a 
negative impact on sales in early 2011 due to its effects on budget demands and installation rates.

Industrial flow products represented 21.5% of total net sales in 2011 compared to 16.6% in 2010.  These sales 
increased $10.7 million, or 23.3%, to $56.6 million in 2011 compared to $45.9 million in 2010.  The increase was due in part to 
the addition of $3.3 million of sales from the acquisition of Remag, which was not included in the 2010 results.  Most of the 
other industrial flow product line sales increased in 2011 over 2010.  

14

Specialty products represented 6.1% of total net sales in 2011 compared to 4.0% in 2010.  These sales increased $4.8 
million in 2011, or 42.9%, to $16.0 million from $11.2 million in 2011.  The increase was primarily due to a larger sale of gas 
radios to one particular natural gas customer in 2011.  

International sales increased 2.5% to $31.6 million in 2011 from $30.8 million in 2010 primarily due to higher 

industrial flow product sales of valves and electromagnetic meters in Europe as the global economy slowly recovers.  

Gross Margins

Gross margins as a percentage of sales were 38.2%, 34.2% and 37.2% for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The 

percentage increase in 2012 was due in part to the addition of Racine Federated's products, whose margins are generally a 
higher percentage than the Company's overall weighted margin percentage.  Margins also increased due to lower costs for 
castings which fluctuate with the metals market, and higher sales volumes in general which increase overall factory utilization.  
Offsetting these factors was the impact of lower sales of radios to natural gas utilities.  

Gross margins were lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to significantly higher commodity costs, particularly copper, 

mitigated somewhat by higher prices charged for the Company's products as well as cost reductions as the Company began to 
transition additional operations to its Mexican facilities.  This transition was completed in the second quarter of 2011.  
Approximately 70 positions were transferred from the Milwaukee facility to the Mexican facility as part of a plan to move 
production to lower-cost facilities.   

Operating Expenses

Selling, engineering and administration expenses in 2012 increased $15.5 million, or 24.9%, over 2011's expenses.  

The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Racine Federated and amortization of intangibles acquired, which 
were not included in the results for 2011.  The remainder of the increase was due to higher employee incentives and normal 
inflationary increases, offset by continuing cost control measures.  In addition, the 2012 amounts include a $1.0 million charge 
in connection with the write down of the Company's investment in an emerging technology company and a $1.1 million non-
cash pension charge as a result of payouts from the pension plan occurring faster than the assumed rate.

Selling, engineering and administration costs increased $4.3 million, or 7.4%, in 2011 compared to 2010.  The 

increase was due in part to the inclusion of Remag's expenses which were not included in the 2010 amounts and expenses for 
the acquisition of Cox, which were included in results for only nine months of 2010.  Other reasons for the increase include 
higher amortization of various intangibles and software as well as higher costs associated with the technical support of the 
Company's products.  In addition, expenses for 2011 include approximately $1.1 million of charges associated with the 
acquisition of Racine Federated that was acquired on January 31, 2012 as well as a non-cash pension curtailment charge as a 
result of contract negotiations with the Company's only union in which the union agreed to freeze its defined benefit plan at 
December 31, 2011 and participate in the Company's defined contribution plan.  The 2010 amounts include a one-time credit of 
$0.7 million for the fair value of land received in settlement of claims against a building contractor.

Operating Earnings

Operating earnings in 2012 increased $17.0 million, or 61.8%, to $44.5 million compared to $27.5 million in 2011, as 
a net result of the higher sales of municipal water and industrial flow products, offset somewhat by higher selling, engineering 
and administration expenses.  In addition, lower costs of certain raw materials also contributed to the increased operating 
earnings.  

Operating earnings in 2011 decreased $17.3 million, or 38.6%, to $27.5 million compared to $44.8 million in 2010.  

The decrease was due to lower sales as a result of lower volumes of product sold, as well as increased selling, engineering and 
administration expenses.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $1.0 million in 2012 compared to $0.2 million in 2011.  The increase was due primarily to 
higher borrowings in 2012 associated with the acquisition of Racine Federated and the Company's stock repurchase program.

Interest expense, net was $0.2 million in 2011 compared to $0.4 million in 2010.   The decrease was due primarily to 

lower borrowings in 2011.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 Income Taxes

Income taxes as a percentage of earnings before income taxes were 35.5%, 29.9%, and 35.5% for 2012, 2011 and 
2010, respectively.  The 2011 results include recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits for certain deductions that 
were taken on prior tax returns.  These benefits total approximately $1.3 million and were recognized in earnings in 2011 due to 
the realization that such benefits became more likely than not upon the conclusion of an IRS audit of the Company's 2009 
Federal income tax return.  Without these benefits, the provision for income taxes as a percentage of earnings before income 
taxes for 2011 would have been 34.8%.  The increase in 2012 from 2011 was due to less foreign income, which was taxed at 
lower rates. 

The decrease in the effective tax rate between 2011 and 2010 was due to the recognition of previously unrecognized 

tax benefits discussed above and higher foreign income taxed at lower rates. 

Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share 

As a result of the increased operating earnings, offset somewhat by a higher effective tax rate, net earnings were $28.0 

million in 2012 compared to $19.2 million in 2011.  On a diluted basis, earnings per share were $1.95 in 2012 compared to 
$1.27 in 2011.

As a result of the lower operating earnings, mitigated somewhat by a lower effective tax rate, net earnings were $19.2 

million in 2011 compared to $28.7 million in 2010.  On a diluted basis, earnings per share were $1.27 in 2011 compared to 
$1.91 in 2010.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The main sources of liquidity for the Company are cash from operations and borrowing capacity.  Cash provided by 

operations in 2012 was $34.8 million compared to $31.3 million in 2011.  The increase in cash provided by operations in 2012 
compared to 2011 was due to significantly higher earnings, offset by higher inventory balances and a pension plan contribution 
made in 2012.  

Receivables at December 31, 2012 were $45.6 million compared to $41.2 million in 2011.  The increase was due in 
part to the addition of Racine Federated in 2012 and the resulting increase in sales.  The Company believes its net receivables 
balance is fully collectible.

Inventories at December 31, 2012 were $61.0 million compared to $49.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase 

was primarily due to the addition of Racine Federated in 2012 with the remainder due to the timing of purchases.

Property, plant and equipment increased as a net result of capital expenditures and the acquisition of Racine 
Federated's property, plant and equipment, offset by depreciation expense.  Capital expenditures totaled $8.2 million in 2012, 
$5.3 million in 2011 and $9.2 million in 2010.  These amounts vary due to the timing of capital expenditures.  The Company 
believes it has adequate capacity to increase production levels with minimal additional capital expenditures.

Intangible assets increased to $58.4 million at December 31, 2012 from $33.7 million at December 31, 2011 primarily 

due to the acquisition of Racine Federated and the resulting valuation of its intangible assets, partially offset by amortization 
expense.  Also, as a result of that acquisition, goodwill increased to $35.9 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $9.4 
million at December 31, 2011. 

Short-term debt increased from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 as the Company borrowed funds for its 

acquisition of Racine Federated and for its stock repurchase program.  Cash generated from operations was used to pay down 
some of this debt in 2012.  At the end of 2012, debt represented approximately 28.0% of the Company's total capitalization.  
The Company is in compliance with the financial covenants associated with the debt.  None of the debt is secured by the 
Company's assets.

Payables increased at December 31, 2012  to $15.6 million compared to $11.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The 

2012 amount includes $4.6 million owed to the sellers of Racine Federated that is to be paid July 31, 2013.  The remainder of 
the increase was due to the timing of purchases.  Accrued compensation and employee benefits increased $3.1 million between 
years primarily due to higher employee incentives.  

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warranty and other after-sale costs decreased $0.7 million to $0.9 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $1.6 
million at December 31, 2011.  The 2011 amount included a reserve for a specific known issue that was resolved in 2012.  

Other accrued employee benefits decreased to $8.9 million at December 31, 2012 from $10.0 million at December 31, 

2011 primarily due to payouts of certain deferred compensation amounts.   

Deferred income taxes (current assets and long-term liabilities) switched from a net asset of $5.7 million to a net 

liability of $4.8 million primarily due to the purchase of Racine Federated and the inclusion of its resulting temporary 
differences.

The overall reduction in total shareholders' equity from $179.3 million at December 31, 2011 to $171.2 million at 

December 31, 2012 was the result of net earnings and stock options exercised, offset by dividends paid and $30.0 million of 
Common Stock repurchased and retired by the Company under a stock repurchase program.  

The Company's financial condition remains strong.  In May 2012, the Company signed a new credit agreement which 

increased its principal line of credit from $90.0 million to $125.0 million with its primary lender for a three year period.  The 
line will be permanently reduced by $16.7 million annually beginning in 2013.  While the facility is unsecured, there are a 
number of financial covenants with which the Company is in compliance.  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 continues to take advantage of its local 
commercial paper market and carefully monitors the current borrowing market.  The Company had $67.4 million of unused 
credit lines available at December 31, 2012. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements at December 31, 2012.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

In 2010, the Company restructured the outstanding debt of its Employee Savings and Stock Option Plan (the 
“ESSOP”) by loaning the ESSOP $0.5 million to repay a loan to a third party and loaning the ESSOP an additional $1.0 million 
to purchase additional shares of the Company's Common Stock for future 401(k) savings plan matches under a program that 
will expire on December 31, 2020.  Under this program, the Company agreed to pay the principal and interest on the new loan 
amount of $1.5 million.  The receivable from the ESSOP and the related obligation were therefore netted to zero on the 
Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.  The terms of the loan call for equal payments of 
principal with the final payment due on December 31, 2020.  At December 31, 2012, $1.2 million of the loan balance remains.  

