Who Owns Badger Meter Company?

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Who Owns Badger Meter?

The ownership structure of a company is key to understanding its strategic direction and market influence. For Badger Meter, a leader in flow measurement and control, knowing its owners offers insights into its operational priorities within the water technology sector. Founded in 1905 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company began with a focus on accurate water measurement, particularly through frost-proof water meters.

Currently, Badger Meter operates as a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange, identified by the ticker symbol 'BMI'. It's recognized as a significant player in smart water solutions. In the first quarter of 2024, the company achieved record sales of $196.2 million and earnings per share of $0.76, underscoring its strong performance in the essential water technology market. As of July 18, 2025, its market capitalization was approximately $7.2 billion, with 29.5 million shares outstanding, indicating a substantial market presence.

Delving into Badger Meter's ownership history reveals its evolution from its founding days to its current status. This includes examining shifts in its major stakeholders and the influence of its Board of Directors. Understanding who owns Badger Meter provides a clearer picture of its trajectory and how it navigates the dynamic water technology landscape. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its product development, including solutions that might be analyzed through frameworks like the Badger Meter BCG Matrix.

The Badger Meter company owner landscape is primarily composed of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. As a publicly traded company, no single entity or individual typically holds a majority stake. Instead, ownership is dispersed among a wide range of investors who buy Badger Meter stock. These investors, including large asset management firms and pension funds, play a crucial role in the company's governance and strategic decisions through their voting power and influence on the Badger Meter board of directors.

Institutional investors collectively hold a significant portion of Badger Meter stock, reflecting confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects. These entities often invest based on thorough analysis of Badger Meter financial reports and market trends. The history of Badger Meter ownership shows a gradual increase in institutional backing as the company has grown and solidified its position in the smart water solutions market. For those interested in how to invest in Badger Meter, understanding these ownership dynamics is a key starting point.

The Badger Meter executive team, led by its CEO, is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic execution. While the executive team manages the company, ultimate oversight rests with the Board of Directors, who are elected by the shareholders. The Badger Meter investor relations department serves as a vital link between the company and its shareholders, providing access to information such as the Badger Meter annual report and details about Badger Meter stock price history. This transparency is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and attracting new investors interested in the Badger Meter company profile.

The founders of Badger Meter laid the groundwork for its success, and their initial vision continues to influence the company's direction. While the original founders may no longer be directly involved, their legacy is carried forward by the current leadership and the company's ongoing commitment to innovation in water measurement technology. The question of who founded Badger Meter highlights the company's long-standing presence and expertise in its field.

For those seeking to understand the broader investment landscape, examining Badger Meter investors provides insight into market sentiment and the types of entities that find value in the company's offerings. The company's headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves as the central hub for its global operations. Badger Meter's journey from its inception to becoming a publicly traded entity with a significant market capitalization is a testament to its sustained growth and strategic management.

Badger Meter Manufacturing Company was officially incorporated on March 8, 1905, by a group of four businessmen based in Milwaukee. Among the key figures in its founding were Herbert F. Zarse and A.W. Tucker. John Leach was also identified as a founder and later took on the role of president for the company. Their initial objective was to manufacture frost-proof water meters specifically designed for residential use in the Midwestern United States, a region where freezing temperatures presented a significant challenge for water infrastructure.

The early days of Badger Meter saw it operating from a modest two-story machine shop located in downtown Milwaukee. Under the leadership of co-founder and president John Leach, the company focused on its innovative frost-proof meter design. This meter featured a unique cast-iron bottom plate that was intentionally soft and replaceable. The design allowed this plate to rupture and relieve pressure when water inside the meter froze, thereby preventing damage to the main body of the meter. This practical innovation quickly found a receptive market, and by 1910, Badger Meter was achieving sales of nearly 3,700 meters annually. While specific details about the initial capitalization and the exact equity distribution among the founders in 1905 are not extensively documented, the founders' shared vision for accurate and durable water measurement was fundamental to the company's early product development and its successful market entry.

