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Itron is a technology provider serving the global energy and water industries. Since its founding in 1977, the company has provided handheld computer systems for collecting data from meters. Itron also offers hardware, software, and services that integrate the creation, measurement, collection, management, and forecasting of data, thus allowing utilities to share critical knowledge with other market participants, including end users. More than 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries use the company's technology to optimize their delivery and use of energy and water. Headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington, Itron employs about 5,000 people. ITRI shares are a component of the S&P 600 Small-Cap Index.

At midday Wednesday, the major benchmarks were broadly higher amid a softer consumer inflation print for April and lower bond yields. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in April, lower than the 0.4% consensus and matching the prior month's 0.3% increase. The year-over-year figure came in at 3.4%, in line with the consensus. Shelter inflation remained elevated in April, rising 5.5% on an annual basis, with higher interest rates making housing less affordable. Prices for gas and insurance also remained on the high side from the prior month, while consumers got some relief from falling prices for new and used cars as well as household furnishings. After three consecutive monthly consumer inflation readings above expectations, the April report is a reprieve, although the Federal Reserve has said it will be looking for a consistent trend toward the 2% annualized level before lowering interest rates. Elsewhere, the Department of Commerce reported that retail sales in April were flat with the prior month, below the 0.4% consensus and the prior month's 0.6% pace. Pulling out auto and gas sales, the figure actually declined 0.1%. Some of the culprits were non-store retailers and sporting goods/hobby stores, which saw declines around 1%. The report continues a recent string of softer economic reports, including less job creation in April, with consumers now moderating spending a bit.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

Based in Everett, Washington, Fortive provides professional and engineered products, software, and services for a variety of end markets. It has 18,000 employees and operates in 50 countries. The shares are a component of the S&P 500.