The following table includes the Company's significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012.  There are no 

undisclosed guarantees. 

Total

Less than
1 year

1-3 years

4-6 years

Beyond

Payments due by period

Short-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total contractual obligations . . . . . . . . . . $

66,730
14,061
80,791

$

$

66,730
1,788
68,518

(In thousands)
$

— $

3,729
3,729

$

$

— $
975
975

$

—
7,569
7,569

Other than items included in the preceding table, as of December 31, 2012, 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 pension 
and 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 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  As of the most recent actuarial measurement 
date, the Company is not required to make a minimum contribution for its pension plan for the 2013 calendar year.  
Postretirement medical claims are paid by the Company as they are submitted, and they are anticipated to be $0.5 million in 
2013 based on actuarial estimates; however, these amounts can vary significantly from year to year because the Company is 
self-insured.

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES

The Company's accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” 
in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  As discussed in 
Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying 
notes.  The Company's more significant estimates relate primarily to the following judgmental reserves:  allowance for doubtful 
accounts, reserve for obsolete inventories, warranty and after-sale costs reserve, and the healthcare reserve for claims incurred, 
but not reported.  Each of these reserves is evaluated quarterly and is reviewed with the Company's Disclosure Committee and 
the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors.  The basis for the reserve amounts is determined by analyzing 
the anticipated exposure for each account, and then selecting the most likely amount based upon historical experience and 
various other considerations that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  These methods have been used for all 
years in the presented financials and have been used consistently throughout each year.  Actual results may differ from these 
estimates if actual experiences vary from the Company's assumptions.

The criteria used for calculating each of the reserve amounts vary by type of reserve.  For the allowance for doubtful 

accounts reserve, significant past due balances are individually reviewed for collectibility, while the balance of accounts are 
reviewed in conjunction with applying historical write-off ratios.  The calculation for the obsolete inventories reserve is 
determined by analyzing the relationship between the age and quantity of items on hand versus estimated usage to determine if 
excess quantities exist.  The calculation for warranty and after-sale costs reserve uses criteria that include known potential 
problems on past sales as well as historical claim experience and current warranty trends.  The healthcare reserve for claims 
incurred, but not reported is determined by using medical cost trend analyses, reviewing subsequent payments made and 
estimating unbilled amounts.  The changes in the balances of these reserves at December 31, 2012 compared to the prior year 
were due to normal business conditions and are not deemed to be significant.   While the Company continually tries to improve 
its estimates, no significant changes in the underlying processes are expected in 2013.

The Company also uses estimates in four other significant areas: (i) pension and other postretirement obligations and 

costs, (ii) stock-based compensation, (iii) income taxes, and (iv) evaluating goodwill at least annually for impairment.  The 
actuarial valuations of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs rely on key assumptions including discount rates and 
long-term expected returns on plan assets.  The Company's discount rate assumptions for its pension and postretirement plans 
are based on the average yield of a hypothetical high quality bond portfolio with maturities that approximately match the 
estimated cash flow needs of the plans.  The assumptions for expected long-term rates of return on assets for its pension plan 
are based on historical experience and estimated future investment returns, taking into consideration anticipated asset 
allocations, investment strategies and the views of various investment professionals.  On December 31, 2010, the Company 
froze its pension plan for its non-union participants and formed a new defined contribution feature within the ESSOP plan in 
which each employee received a similar benefit.  On December 31, 2011, the Company froze its pension plan for its union 
participants and included them in the same defined contribution feature within the ESSOP.  The total cost of the Company's 
stock-based awards is equal to the grant date fair value per award multiplied by the number of awards granted, adjusted for 
forfeitures.  Forfeitures are initially estimated based on historical Company information and subsequently updated over the life 
of the awards to ultimately reflect actual forfeitures, which could have an impact on the amount of stock compensation cost 
recognized from period to period.  In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Company uses an 
estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period.  On a quarterly 
basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted as appropriate based upon the actual results compared to those forecasted at the 
beginning of the fiscal year.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to 
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The reserve for 
uncertainty in income taxes is a matter of judgment based on an evaluation of the individual facts and circumstances of each tax 
position in light of all available evidence, including historic data and current trends.  A tax benefit is recognized when it is 
“more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on the technical merits of each tax position.  The Company evaluates and 
updates all of these assumptions quarterly.  Goodwill impairment, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value of the 
reporting unit with its carrying value and is reviewed at least annually.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.

18

OTHER MATTERS

The Company is subject to contingencies related to environmental laws and regulations.  The Company is named as 

one of many potentially responsible parties in two landfill lawsuits.  The landfill sites are impacted by the Federal 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and other environmental laws and regulations.  At 
this time, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial position or results of operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a 
whole.  This belief is based on the Company's assessment of its limited past involvement with these landfill sites as well as the 
substantial involvement of and government focus on other named third parties with these landfill sites.  However, due to the 
inherent uncertainties of such proceedings, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any of these matters.  A future 
change in circumstances with respect to these specific matters or with respect to sites formerly or currently owned or operated 
by the Company, off-site disposal locations used by the Company, and property owned by third parties that is near such sites, 
could result in future costs to the Company and such amounts could be material.  Expenditures for compliance with 
environmental control provisions and regulations during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Like other companies in recent years, the Company is named as a defendant in numerous pending multi-claimant/

multi-defendant lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos, manufactured by third parties, and 
integrated into or sold with a very limited number of the Company's products.  The Company is vigorously defending itself 
against these claims.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company does not believe 
the ultimate resolution of these issues will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of 
operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.  This belief is based in part on the fact 
that no claimant has proven or substantially demonstrated asbestos exposure caused by products manufactured or sold by the 
Company and that a number of cases have been voluntarily dismissed.

 The Company  has  been named  as  a defendant in  one  pending  patent infringement lawsuit.  The  lawsuit alleges  the 
Company and other parties infringed a patent on a metering data feature.  The Company believes this claim is without merit and 
it is vigorously defending its interests.  As part of its contracts, the Company indemnifies certain customers and alliance partners 
for intellectual property infringement claims on its products.  Some of those types of parties are also named defendants in this 
lawsuit.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company does not believe the ultimate 
resolution of this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, either from 
a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.

See the “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” at the front of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and 
Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a discussion of 
risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company's financial performance and results of operations.

MARKET RISKS

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 intense.  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.  Competitors also include alliance partners that sell products that do or may compete with our 
products, particularly those that provide radio solutions.  In addition, the market's level of acceptance of the Company's newer 
products, such as the recently introduced AMA systems, 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.

The Company's ability to generate operating income and to increase profitability depends somewhat on the general 
health of the United States and foreign economies, including to some extent such things as the length and severity of global 
economic downturns, the timing and size of governmental programs such as stimulus fund programs, the ability of municipal 
water utility customers to authorize and finance purchases of the Company's products, the Company's ability to obtain 
financing, housing starts in the United States, and overall industrial activity.  In addition, changes in governmental laws and 
regulations, particularly laws dealing with the use of lead or rules affecting the use and/or licensing of radio frequencies 
necessary for radio products may impact the results of operations.  These factors are largely beyond the Company's control and 
depend on the economic condition and regulatory environment of the geographic region of the Company's operations.

19

 
 
 
 
          
The Company relies on single suppliers for certain castings and components in several of its product lines.  Although 
alternate sources of supply exist for these items, the loss of certain suppliers could temporarily disrupt operations in the short 
term.  The Company attempts to mitigate these risks by working closely with key suppliers, purchasing minimal amounts from 
alternative suppliers and by purchasing business interruption insurance where appropriate.

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.

The Company's foreign currency risk relates to the sales of products to foreign customers and purchases of material 
from foreign vendors.  The Company uses lines of credit with U.S. and European banks to offset currency exposure related to 
European receivables and other monetary assets.  As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company's foreign currency net 
monetary assets were partially offset by comparable debt resulting in no material exposure to the results of operations.  The 
Company believes the effect of a change in foreign currency rates will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's 
financial position or results of operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.

The Company typically does not hold or issue derivative instruments and has a policy specifically prohibiting the use 

of such instruments for trading purposes.

The Company's short-term debt on December 31, 2012 was floating rate debt with market values approximating 

carrying value.  Future annual interest costs for short-term debt will fluctuate based upon short-term interest rates.  For the 
short-term debt on hand on December 31, 2012, the effect of a 1% change in interest rates is approximately $0.7 million.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES OF MARKET RISK

Information required by this Item is set forth in Part II, Item 7 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Market Risks” in this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

20

 
 
ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

BADGER METER, INC.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 

reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company's internal 
control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as 

of December 31, 2012 using the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  As allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, 
management excluded from its assessment Racine Federated, Inc., which was acquired in 2012 and constituted 24.8% and 
33.7% of total and net assets, respectively as of December 31, 2012, and 13.0% and 26.9% of net sales and net income, 
respectively, for the year then ended.  Based on this assessment, the Company's management believes that, as of December 31, 
2012, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial 

Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, included 
herein, on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Badger Meter, Inc.