A significant leadership transition occurred in 1924 when Charles Wright succeeded John Leach as president. This marked the beginning of a new era for the company, with Wright guiding Badger Meter's trajectory for the subsequent three decades. The company's commitment to innovation and addressing practical needs, as exemplified by its frost-proof meter, laid a strong foundation for its future growth and its role in the water utility sector. Understanding the history of Badger Meter ownership reveals a journey rooted in practical engineering and a clear market focus from its inception.

Founding Year

Badger Meter Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1905, marking the beginning of its long history in the water metering industry.

Key Founders

Herbert F. Zarse and A.W. Tucker were among the key businessmen who incorporated the company, with John Leach also identified as a founder and early president.

Initial Product Innovation

The company's first major product was an innovative frost-proof water meter designed to withstand cold Midwestern winters.

Early Operations

Operations began in a two-story machine shop in Milwaukee, reflecting the company's humble beginnings.

Early Sales Performance

By 1910, Badger Meter was selling approximately 3,700 meters annually, demonstrating early market acceptance.

Leadership Transition

Charles Wright succeeded John Leach as president in 1924, initiating a significant leadership change that guided the company for decades.

Early Ownership Landscape

While detailed records of initial capitalization and equity splits from 1905 are scarce, the foundational ownership of Badger Meter was vested in its Milwaukee-based founders. Their collective vision and investment were crucial for launching the company and developing its groundbreaking frost-proof water meter technology. The early success of the company can be attributed to this initial group of entrepreneurs who aimed to solve a pressing problem for homeowners in cold climates.

• Founders: Herbert F. Zarse, A.W. Tucker, and John Leach were key figures.
• Initial Goal: To produce frost-proof water meters for the Midwestern US.
• Early Operations Base: A two-story machine shop in Milwaukee.
• Market Penetration: Achieved sales of nearly 3,700 meters annually by 1910.
• Leadership Succession: John Leach was succeeded by Charles Wright in 1924.
• Public Trading Status: Badger Meter is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among shareholders.

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The journey of Badger Meter's ownership began with its transition to a publicly traded entity on the American Stock Exchange in 1971, a move that later saw it listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This significant step provided the company with crucial access to public capital markets, fueling its capacity for growth and strategic initiatives. The company's performance has been robust, with its stock price reaching $239.39 per share as of July 14, 2025, reflecting a substantial 22.01% increase from the previous year. By July 18, 2025, Badger Meter's market capitalization had climbed to an impressive approximately $7.2 billion.

The current ownership landscape of Badger Meter is largely dominated by major financial institutions and mutual funds, a clear indicator of strong investor confidence in the company's direction and performance. As of March 31, 2025, these institutional investors collectively held a commanding approximately 96.15% of the company's shares, amounting to over 34.9 million shares. Among the most significant institutional shareholders are BlackRock, Inc., which held 5,291,556 shares as of the same date, followed by The Vanguard Group Inc. with 3,796,229 shares, State Street Corp. holding 1,442,685 shares, Geode Capital Management, Llc with 857,179 shares, and Invesco Ltd. possessing 630,891 shares. Ownership by company insiders constitutes a smaller portion, which is a common characteristic of well-established publicly traded corporations. This institutional support underpins the company's strategic focus on digital water solutions and sustainability, a vision championed by CEO Kenneth C. Bockhorst since 2018.

The company's strategic direction, emphasizing innovation in water management technologies, has been a key driver for its market valuation and investor interest. This focus aligns with global trends towards smart city infrastructure and resource conservation, positioning Badger Meter for continued growth.

Understanding Badger Meter's Investor Base

Badger Meter's ownership is heavily concentrated among institutional investors, reflecting confidence in its market position and future prospects. Understanding these major stakeholders is key to grasping the company's financial dynamics.

• Institutional investors hold approximately 96.15% of shares as of March 31, 2025.
• Key institutional holders include BlackRock, Inc. and The Vanguard Group Inc.
• The company's market capitalization reached approximately $7.2 billion as of July 18, 2025.
• Badger Meter's stock price saw a 22.01% increase from July 15, 2024, to July 14, 2025.
• The company's strategic focus on digital water solutions contributes to its investor appeal.

