The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how inspection instruments stocks fared in Q4, starting with Itron (NASDAQ:ITRI).

Measurement and inspection instrument companies may enjoy more steady demand because products such as water meters are non-discretionary and mandated for replacement at predictable intervals. In the last decade, digitization and data collection have driven innovation in the space, leading to incremental sales. But like the broader industrials sector, measurement and inspection instrument companies are at the whim of economic cycles. Interest rates, for example, can greatly impact civil, commercial, and residential construction projects that drive demand.

The 5 inspection instruments stocks we track reported a very strong Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.3% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 1.2% on average since the latest earnings results.

Itron (NASDAQ:ITRI)

Founded by a small group of engineers who wanted to build a more efficient way to read utility meters, Itron (NASDAQ:ITRI) offers energy and water management products for the utility industry, municipalities, and industrial customers.

Itron reported revenues of $612.9 million, up 6.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations.

“Itron’s fourth quarter results capped a successful year,” said Tom Deitrich, Itron’s president and CEO.

the stock is up 13.4% since reporting and currently trades at $105.12.

Is now the time to buy Itron? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free .

Best Q4: FARO (NASDAQ:FARO)

Launched by two PhD students in a garage, FARO (NASDAQ:FARO) provides 3D measurement and imaging systems for the manufacturing, construction, engineering, and public safety industries.

FARO reported revenues of $93.54 million, down 5.4% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.3%. The business had an exceptional quarter, with EPS guidance for the next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 5.5% since reporting. It currently trades at $28.59.

Is now the time to buy FARO? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free .