We have audited Badger Meter, Inc.'s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).  Badger Meter, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in 
the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, 
management's assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the 
internal controls of Racine Federated, Inc. which is included in the 2012 consolidated financial statements of Badger Meter, 
Inc. and constituted 24.8% and 33.7% of total and net assets, respectively as of December 31, 2012, and 13.0% and 26.9% of 
net sales and net income, respectively, for the year then ended.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Badger 
Meter, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Racine Federated, Inc.

In our opinion, Badger Meter, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 

as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Badger Meter, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated 
statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2012 and our report dated March 5, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 5, 2013

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Badger Meter, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Badger Meter, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 
31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the 
Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that 
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of Badger Meter, Inc. at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Badger Meter, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and 
our report dated March 5, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 5, 2013

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31,

2012

2011

(Dollars in thousands)

Current assets:

Assets

Cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

6,554

$

Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45,584

Inventories:

Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Work in process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Raw materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19,872

13,340

27,785

60,997

4,343

3,896

4,975

41,168

13,476

11,377

24,583

49,436

2,266

3,350

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

121,374

101,195

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buildings and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Machinery and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intangible assets, at cost less accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8,919

51,090

92,751

152,760

(82,276)

70,484

58,351

4,314

—

35,930

8,011

49,840

87,077

144,928

(78,826)

66,102

33,680

6,259

2,309

9,365

Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

290,453

$

218,910

Current liabilities:

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Short-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

66,730

$

Payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued compensation and employee benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty and after-sale costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income and other taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued non-pension postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other accrued employee benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

Shareholders’ equity:

Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued 20,441,184 shares in 2012 and 21,292,030 shares in 
2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital in excess of par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reinvested earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: Employee benefit stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treasury stock, at cost; 6,127,155 shares in 2012 and 6,169,329 shares in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total shareholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15,551

9,821

881

1,097

94,080

1,086

8,692

6,489

8,859

20,441

41,755

155,694

(13,948)

(1,234)

(31,461)

171,247

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

290,453

$

1,790

11,365

6,734

1,593

931

22,413

1,078

—

6,103

10,035

21,292

39,445

166,271

(14,566)

(1,485)

(31,676)

179,281

218,910

See accompanying notes.

24

 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31,

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands except per share amounts)

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, engineering and administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

319,660

$

262,915

$

197,414

122,246

77,777

44,469

998

43,471

15,439

173,095

89,820

62,286

27,534

185

27,349

8,188

28,032

$

19,161

$

Earnings per share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Shares used in computation of earnings per share:

1.96

1.95

$

$

1.28

1.27

$

$

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impact of dilutive securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14,332

67

14,399

14,971

78

15,049

276,634

173,810

102,824

58,001

44,823

385

44,438

15,776

28,662

1.92

1.91

14,906

100

15,006

See accompanying notes.

25

 
  
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income :

Years ended December 31,

2012

2011

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

28,032

$

19,161

$

28,662

Foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee benefit funded status adjustment, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

393

225

28,650

$

(267)
(1,162)
17,732

(282)
1,730

$

30,110

See accompanying notes.

26

BADGER METER, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31,

2012

2011

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating activities:

Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

28,032

$

19,161

$

28,662

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:

Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contributions to pension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on legal settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Noncurrent employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in:

Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prepaid expenses and other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liabilities other than debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash provided by operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investing activities:

Property, plant and equipment additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in emerging technology company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7,587

4,467

(551)

(1,097)

—

122

1,266

812

(4,743)

(905)

(188)

6,770

34,802

(8,202)

(51,518)

—

—

7,144

2,347

(800)

—

—

4,704

1,470

(616)

42

(850)

(1,285)

12,156

31,317

(5,336)

(3,954)

—

—

6,704

1,755

1,981

(4,700)

(740)

2,266

1,365

(3,777)

(14,886)

55

(289)

(10,266)

18,396

(9,238)

(7,280)

(1,500)

(8,028)

Net cash used for investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(59,720)

(9,290)

(26,046)

Financing activities:

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Repayments of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proceeds from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65,136

—

(9,513)

382

297

Repurchase of Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(30,000)

Employee benefit stock purchase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash — beginning of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

477

26,779

(282)

1,579

4,975

(11,893)

—

(9,023)

236

190

—

—

493

(19,997)

(144)

1,886

3,089

Cash — end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

6,554

$

4,975

$

10,457

(5,429)

(7,784)

362

525

—

(1,000)

152

(2,717)

127

(10,240)

13,329

3,089

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for:

Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

15,247

1,113

$

$

10,308

324

$

$

10,884

330

See accompanying notes.

27

 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31,

Common
Stock at $1
par value*

Capital in
excess of
par value

Reinvested
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
(loss)

Employee
benefit
stock

Treasury
stock

Total

(In thousands except per share amounts)

Balance, December 31, 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

21,210

$

35,221

$

135,225

$

(14,585) $

(585) $

(32,025) $

144,461

—

28,662

—

Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income:

Employee benefit funded status adjustment 
(net of $(1,426) tax effect). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash dividends of $0.52 per share. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on stock options and dividends . . . . .

ESSOP transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of treasury stock (27 shares) . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

49

—

—
—
—

Balance, December 31, 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21,259

Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Employee benefit funded status adjustment 
(net of $835 tax effect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash dividends of $0.60 per share. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on stock options and dividends . . . . .

ESSOP transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of treasury stock (41 shares) . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

33

—

—

—

—

Balance, December 31, 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21,292

Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income:

Employee benefit funded status adjustment 
(net of $(247) tax effect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash dividends of $0.66 per share. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on stock options and dividends . . . . .

ESSOP transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

37

—

—

—

Shares purchased and retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of treasury stock (42 shares) . . . . . . . . . .

(888)

—

—

—

—

313

525

159

967

397

—

—

(7,786)

—

—

—

—

—

37,582

—

156,101

19,161

—

—

—

202

190

53

1,134

284

39,445

—

—

—

—

345

297

141

1,266

—

261

—

—

(8,991)

—

—

—

—

—

166,271

28,032

—

—

(9,497)

—

—

—

—

(29,112)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(951)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

139

1,730

(282)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(13,137)

(1,536)

(31,886)

—

(1,162)

(267)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

51

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

210

(14,566)

(1,485)

(31,676)

—

225

393

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

251

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

215

28,662

1,730

(282)

(7,786)

362

525

(792)

967

536

168,383

19,161

(1,162)

(267)

(8,991)

235

190

104

1,134

494

179,281

28,032

225

393

(9,497)

382

297

392

1,266

(30,000)

476
171,247  

Balance, December 31, 2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

20,441

$

41,755

$

155,694

$

(13,948) $

(1,234) $

(31,461) $

* 

Each common share of stock equals $1 par value; therefore, the number of common shares is the same as the dollar value.

See accompanying notes.

28

 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Note 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Profile

The core competency of the Company is flow measurement solutions.  The Company is a leading innovator, 

manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and 
industrial customers worldwide.  Measuring a wide variety of liquids ranging from water and oil to lubricants in industrial 
processes, the Company's products are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and ability to provide 
valuable and timely measurement information to customers.  The Company's product lines fall into three categories: sales of 
water meters and related technologies to municipal water utilities (municipal water), sales of meters to various industries for 
water and other fluids (industrial flow) and sales of concrete vibrators and gas meter radios to unique markets (specialty 
products).  The Company estimates that over 75% of its products are used in water applications when all categories are grouped 
together.

Municipal water, the largest category by sales volume, includes water meters and related technologies and services 
used by water utilities as the basis for generating water and wastewater revenues.  The key market for the Company's water 
meter products is North America, primarily the United States, because the meters are designed and manufactured to conform to 
standards promulgated by the American Water Works Association.  Sales of water meters and related technologies and services 
are commonly referred to as residential or commercial water meter sales, the latter referring to larger sizes of meters.     

Industrial flow includes products sold worldwide to measure and control materials flowing through a pipe or pipeline 
including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases.  These meters and valves are used in a variety of applications, such 
as water/wastewater; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); oil and gas; chemical and petrochemical; food and 
beverage; and pharmaceutical production. 

Specialty products include sales of radio technology to natural gas utilities for installation on their gas meters, and 

concrete vibrators.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All 

intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Receivables

Receivables consist primarily of trade receivables.  The Company does not require collateral or other security and 

evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on a number of factors.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for 
significant past due receivable balances based on a review of the past due items and the customer's ability and likelihood to pay, 
as well as applying a historical write-off ratio to the remaining balances.  Changes in the Company's allowance for doubtful 
accounts are as follows:

Balance at
beginning
of year

Provision
and reserve
adjustments

Write-offs
less
recoveries

Reserve
acquired

Balance
at end
of year

2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

298
441
291

$
$
$

(In thousands)

138
91
227

$
$
$

(30) $
(274) $
(77) $

82 (a)  $
40 (b)  $
$
—   

488
298
441

(a)   The reserve increased $82,000 in 2012 related to the acquisition of Racine Federated, Inc. (“Racine Federated”).  

Refer to Note 3 “Acquisitions” for a description of the acquisition.

