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Avista ( (AVA) ) has issued an announcement.
Avista Corp. reported first-quarter 2026 GAAP net income of $92 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, up from $79 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, a year earlier, with non-GAAP utility earnings rising to $91 million, or $1.10 per share, from $82 million, or $1.01 per share. The improvement was driven by higher utility margins from general rate cases, net investment gains at non-regulated businesses, a lower effective tax rate, and reduced depreciation following the 2026 exit from the Colstrip facility.
On May 5, 2026, management confirmed 2026 non-GAAP utility earnings guidance of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, underpinned by assumed normal weather, a modest negative ERM impact, a 12 percent tax rate, and $615 million in capital expenditures. Avista reported solid liquidity, plans to issue equity and $230 million in long-term debt in 2026, and outlined a capital plan rising to $800 million in 2028, supporting sustained 4 to 6 percent long-term utility earnings growth from the midpoint of 2025 guidance.
Non-regulated other businesses generated $1 million in income in the first quarter of 2026, reversing a $3 million loss in the prior-year period as investment performance improved. The company’s earnings mix and capital trajectory highlight a continued emphasis on regulated utility growth and infrastructure spending, while separating volatile investment-driven results from its core utility performance metrics for investors and analysts.
The most recent analyst rating on (AVA) stock is a Sell with a $37.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Avista stock, see the AVA Stock Forecast page.
Spark’s Take on AVA Stock
According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, AVA is a Neutral.
The score is held back primarily by elevated financial uncertainty from the provided 2025 financial-statement anomalies (revenue/profitability and balance-sheet inconsistencies). Valuation is a support via a strong dividend yield and reasonable P/E, while technicals are mixed with modestly weak near-term momentum. The latest earnings call is mildly supportive with clear guidance and capital plan, but near-term regulatory/customer headwinds and higher financing needs limit upside.
To see Spark’s full report on AVA stock, click here.
More about Avista
Avista Corp., listed on the NYSE as AVA, operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities, generating and delivering energy to customers in its service territories. The company’s operations focus on utility margin management, capital investment in grid and gas infrastructure, and balancing regulated returns with community and shareholder interests.
Avista also runs non-regulated businesses whose results are influenced by investment gains and losses, though these are separated from its core non-GAAP utility earnings. Its capital program through 2030 emphasizes base system investments and selected projects, while excluding potential incremental transmission expansions and large-load integration projects from base plans.
Average Trading Volume: 621,713
Technical Sentiment Signal: Strong Buy
Current Market Cap: $3.35B
For an in-depth examination of AVA stock, go to TipRanks’ Overview page.