Avista Corp (NYSE:AVA) Vice President Alexis G. Alexander sold 555 shares of the utility's common stock on March 13, 2026, at a per-share price of $39.8013, producing a total transaction value of $22,089. The sale price was slightly higher than Avista's then-current share price of $39.73. The $3.28 billion company was trading near its 52-week high of $43.50 at the time of the transaction.
Following the disposition, Alexander directly holds 3,930 shares of Avista. The insider sale reduces that executive's stake by the disclosed amount, while leaving Alexander with the remaining shareholdings reported after the trade.
Investors weighing Avista's income characteristics have several notable data points. The company offers a 5% dividend yield and, according to InvestingPro data, has increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years. At the same time, InvestingPro's Fair Value analysis classifies the stock as appearing overvalued. The platform also provides expanded materials for subscribers, including a Pro Research Report among more than 1,400 reports on U.S. equities and additional ProTips for deeper analysis.
Recent operating results provide context for the insider move. Avista reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $0.87, which missed the analyst projection of $1.04. Quarterly revenue came in at $518 million, falling short of the expected $527.56 million. These figures reflect the company's most recent reported financial performance.
Market research activity has also changed: Barclays initiated coverage of Avista with an Equalweight rating and set a $40.00 price target. In its coverage note, Barclays observed that Avista's earnings-per-share growth outlook remains below the sector average. Avista's own guidance for 2025 positions long-term utility EPS growth at 4% to 6% based on a 2025 EPS guidance figure of $2.62 per share, compared with the sector's approximate average growth of 7% referenced in the same reporting.
Summary
Avista's vice president sold a modest block of shares worth $22,089 while the company navigates a recent quarterly earnings miss, a dividend profile that includes a 5% yield and 23 consecutive years of increases, and a new Equalweight initiation from Barclays with a $40 target. InvestingPro flags the shares as overvalued and offers paid research tools for further evaluation.
Key points
- Insider sale: Alexis G. Alexander sold 555 shares for $22,089 on March 13, 2026, and now holds 3,930 shares.
- Dividend strength: Avista yields 5% and has raised its dividend for 23 straight years, per InvestingPro.
- Financial backdrop: Q4 2025 EPS of $0.87 and revenue of $518 million both missed analyst expectations; Barclays started coverage at Equalweight with a $40 price target.
Risks and uncertainties
- Earnings and revenue shortfalls - The Q4 2025 EPS and revenue misses highlight near-term performance risk for shareholders and sector investors tracking utilities.
- Valuation concerns - InvestingPro's Fair Value analysis indicates the stock may be overvalued, presenting valuation risk for prospective buyers.
- Growth outlook relative to peers - Avista's targeted long-term EPS growth of 4% to 6%, based on 2025 guidance of $2.62, is below the cited sector average of roughly 7%, which may affect relative performance versus peer utilities.