(b)  The reserve increased $40,000 in 2011 related to the acquisition of Remag AG.  Refer to Note 3 “Acquisitions” for a 

description of the acquisition.

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method.  The 

Company estimates and records provisions for obsolete inventories.  Changes to the Company's obsolete inventories reserve are 
as follows:

Balance at
beginning
of year

Net additions
charged to
earnings

Disposals

Balance
at end
of year

(In thousands)

2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2,680

2,775

2,042

$

$

$

1,082

328

1,345

$

$

$

(882) $
(423) $
(612) $

2,880

2,680

2,775

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the 

respective assets by the straight-line method.  The estimated useful lives of assets are: for land improvements, 15 years; for 
buildings and improvements, 10 — 39 years; and for machinery and equipment, 3 — 20 years.

Long-Lived Assets

Property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or 

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected undiscounted 
cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference between 
the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets.  No adjustments were recorded as a result of these reviews 
during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 20 years.  
The Company does not have any intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives.  Amortization expense recognized for the 
years ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $4.4 million, $2.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  Amortization 
expense expected to be recognized is $4.7 million in each of the subsequent five years beginning with 2013.  The carrying value 
and accumulated amortization by major class of intangible assets are as follows: 

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

Gross carrying
amount

Accumulated
amortization

Gross carrying
amount

Accumulated
amortization

Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Non-compete agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(In thousands)

43,828

$

7,609

$

31,928

$

5,150

1,932

650

150

3,423

11,500

8,223

862

390

150

483

1,054

807

1,932

650

150

3,423

—

2,523

675

373

145

291

—

292

69,706

$

11,355

$

40,606

$

6,926

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if an event indicates that 

the goodwill might be impaired.  Potential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its 
carrying value.  No adjustments were recorded to goodwill as a result of these reviews during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Goodwill was $35.9 million, $9.4 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 

increases were the result of the Racine Federated, Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin acquisition in 2012, the Remag, AG of Bern, 
Switzerland acquisition in 2011 and the Cox Instruments, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona acquisition in 2010.  These acquisitions 
are further described in Note 3 “Acquisitions.” 

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are generally recognized upon shipment of product, which corresponds with the transfer of title.  The costs 
of shipping are billed to the customer upon shipment and are included in cost of sales.  A small portion of the Company's sales 
includes shipments of products combined with services, such as meters sold with installation.  The product and installation 
components of these multiple deliverable arrangements are considered separate units of accounting.  The value of these separate 
units of accounting is determined based on their relative fair values determined on a stand-alone basis.  Revenue is generally 
recognized when the last element of the multiple deliverable is delivered, which corresponds with installation and acceptance 
by the customer.  The Company also sells a small number of extended support service agreements on certain products for the 
period subsequent to the normal support service provided with the original product sale.  Revenue is recognized over the 
service agreement period, which is generally one year.  

Warranty and After-Sale Costs

The Company estimates and records provisions for warranties and other after-sale costs in the period in which the sale 

is recorded, based on a lag factor and historical warranty claim experience.  After-sale costs represent a variety of activities 
outside of the written warranty policy, such as investigation of unanticipated problems after the customer has installed the 
product, or analysis of water quality issues.  Changes in the Company's warranty and after-sale costs reserve are as follows:

Balance at
beginning
of year

Net additions
charged to
earnings

2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,593
889
907

$
$
$

719
1,592
552

(a) 

Costs
incurred and
adjustments

(In thousands)
$
$
$

(1,431) $
(888) $
(668) $

Reserve
acquired

Balance
at end
of year

—   
—
98

$
$
(b)  $

881
1,593
889

(a)  Included in the 2011 increase in the reserve was $0.6 million related to a specific product issue.
(b)  The reserve increased $98,000 in 2010 related to the acquisition of Cox Flow Measurement.  Refer to Note 3 

“Acquisitions” for a description of the acquisition.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and amounted to $9.6 million, $8.1 million and 

$7.2 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 Stock-Based Compensation Plans

  As of December 31, 2012, the Company has an Omnibus Incentive Plan under which 700,000 shares are reserved for 

restricted stock and stock options grants for employees as well as stock grants for directors as described in Note 5 “Stock 
Compensation.”  The plan was approved in 2011 and replaced all prior stock-based plans except for shares and options 
previously issued under those plans.

The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based awards in net earnings for all of its stock-based compensation plans 
on a straight-line basis over the service period of the awards.  The Company estimates the fair value of its option awards using 
the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula, and records compensation expense for stock options ratably over the stock option 
grant's vesting period.  The Company values restricted stock and stock grants for directors on the closing price of the 
Company's stock on the day the grant was awarded.  Total stock compensation expense recognized by the Company was $1.3 
million for 2012, $1.5 million for 2011 and $1.4 million for 2010.

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Healthcare

  The Company estimates and records provisions for healthcare claims incurred but not reported, based on medical cost 

trend analyses, reviews of subsequent payments made and estimates of unbilled amounts.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31 are as follows:

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit plan liabilities, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

$

1,584
(15,532)
(13,948) $

1,190
(15,756)
(14,566)

2012

2011

(In thousands)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires 

management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying 
notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, receivables and payables in the financial statements approximate their fair values due to 

the short-term nature of these financial instruments.  Short-term debt is comprised of notes payable drawn against the 
Company's lines of credit and commercial paper.  Because of its short-term nature, the carrying amount of the short-term debt 
also approximates fair value.  Included in other assets is insurance policies on various individuals who were associated with the 
Company.  The carrying amounts of these insurance policies approximates their fair value.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates subsequent events at the date of the balance sheet as well as conditions that arise after the 

balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued.  The effects of conditions that existed at the date of the balance 
sheet date are recognized in the financial statements.  Events and conditions arising after the balance sheet date but before the 
financial statements are issued are evaluated to determine if disclosure is required to keep the financial statements from being 
misleading.  To the extent such events and conditions exist, if any, disclosures are made regarding the nature of events and the 
estimated financial effects for those events and conditions.  For purposes of preparing the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements and the notes to these financial statements, the Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the 
accompanying financial statements were issued.

Note 2    Common Stock

Common Stock and Rights Agreement

The Company has Common Stock and also Common Share Purchase Rights that trade with the Common Stock.  The 

Common Share Purchase Rights were issued pursuant to the shareholder rights plan discussed below.

  On February 15, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a shareholder rights plan and declared a 
dividend of one Common Share Purchase Right for each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company payable to the 
shareholders of record on May 26, 2008.  The plan was effective as of May 27, 2008.  Each right entitles the registered holder 
to purchase from the Company one share of Common Stock at a price of $200.00 per share, subject to adjustment.  Subject to 
certain conditions, the rights are redeemable by the Company and are exchangeable for shares of Common Stock at a favorable 
price.  The rights have no voting power and unless the rights are redeemed, exchanged or terminated earlier, they will expire on 
May 26, 2018.  The rights are an embedded feature of the Company’s Common Stock and not a free-standing instrument, and 
therefore, do not require separate accounting treatment.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program up to $30.0 million in shares of 
Common Stock in the open market for a period of 2 years ending February 10, 2014, if not terminated sooner.  At December 31, 
2012, 888,056 shares were repurchased aggregating $30.0 million, which completed this program.

Stock Options

Stock options to purchase 60,400, 137,720 and 98,700 shares of the Company’s Stock in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive securities because the exercise price was greater than the average 
stock price for that period, and accordingly their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 3    Acquisitions

On January 31, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Racine 
Federated, Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin and its subsidiary Premier Control Technologies, Ltd. located in Thetford, England for 
approximately $57.3 million in cash, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million.  The purchase price included a final 
$4.6 million payment which is due on July 31, 2013 and is included in payables at December 31, 2012.  Racine Federated 
manufactures and markets flow meters for the water industry as well as various industrial metering and specialty products.  
These products complement and expand the Company's existing lines for the global flow measurement business.  

The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the results of operations are included 
in the Company's financial statements from the date of acquisition.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company sold PCT 
for a nominal amount after the majority of its functions were absorbed by the Company's European subsidiary.  The Company 
also merged Racine Federated into Badger Meter, Inc. on December 31, 2012.  

The Company has finalized the allocation of the purchase price as of December 31, 2012 with the completion of its 

analysis of the fair value of inventories, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, income tax liabilities and certain 
contingent liabilities.  The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the 
acquisition date:

Assets acquired:
Cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Liabilities assumed:
Payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued compensation and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

January 31, 2012

(In thousands)

1,529

5,230

7,603

164

247

3,772

29,100

26,565

74,210

2,920

1,785

11,457

451

16,613

The intangible assets acquired are primarily customer relationships and developed technology with an estimated 

average useful life of 10 and 15 years, respectively.  

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The following unaudited pro forma information combines historical results as if Racine Federated had been owned by 

the Company for the twelve month periods presented.

2012

2011

(In thousands except per share amounts)

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

323,516 $

28,177 $

1.96 $

305,562

21,261

1.41

The pro forma results include amortization of the intangibles mentioned above, interest expense on debt incurred to 

finance the acquisition, the elimination of certain acquisition costs and the income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments.  The 
pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed as of the 
beginning of each fiscal period presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results.

