Avista Corp (AVA)
NYSE:AVA
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Avista (AVA) AI Stock Analysis

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AVA

Avista

(NYSE:AVA)

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Neutral 68 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$41.00
▼(-1.58% Downside)
Avista's overall score is driven by strong financial performance and a solid valuation, despite challenges in cash flow management and clean technology investments. Technical indicators suggest a neutral market sentiment, while earnings call insights reflect both strategic successes and short-term earnings pressures.
Positive Factors
Regulatory Success
The approval of settlement agreements in Idaho strengthens Avista's regulatory standing, ensuring stable revenue streams and supporting infrastructure investments, which are crucial for long-term operational stability and growth.
Revenue Growth
Strong revenue growth indicates robust demand for Avista's services, enhancing its market position and providing a solid foundation for future profitability and expansion in the utility sector.
Positive Load Growth Potential
Significant potential demand from large load customers suggests future revenue opportunities, positioning Avista to capitalize on increased energy needs and expand its customer base.
Negative Factors
Negative Free Cash Flow
The significant negative free cash flow growth highlights cash management challenges, which could impact Avista's ability to fund operations and investments, potentially straining financial health.
Decline in Earnings
The decline in earnings per share indicates pressure on profitability, which may affect investor confidence and limit financial flexibility for future growth initiatives.
Impact of Clean Technology Investment Valuations
Valuation losses in clean technology investments reflect vulnerability to policy changes, potentially affecting Avista's strategic focus on sustainable energy and its financial performance.

Avista (AVA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Avista Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAvista Corp (AVA) is a diversified utility company based in the Pacific Northwest, primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas. It serves approximately 400,000 electric customers and 350,000 natural gas customers across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Avista operates through two main segments: Electric Operations and Natural Gas Operations, providing essential energy services while also engaging in renewable energy initiatives and energy efficiency programs.
How the Company Makes MoneyAvista generates revenue primarily through the sale of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company charges customers based on a regulated rate structure approved by state utility commissions, which allows it to recover its operating costs and earn a return on investment. Key revenue streams include electricity sales, natural gas sales, and various ancillary services. Additionally, Avista participates in energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects, which can provide additional income through incentives and grants. The company may also benefit from partnerships with local governments and other entities focused on sustainability and clean energy initiatives, further enhancing its revenue potential.

Avista Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong financial performance with significant earnings growth and successful strategic initiatives like wildfire resiliency and the positive response to the RFP. However, challenges remain with valuation losses in other businesses and the energy recovery mechanism impacting earnings guidance.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Earnings Growth
Consolidated earnings year-to-date in 2025 were $1.51 per diluted share compared to $1.44 year-to-date in 2024. For the third quarter of 2025, earnings were $0.36 per diluted share compared to $0.23 in the third quarter of 2024.
Significant Increase in Avista Utilities Earnings
Year-to-date results at Avista Utilities showed a nearly 15% increase over 2024's results, reflecting strong core utility operations and cost management.
Successful Wildfire Resiliency Program
The 2025 wildfire season concluded without needing to initiate a public safety power shutoff, showcasing significant progress in the wildfire resiliency program.
Positive Response to 2025 RFP
The 2025 all-source RFP received over 80 bids, totaling nearly 14 gigawatts of capacity and 300 megawatts of demand response, indicating strong interest and diverse options.
Beat Market Expectations
The third quarter financial results exceeded market expectations, driven by consistent operational execution and constructive regulatory outcomes.
Negative Updates
Valuation Losses in Other Businesses
Consolidated results are expected at the lower end of the guidance range due to $0.16 of losses associated with the investment portfolio year-to-date.
Energy Recovery Mechanism Impact
The energy recovery mechanism is expected to have a negative impact of $0.14, with $0.12 incurred year-to-date, affecting the earnings guidance.
Potential Power Cost Drag in 2026
There is an anticipated power cost drag in 2026 due to the current energy recovery mechanism and power supply cost settings.
Company Guidance
During the Avista Corporation Q3 2025 earnings call, the company provided guidance reaffirming its consolidated earnings range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share for 2025. Avista Utilities is expected to contribute toward the upper end of its guidance range of $2.43 to $2.61 per diluted share, despite valuation losses in other businesses. The company reported year-to-date consolidated earnings of $1.51 per diluted share, a rise from $1.44 in the previous year, with third-quarter 2025 consolidated earnings at $0.36 per share compared to $0.23 in 2024. The call highlighted Avista's capital expenditures at $363 million for the first three quarters and forecasted a total of $525 million for the year, with an anticipated growth rate of 6% from 2025 to 2030. Additionally, Avista discussed strategic initiatives, including a 425 megawatt request for proposals for new capacity, and emphasized its commitment to wildfire risk mitigation and grid modernization efforts.