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The Board of Directors at Badger Meter, Inc. is instrumental in guiding the company's strategic path and safeguarding shareholder interests. As outlined in the 2025 Proxy Statement, the board comprises nine directors, all elected for one-year terms. Voting power for Badger Meter's common stock operates on a one-share-one-vote principle. Shareholders of record as of February 28, 2025, were eligible to cast their votes at the Annual Meeting. In instances where a proxy is submitted without specific voting instructions, it is automatically cast in favor of the nominated directors.

While the specific institutional investors represented by board members are not explicitly detailed in public summaries, the board composition typically features a blend of independent directors and individuals with executive experience within the company. Kenneth C. Bockhorst currently holds the positions of Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer. For detailed information regarding board independence and committee responsibilities, the company's investor relations section offers access to governance documents, including specifics on Board of Directors and Committee Composition.

Badger Meter has maintained a governance structure that has not experienced significant disruptions from proxy battles or activist investor campaigns in recent years. The company's focus remains on robust governance practices, emphasizing effective risk management and driving product innovation, which is a key aspect when considering the Competitors Landscape of Badger Meter.

Board of Directors' Role

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the company's operations and strategy. They ensure that the company is managed in the best interests of its shareholders.

• Electing and overseeing senior management.
• Approving major corporate decisions.
• Monitoring financial performance.
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

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Over the past three to five years, Badger Meter has actively reshaped its ownership landscape and broadened its market footprint through strategic acquisitions. The company's commitment to enhancing its smart water solutions is evident in its recent transactions. In January 2025, Badger Meter acquired SmartCover Systems for approximately $185 million, a move that significantly bolsters its BlueEdge portfolio by integrating sewer and lift station monitoring capabilities. This strategic acquisition follows the January 2024 purchase of select remote water monitoring hardware and software, including the Telog product line, for $3.0 million, and the 2023 acquisition of Syrinix Ltd. for $17.1 million. These steps underscore a clear strategy to solidify its position in the smart water technology sector.

Badger Meter has consistently demonstrated a commitment to returning value to its shareholders. For the quarter ending May 23, 2025, a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share was declared, payable on June 6, 2025. This reflects a stable approach to shareholder returns. In 2024, the company notably increased its annual dividend rate by 26% to $1.36 per share, marking the 32nd consecutive year of annual dividend increases. This sustained growth in dividends highlights the company's financial health and dedication to rewarding its investors. While a stock repurchase of $427,000 was completed in 2022, recent financial reports for 2024 and early 2025 do not indicate significant share buybacks. However, the board has authorized the repurchase of up to 200,000 shares through February 2026, providing flexibility for future capital allocation decisions.

The ownership structure of Badger Meter shows a significant and growing presence of institutional investors. As of July 14, 2025, there were 923 institutional owners holding a substantial 34,968,339 shares. This high level of institutional accumulation suggests strong confidence from major financial entities in the company's future prospects and its Growth Strategy of Badger Meter. The company's 2024 Sustainability Report, released in June 2025, further details its ongoing dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Such a strong focus on ESG factors is increasingly influential in attracting and retaining institutional investment, aligning with broader market trends favoring sustainable business practices.

Institutional Investor Confidence

As of July 14, 2025, Badger Meter is held by 923 institutional owners. These entities collectively possess 34,968,339 shares. This indicates a strong endorsement from the financial community.

Shareholder Returns and Growth

Badger Meter has a history of consistent shareholder returns, including a 32nd consecutive year of annual dividend increases in 2024. The company anticipates continued high single-digit revenue growth in the utility water sector.

Strategic Acquisitions

Recent acquisitions, such as SmartCover Systems in January 2025 for $185 million, demonstrate a clear strategy to expand its smart water solutions. These moves enhance its technological capabilities and market reach.

ESG Focus

The company's 2024 Sustainability Report highlights its commitment to ESG principles. This focus is increasingly important for attracting institutional investors and aligning with market trends.

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