On January 26, 2011, the Company purchased Remag AG of Bern, Switzerland for $4.9 million.  Remag manufactures 
and markets a small plastic turbine meter used in HVAC and white goods.  The Company included these products with its other 
industrial flow products.  The Company’s purchase price allocation included $0.9 million of cash, plus approximately $0.4 
million of receivables, $0.4 million of inventory, $0.3 million of other assets, $2.0 million of fixed assets, $1.8 million of 
intangibles, $0.2 million of goodwill and $1.1 million of liabilities.

The Remag acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the results of operations were 
included in the Company's financial statements from the date of acquisition.  The acquisition did not have a material impact on 
the Company's consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

On April 1, 2010, the Company purchased Cox Instruments, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona, and its subsidiary Flow 

Dynamics, Inc. for $7.8 million.  Cox Instruments and Flow Dynamics manufacture and market precision high performance 
flow meters that are used in demanding applications such as aerospace, custody transfer and flow measurement test stands.  The 
Company merged the two entities into a wholly-owned subsidiary named Cox Flow Measurement, Inc. on April 1, 2010, and 
merged the subsidiary into Badger Meter, Inc. on December 31, 2011.  The Company’s purchase price allocation included $0.6 
million of cash, plus approximately $0.7 million of receivables, $1.1 million of inventory, $0.3 million of fixed assets, $4.3 
million of intangibles, $2.2 million of goodwill and $1.4 million of liabilities.

The Cox Instruments acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the results of 

operations were included in the Company's financial statements from the date of acquisition.  The acquisition did not have a 
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

Note 4    Short-term Debt and Credit Lines

Short-term debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of:

2012

2011

(In thousands)

Notes payable to banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Commercial paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total short-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,300

63,430

66,730

$

$

1,790

—

1,790

Included in notes payable to banks was $3.3 million outstanding in 2012 under a 4.0 million Euro-base revolving loan 
facility (U.S. dollar equivalent of $5.3 million at December 31, 2012) that does not expire, and which bore interest at 1.56%.   
In 2011, included in notes payable to banks was $1.6 million outstanding under a 4.0 million Euro-based revolving loan facility 
(U.S. dollar equivalent of $5.2 million at December 31, 2011) which bore interest at 2.52%. 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

On May 23, 2012, the Company signed a new credit agreement which increased its principal line of credit (increasing 

it from $90.0 million to $125.0 million) for a three year period.  The line will be permanently reduced by $16.7 million 
annually beginning in 2013.  The line was increased to meet short-term cash needs, if any, that may arise as the result of 
funding the acquisition of Racine Federated with cash, as well as any cash needs resulting from the $30.0 million stock 
repurchase program that began in the first quarter of 2012 and ended in the second quarter of 2012.  The issuance of 
commercial paper may comprise a maximum of $70.0 million of the line of credit.  Borrowings of commercial paper bore 
interest at 1.35% in 2012.  While the facility is unsecured, there are a number of financial covenants in effect for the period 
with which the Company is in compliance.  Under this agreement at December 31, 2012, the Company has $61.6 million 
available of the $67.4 million total available short-term credit lines.

Note 5    Stock Compensation

As of December 31, 2012, the Company has an Omnibus Incentive Plan under which 700,000 shares are reserved for 

restricted stock and stock options grants for employees as well as stock grants for directors.  The plan was approved in 2011 and 
replaced all prior stock-based plans except for shares and options previously issued under those plans.  As of December 31, 
2012, there were 552,000 shares and 633,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock available for grant under the 2011 
Omnibus Incentive Plan.  The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based awards in net earnings for all of its stock-based 
compensation plans on a straight-line basis over the service period of the awards.  The following sections describe the three 
types of grants in more detail.

Stock Options

The Company estimates the fair value of its option awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula, and 

records compensation expense for stock options ratably over the stock option grant’s vesting period.  Stock option 
compensation expense recognized by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to stock options was $0.4 
million compared to $0.4 million in 2011 and $0.5 million in 2010.

35

 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The following table summarizes the transactions of the Company’s stock option plans for the three-year period ended 

December 31, 2012: 

Options outstanding —

Number of shares

Weighted-
average
exercise price

December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options outstanding —

December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options outstanding —

December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options outstanding —

264,010

$

$
36,000
(48,760) $

251,250

$

$
31,500
(33,180) $
(4,480) $

245,090

$

45,100
$
(37,450) $
(5,160) $

December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

247,580

Price range $7.00 — $31.41

(weighted-average contractual life of 2.7 years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

69,920

Price range $31.42 — $38.41

(weighted-average contractual life of 8.4 years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109,960

Price range $38.42 — $52.81

(weighted-average contractual life of 6.0 years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

67,700

Exercisable options —

December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

144,022

152,762

141,740

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

21.44

38.41

7.42

26.59

36.59

7.07

38.20

30.30

36.15

10.25

37.19

34.26

21.39

36.99

43.13

17.92

25.29

31.72

  The following assumptions were used for valuing options granted in the years ended December 31:

Per share fair value of options granted during the period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volatility factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-average expected life in years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$13.17

0.85%

1.77%

49.7%

5.3

$9.80

1.98%

1.48%

48.0%

2.3

2012

2011

36

  
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

  The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value related to options exercised, outstanding and exercisable 

as of and for the years ended December 31:

2012

2011

(In thousands)

Exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Exercisable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

950

3,371

2,316

$

$

$

560

1,332

1,312

  As of December 31, 2012, the unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is approximately $1.0 million, 

which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

Director Stock Grant

 Non-employee directors receive an annual award of $45,000 worth of shares of the Company’s Common Stock under 
the shareholder-approved 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.  The Company values stock grants for directors on the closing price of 
the Company’s stock on the day the grant was awarded.  The Company records compensation expense for this plan ratably over 
the annual service period beginning May 1.  Director stock compensation expense recognized by the Company for the year 
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.3 million in each year.  As of December 31, 2012, the unrecognized 
compensation cost related to the director stock award that is expected to be recognized over the remaining 4 months is 
estimated to be approximately $0.1 million.

Restricted Stock

The Company periodically issues nonvested shares of the Company's Common Stock to certain eligible employees, 

generally with a three-year cliff vesting period contingent on employment.  The Company values restricted stock on the closing 
price of the Company's stock on the day the grant was awarded.  The Company records compensation expense for these plans 
ratably over the vesting periods.  Nonvested stock compensation expense recognized by the Company for the year ended  
December 31, 2012 was $0.9 million compared to $0.7 million in 2011 and $0.6 million in 2010.

The fair value of nonvested shares is determined based on the market price of the shares on the grant date.

Nonvested at December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nonvested at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nonvested at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nonvested at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shares

Fair value
per share

46,600

18,500

$

$

(15,800) $

(1,400) $

47,900

28,650

$

$

(10,900) $

(2,350) $

63,300

30,325

$

$

(17,900) $

(1,900) $

73,825

$

37.09

38.41

24.94

39.28

41.52

36.59

51.26

39.30

37.69

36.15

38.69

21.77

37.01

As of December 31, 2012, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted 

stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

37

 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Note 6    Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

  The Company leases equipment and facilities under non-cancelable operating leases, some of which contain renewal 

options.  Total future minimum lease payments consisted of the following at December 31, 2012:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(In thousands)
1,788
1,479
1,270
979
963
7,582
14,061

Total leases

Total rental expense charged to operations under all operating leases was $2.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.5 million in 

2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company makes commitments in the normal course of business.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had 
various contractual obligations, specifically operating leases that totaled $14.1 million, of which $1.8 million is due in 2013 and 
the remainder due between 2014 and 2025.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is named in legal proceedings.  There are currently no material legal 

proceedings pending with respect to the Company.  The more significant legal proceedings are discussed below.

The Company is subject to contingencies related to environmental laws and regulations.  The Company is named as 

one of many potentially responsible parties in two landfill lawsuits.  The landfill sites are impacted by the Federal 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and other environmental laws and regulations.  At 
this time, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial position or results of operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a 
whole.  This belief is based on the Company's assessment of its limited past involvement with these landfill sites as well as the 
substantial involvement of and government focus on other named third parties with these landfill sites.  However, due to the 
inherent uncertainties of such proceedings, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any of these matters.  A future 
change in circumstances with respect to these specific matters or with respect to sites formerly or currently owned or operated 
by the Company, off-site disposal locations used by the Company, and property owned by third parties that is near such sites, 
could result in future costs to the Company and such amounts could be material.  Expenditures for compliance with 
environmental control provisions and regulations during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Like other companies in recent years, the Company is named as a defendant in numerous pending multi-claimant/

multi-defendant lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos, manufactured by third parties, and 
integrated into or sold with a very limited number of the Company's products.  The Company is vigorously defending itself 
against these claims.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company does not believe 
the ultimate resolution of these issues will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of 
operations, either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.  This belief is based in part on the fact 
that no claimant has proven or substantially demonstrated asbestos exposure caused by products manufactured or sold by the 
Company and that a number of cases have been voluntarily dismissed.

38

 
 
 
 
 
  
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The Company has been named as a defendant in one pending patent infringement lawsuit.  The lawsuit alleges the 

Company and other parties infringed a patent on a metering data feature.  The Company believes this claim is without merit and 
it is vigorously defending its interests.  As part of its contracts, the Company indemnifies certain customers and alliance 
partners for intellectual property infringement claims on its products.  Some of those types of parties are also named defendants 
in this lawsuit.  Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company does not believe the 
ultimate resolution of this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, 
either from a cash flow perspective or on the financial statements as a whole.

