Form 4: Badger Meter Director Xia Liu Reports Changes in Beneficial Ownership

Director Xia Liu reports acquisition of phantom stock units and common stock grants in Badger Meter Inc.

Summary

• On April 28, 2025, Xia Liu, a director at Badger Meter Inc., reported changes in her beneficial ownership of the company's securities.
• She acquired 78.84 phantom stock units at a price of $190.25, representing payment for her annual Audit and Compliance Committee Chair Fee of $15,000.
• Additionally, she acquired 494 shares of Badger Meter common stock granted pursuant to the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan, valued at $215.78 per share.
• Following these transactions, Ms. Liu directly owns 3,034.622 phantom stock units.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects standard compensation practices and equity ownership changes, indicating a stable and well-governed company. There are no red flags or negative indicators.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units and common stock demonstrates continued alignment of the director's interests with those of the shareholders.
• The annual grant of common stock to non-employee directors incentivizes them to contribute to the company's long-term success.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure related to director compensation and equity ownership, common in publicly traded companies. It reflects standard practices for aligning director interests with shareholder value through equity-based compensation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Equity compensation for board members is a common practice among publicly traded companies to align their interests with shareholders.
• The size and structure of the equity grants are generally comparable to those of similar-sized companies in the industrial sector.
• Companies like Roper Technologies and Fortive also utilize similar equity-based compensation plans for their directors.

Stakeholder Impact

• The equity grants to directors align their interests with shareholders, potentially leading to better decision-making and long-term value creation.
• Employees may view the equity grants positively, as they demonstrate the company's commitment to rewarding leadership and aligning incentives.

Key Dates

Keywords

Badger Meter, Director, Beneficial Ownership, Phantom Stock Units, Common Stock, SEC Form 4, Xia Liu, Audit and Compliance Committee