Avista Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Avista shows strong revenue growth and stable profitability, supported by efficient operations. However, high leverage and negative free cash flow indicate potential risks and cash management challenges.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Avista's income statement shows strong revenue growth with a TTM revenue growth rate of 45.9%, indicating robust expansion. The gross profit margin is healthy at 61.8%, and the net profit margin is stable at 9.1%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also solid, reflecting efficient operations. However, the net profit margin has slightly decreased from the previous year, suggesting some pressure on profitability.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is consistent at 6.9%, showing steady returns for shareholders. The equity ratio of 32.8% suggests a stable capital structure, though there is room for improvement in reducing debt levels to enhance financial stability.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis highlights challenges with negative free cash flow growth at -921.7% TTM, indicating cash management issues. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.66, showing reasonable cash generation from operations. However, the negative free cash flow to net income ratio suggests potential liquidity concerns that need addressing.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.95B1.94B1.75B1.71B1.44B1.32B
Gross Profit1.21B1.14B1.05B974.35M941.81M923.38M
EBITDA619.05M602.00M542.63M446.42M459.02M450.49M
Net Income178.65M180.00M171.18M155.18M147.33M129.49M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.06B7.94B7.70B7.42B6.85B6.40B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments9.00M30.00M35.00M13.43M22.17M14.20M
Total Debt3.17B3.12B3.03B2.92B2.60B2.39B
Total Liabilities5.42B5.35B5.22B5.08B4.70B4.37B
Stockholders Equity2.65B2.59B2.48B2.33B2.15B2.03B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-86.79M1.00M-51.56M-327.79M-172.60M-73.30M
Operating Cash Flow441.00M534.00M447.08M124.21M267.34M331.00M
Investing Cash Flow-532.87M-539.00M-510.39M-460.24M-444.92M-410.74M
Financing Cash Flow86.22M0.0084.89M327.29M185.55M84.04M

Avista Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price41.66
Price Trends
50DMA
37.83
Positive
100DMA
37.45
Positive
200DMA
37.83
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.97
Negative
RSI
76.11
Negative
STOCH
95.97
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AVA, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 41.66 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.33, above the 50-day MA of 37.83, and above the 200-day MA of 37.83, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.97 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 76.11 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.97 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AVA.

Avista Risk Analysis

Avista disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Avista reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Avista Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$4.06B18.737.62%4.38%4.90%-4.42%
76
Outperform
$5.37B17.957.90%4.20%7.03%6.64%
72
Outperform
$3.60B12.9716.10%2.49%-3.18%-8.62%
68
Neutral
$3.35B17.487.31%4.67%2.14%-6.51%
68
Neutral
$3.91B23.605.83%4.29%-4.30%-8.49%
67
Neutral
$3.04B22.5910.80%2.17%8.26%12.47%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AVA
Avista
41.66
6.05
16.99%
ALE
Allete
67.53
5.63
9.10%
BKH
Black Hills
72.17
11.75
19.45%
MGEE
MGE Energy
84.02
-22.02
-20.77%
NWE
Northwestern
67.31
14.67
27.87%
OTTR
Otter Tail
85.93
7.65
9.77%

Avista Corporate Events

Avista Corp. Reports Q2 2025 Earnings, Confirms Guidance
Aug 7, 2025

Avista Corp. is an energy company that specializes in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, primarily serving customers in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of Oregon. The company also operates in Alaska through its subsidiary AEL&P.

Avista’s Earnings Call: Mixed Sentiments and Future Plans
Aug 7, 2025

Avista Corporation’s recent earnings call painted a mixed picture for investors. While the company reaffirmed its earnings guidance and highlighted positive regulatory outcomes and a strong liquidity position, challenges such as a decline in second quarter earnings and valuation losses in clean technology investments tempered the overall sentiment.

Private Placements and Financing
Avista Issues $120 Million in Mortgage Bonds
Neutral
Jul 25, 2025

On July 23, 2025, Avista Corporation issued $120 million of 6.18% first mortgage bonds due in 2055 in a private placement with institutional investors. The proceeds will be used to repay borrowings for utility facility construction, and the bonds are secured by a lien on substantially all of Avista’s property.

The most recent analyst rating on (AVA) stock is a Hold with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Avista stock, see the AVA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 15, 2025