The Company relies on single suppliers for most brass castings and certain electronic subassemblies in several of its 
product lines.  The Company believes these items would be available from other sources, but that the loss of certain suppliers 
would result in a higher cost of materials, delivery delays, short-term increases in inventory and higher quality control costs in 
the short term.  The Company attempts to mitigate these risks by working closely with key suppliers, purchasing minimal 
amounts from alternative suppliers and by purchasing business interruption insurance where appropriate.   

The Company reevaluates its exposures on a periodic basis and makes adjustments to reserves as appropriate.

Note 7    Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all U.S. employees 

who were employed at December 31, 2011.  After that date, no further benefits will accrue in this plan.  The Company also 
maintains supplemental non-qualified pension plans for certain officers and other key employees, and an ESSOP.  For the 
frozen pension, benefits are based primarily on years of service and, for certain plans, levels of compensation.  

The Company also has certain postretirement healthcare benefit plans that provide medical benefits for certain U.S. 

retirees and eligible dependents.  Employees are eligible to receive postretirement healthcare benefits upon meeting certain age 
and service requirements.  These plans require employee contributions to offset benefit costs.

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at December 31, 2012 that have not yet been 

recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

Pension
plans

Other
postretirement
benefits

(In thousands)

Prior service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net actuarial loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

— $

14,848

$

193

491

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at December 31, 2012 expected to be 

recognized in net periodic benefit cost during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 are as follows:

Prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net actuarial loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Pension
plans

Other
postretirement
benefits

(In thousands)

— $

530

$

99

7

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Qualified Pension Plan

  The Company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (sometimes referred to as the “qualified 
pension plan”) for certain employees.  On December 31, 2010, the Company froze the qualified pension plan for its non-union 
participants and formed a new defined contribution feature within the ESSOP plan in which each employee received a similar 
benefit.  On December 31, 2011, the Company froze the qualified pension plan for its union participants and included them in 
the same defined contribution feature within the ESSOP.  After December 31, 2011, employees receive no future benefits under 
the qualified pension benefit plan as benefits were frozen and the employees now receive a defined contribution in its place.  
Employees will continue to earn returns on their frozen balances.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2012, 

2011 and 2010 based on a December 31 measurement date:

Service cost — benefits earned during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment expense (income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlement expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net periodic pension cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

6

$

464

$

2,205
(3,190)
—

645

—

1,075

2,415
(3,767)
196

1,698

984

—

741

$

1,990

$

1,857

2,473
(3,689)
66

1,660
(36)
—

2,331

  Actuarial assumptions used in the determination of the net periodic pension cost are: 

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected long-term return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.69%

7.00%

n/a

5.05%

7.75%

5.0%

5.55%

8.00%

5.0%

2012

2011

2010

The Company's discount rate assumptions for the qualified pension plan are based on the average yield of a 
hypothetical high quality bond portfolio with maturities that approximately match the estimated cash flow needs of the plan.  
The assumptions for expected long-term rates of return on assets are based on historical experience and estimated future 
investment returns, taking into consideration anticipated asset allocations, investment strategies and the views of various 
investment professionals.  The use of these assumptions can cause volatility if actual results differ from expected results.

40

 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status based on a 

December 31 measurement date:

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of plan year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Projected benefit obligation at measurement date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of plan year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at measurement date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2012

2011

(In thousands)

49,009
6
2,205
3,565
(4,085)
50,700

43,852
5,683
1,097
(4,085)
46,547

$

$

$

$

50,416
464
2,415
1,021
(5,307)
49,009

49,537
(378)
—
(5,307)
43,852

Funded status of the plan:

Benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued pension liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(4,153)
(4,153) $

(5,157)
(5,157)

Actuarial assumptions used in the determination of the benefit obligation of the above data are:

Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.68%
n/a

4.69%
n/a

2012

2011

  The fair value of the qualified pension plan assets was $46.5 million at December 31, 2012 and $43.9 million at 
December 31, 2011.  The variation in the fair value of the assets between years was due to the change in the market value of the 
underlying investments, Company contributions and benefits paid.  Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 
each of the next five years beginning with 2013 are $5.0 million, $4.4 million, $4.1 million, $3.8 million and $3.9 million with 
an aggregate of $16.7 million for the five years thereafter.  As of the most recent actuarial measurement date, the Company is 
not required to make a minimum contribution for the 2013 calendar year.  

  The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are 

used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk.  Risk tolerance is established through careful 
consideration of short- and long-term plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial condition.  The investment 
portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments.  Furthermore, equity investments are diversified 
across various stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations.  Investment risk is measured and monitored 
on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements and periodic asset/liability 
studies.  

  The expected role of plan equity investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of fund assets, while the role of 

fixed income investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns and provide some protection 
against a prolonged decline in the market value of fund equity investments.  The current target allocations for plan assets are 
50%-70% for equity securities, 20%-50% for fixed income securities, and 0%-15% for cash and alternative investments.  
Equity securities include U.S. and international equities, while fixed income securities include long-duration and high-yield 
bond funds.  

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.
BADGER METER, INC.
BADGER METER, INC.
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.

The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
markets for
markets for
markets for
markets for
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
(Level 1)
(Level 1)
(Level 1)
(Level 1)

Market
Market
Market
Market
value
value
value
value

Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
observable
observable
observable
observable
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)

Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)

Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

BADGER METER, INC.
BADGER METER, INC.
BADGER METER, INC.

(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)

26,067
26,067
26,067
26,067

$
$
$
$

26,067
26,067
26,067
26,067

$
$
$
$

— $
— $
— $
— $

20,022
20,022
20,022
20,022

458
458
458
458

20,022
20,022
20,022
20,022

458
458
458
458

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

46,547
46,547
46,547
46,547

$
$
$
$

46,547
46,547
46,547
46,547

$
$
$
$

— $
— $
— $
— $

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
market prices at December 31, 2012.
market prices at December 31, 2012.
market prices at December 31, 2012.
market prices at December 31, 2012.

  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
  Accounting Standards Codification 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad 
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
levels:  Level 1 inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and have the highest priority.  
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
Level 2 inputs consist of inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
(b) 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
(b) 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
(b) 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
(b) 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities that reflect 
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities.  The plan uses appropriate valuation techniques 
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
based on the available inputs to measure the fair value of its investments.
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 

This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.

The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company's qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
markets for
markets for
markets for
markets for
markets for
markets for
markets for
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
(Level 1)
(Level 1)
(Level 1)
(Level  1)
(Level  1)
(Level  1)
(Level  1)

Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
value
value
value
value
value
value
value

Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
observable
observable
observable
observable
observable
observable
observable
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)

Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
Significant
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)

Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

26,067
26,067
26,067
25,844
25,844
25,844
25,844
20,022
20,022
20,022
17,439
17,439
17,439
17,439
458
458
458
569
569
569
569
46,547
46,547
46,547
43,852
43,852
43,852
43,852

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
(In thousands)

26,067
26,067
26,067
25,844
25,844
25,844
25,844
20,022
20,022
20,022
17,439
17,439
17,439
17,439
458
458
458
569
569
569
569
46,547
46,547
46,547
43,852
43,852
43,852
43,852

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 

This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and equity funds, or 53.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, 17.2% and 5.1% of total equity securities, 
of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 
of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 
of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 
of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
respectively.  Of the total equity amount, 11.6% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 86.5% 
equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 
equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 
equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 
equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
was invested in mutual funds and 1.9% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing 
funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 
funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 
funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 
funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 
market prices at December 31, 2012.
market prices at December 31, 2012.
market prices at December 31, 2012.
December 31, 2011.
December 31, 2011.
December 31, 2011.
December 31, 2011.

(b) 
(b) 
(b) 
(b) 
(b) 
(b) 
(b) 

This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2012.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.
valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.

(c) 
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 
(c) 

This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.
This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.

The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:
The fair value of the Company’s qualified pension plan assets by category at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

42
42
42
42

Market
Market
Market
value
value
value

Quoted
Quoted
Quoted
prices in active
prices in active
prices in active
markets for
markets for
markets for
identical assets
identical assets
identical assets
(Level  1)
(Level  1)
(Level  1)

Significant
Significant
Significant
observable
observable
observable
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 2)
(Level 2)
(Level 2)

Significant
Significant
Significant
unobservable
unobservable
unobservable
inputs
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 3)
(Level 3)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Equity securities(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

25,844

25,844

25,844

$

$

$

25,844

25,844

25,844

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fixed income funds(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash/cash equivalents(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17,439

17,439

17,439

569

569

569

17,439

17,439

17,439

569

569

569

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

43,852

43,852

43,852

$

$

$

43,852

43,852

43,852

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 

This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 

This category includes investments in equity securities of large, small and medium sized companies, equity securities 

of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 

of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 

of foreign companies and other, or 54.5%, 15.4%, 12.0%, 14.4% and 3.7% of total assets, respectively.  Of the total 

equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 

equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 

equity amount, 15.5% was invested in common stocks in a wide variety of industries, 82.8% was invested in mutual 

funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 

funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 

funds and 1.7% was invested in exchange traded funds.  The funds are valued using the closing market prices at 

December 31, 2011.

December 31, 2011.

December 31, 2011.

(b) 

(b) 

(b) 

This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 

This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 

This category includes investments in investment-grade fixed-income instruments and corporate bonds.  The funds are 

valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.

valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.

valued using the closing market prices at December 31, 2011.

(c) 

(c) 

(c) 

This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.

This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.

This category comprises the cash held to pay beneficiaries.  The fair value of cash equals its book value.

42

42

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

  The pension plan has a separately determined accumulated benefit obligation that is the actuarial present value of 

benefits based on service rendered and current and past compensation levels.  Prior to December 31, 2012, this differed from 
the projected benefit obligation in that it included no assumption about future compensation levels.  The accumulated benefit 
obligation was $50.7 million at December 31, 2012 and $49.0 million at December 31, 2011.

Supplemental Non-qualified Unfunded Plans

The Company also maintains supplemental non-qualified unfunded plans for certain officers and other key employees.  

Expense for these plans was $0.3 million for each of the years ended 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the amount accrued was $1.6 
million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Amounts were determined based on similar 
assumptions as the qualified pension plan as of the December 31 measurement date for 2012 and 2011.

Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company has certain postretirement plans that provide medical benefits for certain U.S. retirees and eligible 
dependents.  The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended 
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

Service cost, benefits attributed for service of active employees for the
period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

143

295

161

599

$

$

148

313

161

622

$

$

139

337

161

637

The discount rate used to measure the net periodic postretirement benefit cost was 4.79% for 2012, 5.20% for 2011 
and 5.65% for 2010.  It is the Company's policy to fund healthcare benefits on a cash basis.  Because the plans are unfunded, 
there are no plan assets.  The following table provides a reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation at the Company's 
December 31 measurement date:

2012

2011

Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participants contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation and funded status at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 are:

$

(In thousands)
6,542
143
295
422
673
(1,135)
6,940

$

6,459
148
313
(1)
718
(1,095)
6,542

2012

2011

(In thousands)

Accrued compensation and employee benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued non-pension postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts recognized at December 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

451

6,489

6,940

$

$

439

6,103

6,542

  The discount rate used to measure the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 3.92% for 2012 and 4.79% 

for 2011.  The Company's discount rate assumptions for its postretirement benefit plan are based on the average yield of a 
hypothetical high quality bond portfolio with maturities that approximately match the estimated cash flow needs of the plan.  
Because the plan requires the Company to establish fixed Company contribution amounts for retiree healthcare benefits, future 
healthcare cost trends do not generally impact the Company's accruals or provisions.  

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Estimated future benefit payments of postretirement benefits, assuming increased cost sharing, expected to be paid in 

each of the next five years beginning with 2012 are $0.5 million in each year with an aggregate of $2.4 million for the five 
years thereafter.  These amounts can vary significantly from year to year because the cost sharing estimates can vary from 
actual expenses as the Company is self-insured.

Badger Meter Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan

In 2010, the Company restructured the outstanding debt of its Employee Savings and Stock Option Plan (the 
“ESSOP”) by loaning the ESSOP $0.5 million to repay a loan to a third party and loaning the ESSOP an additional $1.0 million 
to purchase additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock for future 401(k) savings plan matches under a program that 
will expire on December 31, 2020.  Under this program, the Company agreed to pay the principal and interest on the new loan 
amount of $1.5 million.  The receivable from the ESSOP and the related obligation were therefore netted to zero on the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.  The terms of the loan call for equal payments of 
principal with the final payment due on December 31, 2020.  At December 31, 2012, $1.2 million of the loan balance remained.

  The Company made principal payments of $256,000, $51,000 and $49,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The 

associated commitments released shares of Common Stock (16,151 shares in 2012 for the 2011 obligation, 10,735 shares in 
2011 for the 2010 obligation, and 12,309 shares in 2010 for the 2009 obligation) for allocation to participants in the ESSOP.  
The ESSOP held unreleased shares of 93,357, 111,145 and 121,880 as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with 
a fair value of $4.4 million, $3.3 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Unreleased 
shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share.

  The ESSOP includes a voluntary 401(k) savings plan that allows certain employees to defer up to 20% of their income 

on a pretax basis subject to limits on maximum amounts.  The Company matches 25% of each employee’s contribution, with 
the match percentage applying to a maximum of 7% of each employee's salary.  The match is paid using the Company's 
Common Stock released through the ESSOP loan payments.  For ESSOP shares purchased prior to 1993, compensation 
expense is recognized based on the original purchase price of the shares released and dividends on unreleased shares are 
charged to compensation expense.  For shares purchased in or after 1993, expense is based on the market value of the shares on 
the date released and dividends on unreleased shares are charged to compensation expense.  Compensation expense of $0.3 
million was recognized for the match for 2012, $0.3 million was recognized for 2011 and $0.2 million for 2010.

On December 31, 2010, the Company froze the qualified pension plan for its non-union participants and formed a new 

defined contribution feature within the ESSOP plan in which each employee received a similar benefit.  On December 31, 
2011, the Company froze the qualified pension plan for its union participants and included them in the same defined 
contribution feature within the ESSOP.  For 2012, compensation expense under the defined contribution feature totaled $1.8 
million.

Note 8    Income Taxes 

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions.  Significant 
judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related deferred tax assets and 
liabilities.  

Details of earnings before income taxes are as follows:

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

40,650

2,821

43,471

$

$

23,750

3,599

27,349

$

$

42,213

2,225

44,438

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The provision for income taxes are as follows:

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

Current:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

13,908

$

7,111

$

1,455

507

(663)
(165)
397

15,439

$

1,290

780

(774)
(79)
(140)
8,188

$

14,696

2,553

385

(1,485)
(324)
(49)
15,776

The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory

U.S. corporate income tax rate in each year due to the following items:

Provision at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic production activities deduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax audit settlements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

15,215

$

9,572

$

1,018
(87)
(529)
(101)
(77)
15,439

783
(621)
(255)
(1,330)
39

$

8,188

$

15,553

1,449
(430)
(573)
—
(223)
15,776

The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31 are as follows:

Deferred tax assets:
Reserve for receivables and inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-pension postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued pension benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued employee benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2012

2011

(In thousands)

1,991

$

876

582

2,652

2,912

1,540

745

1,674

873

717

2,516

3,338

1,266

131

11,298

10,515

4,657

11,437

—

16,094
(4,796) $

3,529

1,263

64

4,856

5,659

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

At December 31, 2012, the Company did not have any net operating loss carryforwards.    

No provision for federal income taxes was made on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered 
permanently invested or that would be offset by foreign tax credits upon distribution.  Such undistributed earnings at 
December 31, 2012 were $16.2 million.

Changes in the Company's gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as 

follows:

Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Increases (decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of positions taken during the
prior period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of positions taken during the current period
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with taxing authorities. . . . . . .
Reductions to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of
limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2012

2011

(In thousands)

796

$

2,125

(18)
162
(70)

(172)
698

$

8

141
(1,368)

(110)
796

The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits 

during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.  To the extent these unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, they 
will impact the effective tax rate in a future period, possibly as early as the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and 
foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. 
income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2008.  The Company's policy is to recognize interest related to 
unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and penalties as operating expenses.  Accrued interest was approximately 
 $0.1 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and there were no penalties accrued in either year.

The Company believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and to be taken on its tax 

returns and that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open years based on an assessment of many factors including 
past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter.

Note 9    Long-Term Debt

In 2010, the Company restructured the outstanding debt of its ESSOP by loaning the ESSOP $0.5 million to repay a 

loan to a third party and loaning the ESSOP an additional $1.0 million to purchase additional shares of the Company’s 
Common Stock for future 401(k) savings plan matches under a program that will expire on December 31, 2020.  Under this 
program, the Company agreed to pay the principal and interest on the new loan amount of $1.5 million.  The receivable from 
the ESSOP and the related obligation were therefore netted to zero on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at 
December 31, 2012 and 2011.  The terms of the loan call for equal payments of principal with the final payment due on 
December 31, 2020.  At December 31, 2012, $1.2 million of the loan balance remained.

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Note 10    Industry Segment and Geographic Areas

The Company is an innovator, manufacturer and a marketer of products incorporating flow measurement and control 

technologies, which comprise one reportable segment.  The Company manages and evaluates its operations as one segment 
primarily due to similarities in the nature of the products, production processes, customers and methods of distribution.

Information regarding revenues by geographic area are as follows:

Revenues:
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign:

Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Information regarding assets by geographic area are as follows:

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)

271,045

$

231,306

$

245,846

10,075

8,752

16,001

6,636

7,151

2,229

3,362

12,997

8,178

4,843

2,793

4,147

9,368

9,924

4,556

319,660

$

262,915

$

276,634

Long-lived assets (all non-current assets except deferred income taxes):
United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign:

2012

2011

(In thousands)

133,628

$

79,556

Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

15,261

20,190

15,286

20,564

169,079

$

115,406

Total assets:
United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign:

2012

2011

(In thousands)

236,442

$

166,171

Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

31,461

22,550

28,920

23,819

290,453

$

218,910

47

 
 
 
BADGER METER, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Note 11    Unaudited: Quarterly Results of Operations, Common Stock Price and Dividends

2012
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Earnings per share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Stock price:

High. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Quarter-end close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2011
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Earnings per share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Stock price:

High. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Quarter-end close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Quarter ended

March 31

June 30

September 30

December 31

(In thousands except per share data)

76,233

28,864

6,249

0.42

0.42

0.16

35.05
29.30

33.99

57,359

20,437

3,260

0.22

0.22

0.14

45.47

36.44

41.21

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

81,974

30,201

7,442

0.52

0.52

0.16

39.73
32.61

37.55

75,148

27,220

7,834

0.52

0.52

0.14

41.61

33.98

36.99

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

87,130

34,330

8,857

0.63

0.62

0.17

39.85
32.29

36.39

69,698

22,780

6,880

0.46

0.46

0.16

40.83

28.66

28.93

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

74,323

28,851

5,484

0.39

0.39

0.17

48.60
36.25

47.41

60,710

19,383

1,187

0.08

0.08

0.16

35.41

26.86

29.43

The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BMI.  Earnings per share 

is computed independently for each quarter.  As such, the annual per share amount may not equal the sum of the quarterly 
amounts due to rounding.  The Company currently anticipates continuing to pay cash dividends.  Shareholders of record as of   
December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled 981 and 952, respectively.  Voting trusts and street name shareholders are counted as 
single shareholders for this purpose.

48

 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Company's 
management evaluated, with the participation of the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the 
Company's Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the effectiveness of the design and operation 
of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the 
year ended December 31, 2012.  Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Company's 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer concluded that, as of the date of such evaluation, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were 
effective.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-

K under the heading “Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K 

under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

49

 
 
 
PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by this Item with respect to directors is included under the headings "Nomination and Election of 

Directors" and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement 
relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning the executive officers of the Company is included in Part I, Item 1 of this 2012 Annual Report 

on Form 10-K under the heading “Business - Employees.”

The Company has adopted the Badger Meter, Inc. Code of Conduct for Financial Executives that applies to the 

Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company's Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial 
Officer and Treasurer and other persons performing similar functions.  A copy of the Badger Meter, Inc. Code of Conduct for 
Financial Executives is posted on the Company's website at www.badgermeter.com.  The Badger Meter, Inc. Code of Conduct 
for Financial Executives is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it in writing from the Secretary of the 
Company.  The Company satisfies the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or 
waivers from, the Badger Meter, Inc. Code of Conduct for Financial Executives by posting such information on the Company's 
website at www.badgermeter.com.

The Company is not including the information contained on its website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, 

this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this Item is included under the headings "Executive Compensation" and “Corporate 

Governance Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference; provided, however, that 
the information under the subsection "Executive Compensation - Corporate Governance Committee Report" is not deemed to 
be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to be the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will 
not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, except to the extent it is specifically incorporated by reference into such a filing.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required by this Item is included under the headings "Stock Ownership of Beneficial Owners Holding 

More than Five Percent,” “Stock Ownership of Management" and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Company's 
definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2013, and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this Item is included under the headings "Related Person Transactions" and “Nomination and 

Election of Directors - Independence, Committees, Meetings and Attendance” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement 
relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this Item is included under the heading "Principal Accounting Firm Fees" in the Company's 

definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2013, and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

50

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Documents filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1. 

2. 

3. 

Financial Statements.  See the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data” in this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the headings “Consolidated 
Balance Sheets,” “Consolidated Statements of Operations,” ”Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 
Income,”  “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” and “Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' 
Equity.”

Financial Statement Schedules.  Financial statement schedules are omitted because the information 
required in these schedules is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exhibits.  See the Exhibit Index included in this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K that is incorporated 
herein by reference.

51

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 5, 2013.

BADGER METER, INC.

By:

/s/    Richard A. Meeusen

  Richard A. Meeusen
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 5, 2013.

Name

Title

/s/    Richard A. Meeusen        

Richard A. Meeusen

/s/    Richard E. Johnson        

Richard E. Johnson

/s/    Beverly L. P. Smiley        

Beverly L. P. Smiley

/s/    Ronald H. Dix        

Ronald H. Dix

/s/    Gale E. Klappa        

Gale E. Klappa

/s/    Gail A. Lione        

Gail A. Lione

/s/    Thomas J. Fischer        

Thomas J. Fischer

/s/    Andrew J. Policano        

Andrew J. Policano

/s/    Steven J. Smith        

Steven J. Smith

/s/    Todd J. Teske        

Todd J. Teske

Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal executive officer)

Senior Vice President — Finance,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal financial officer)

Vice President — Controller
(Principal accounting officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

52

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
BOard O f dI reCtOrs

eXeCUtIV e OffIC ers

richard a. Meeusen
chairman, president and 
chief executive officer, 
Badger Meter, inc.

andrew J. Policano (2, 3)
dean, paul Merage 
school of Business, 
university of california, irvine

ronald H. dix (3)
retired senior vice president, 
Badger Meter, inc.

steven J. smith (1, 2)
chairman and chief executive officer,
Journal communications, inc.

thomas J. fischer (1, 3) 
consultant in corporate financial and 
accounting Matters; retired partner, 
arthur andersen llp

todd J. teske (1, 2)
chairman, president and  
chief executive officer, 
Briggs & stratton corporation

committees of the Board
1. audit and compliance 
2. compensation and corporate governance
3. employee Benefit plans

gale e. Klappa (1, 2)
chairman, president and  
chief executive officer,
wisconsin energy corporation

gail a. lione (3)
retired president,
the harley-davidson foundation and 
former executive vice president, 
general counsel and secretary, 
harley-davidson corporation

COr POr ate I NfOr MatION

Badger Meter, Inc. Headquarters
4545 w. Brown deer road
p.o. Box 245036
Milwaukee, wisconsin 53224-9536
(414) 355-0400
www.badgermeter.com

domestic facilities  
Milwaukee, wisconsin  
tulsa, oklahoma 
scottsdale, arizona 
racine, wisconsin  

foreign facilities
neuffen, germany
nogales, Mexico
Brno, czech republic
Bern, switzerland

Independent registered Public accounting firm
ernst & young llp, Milwaukee, wisconsin

transfer agent
american stock transfer & trust company, llc 
new york, new york
(877) 248-6415  
www.amstock.com

listing of Common stock
new york stock exchange, symbol — BMi

annual Meeting
shareholders are encouraged to attend the 2013 annual meeting at 8:30 a.m., 
local time, on friday, april 26, 2013 at the Milwaukee club, 706 n. Jefferson 
street, Milwaukee, wisconsin 53202. 

form 10-K report/shareholder Information
a copy of the company’s fiscal 2012 form 10-K annual report (without exhibits) 
as filed with the securities and exchange commission is included in this report. 
shareholder information, including news releases, form 10-K, and corporate 
governance information, including the company’s corporate governance 
guidelines, code of Business conduct and charters for committees of the 
Board of directors, are available on the company’s web site: www.badgermeter.
com. shareholders who hold their stock in nominee or “street” name can receive 
shareholder information directly from the company by being placed on our 
mailing list. please direct inquiries to: shareholder relations, Badger Meter, 
inc., p.o. Box 245036, Milwaukee, wi 53224-9536, or call (414) 371-5702.

richard a. Meeusen
chairman, president and 
chief executive officer

richard e. Johnson
senior vice president – 
finance, chief financial officer 
and treasurer 

fred J. Begale
vice president – 
engineering

William r. Bergum
vice president – 
general counsel and secretary

gregory M. gomez
vice president – 
Business development

Horst e. gras
vice president – 
international operations

raymond g. serdynski
vice president – 
Manufacturing

Beverly l. smiley
vice president – 
controller

Kimberly K. stoll
vice president – 
sales and Marketing 

dennis J. Webb
vice president –  
customer solutions 

automatic dividend reinvestment and stock Purchase Plan
Badger Meter’s dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan is 
a convenient way to acquire shares of company stock. to receive a 
prospectus describing the plan and an enrollment card, please contact 
our plan administrator, american stock transfer at (877) 248-6415, or 
visit their web site: www.amstock.com. if your stock certificate is lost, 
stolen or destroyed, or if you change your address or lose a dividend 
check, please call american stock transfer at (877) 248-6415. 

direct registration system
shareholders of Badger Meter common stock can hold their shares 
in uncertificated/book entry form at the transfer agent. current 
shareholders who wish to transfer their existing shares to direct 
registration should mail their stock certificates to american stock 
transfer per the instructions on their web site: www.amstock.com. for 
more information, please call american stock transfer at (877) 248-6415.

forward looking statements
certain statements contained in this document, as well as other 
information provided from time to time by the company or its employees, 
may contain forward looking statements that involve risks and 
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from 
those in the forward looking statements. please see page one of the 
enclosed form 10-K for a list of words or expressions that identify such 
statements and the risks and uncertainties identified in the form 10-K.

Certifications
the company filed as exhibits to its fiscal 2012 form 10-K the 
certifications of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer 
required by section 302 of the sarbanes-oxley act. the company also 
submitted to the new york stock exchange during 2012 the annual  
ceo certification required by section 303a.12(a) of the new york  
stock exchange listed company Manual. 

trademarks
trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their 
respective entities. ©2013 Badger Meter, inc. all rights reserved.

BADGER METER, INC.

4545 W. BROWN DEER ROAD

P.0. BOX 245036

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

53224-9536

WWW.BADGERMETER.COM