Form 4: Avista Executive Sells Shares for Tax, Converts Awards

Avista Corp. Senior VP Gregory Hesler sold 1,265 shares of common stock to cover tax liabilities on vested restricted shares and converted 1,376 performance shares.

Summary

• Gregory Curtis Hesler, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Avista Corp., reported transactions on January 6, 2026.
• Hesler disposed of 1,265 shares of Avista Corp. Common Stock at a price of $38.95 per share.
• This sale was conducted to cover income tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted shares from 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• Additionally, Hesler acquired 1,376 shares of Common Stock through the conversion of 2023 Performance Shares (TSR), indicating that performance measures were met.
• Following these transactions, Hesler beneficially owns 20,573.9726 shares of Avista Corp. Common Stock.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing details routine insider transactions (stock sale for tax, conversion of performance shares) which are common and generally do not indicate a significant positive or negative shift in the company's fundamental outlook or an executive's confidence.

Positives

• The conversion of 1,376 2023 Performance Shares (TSR) into common stock indicates that the company met its performance measures, which is a positive sign for operational execution.

Negatives

• The sale of 1,265 shares of common stock, even for tax purposes, slightly reduces the direct beneficial ownership of a key executive.

Future Outlook

This filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Management Comments

• Shares sold to pay income tax on final 1/3 of 2023, second 1/3 of 2024 and first 1/3 of 2025 restricted shares that vested on January 6, 2026.

Industry Context

Form 4 filings are routine disclosures for publicly traded companies, detailing changes in beneficial ownership by company insiders. These transactions, particularly sales for tax obligations and conversions of performance-based awards, are common aspects of executive compensation and personal financial planning within the utility sector and broader market.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal impact as these are routine insider transactions and do not signal a change in company fundamentals or executive confidence.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details a routine insider transaction where an executive sold shares to cover tax liabilities on vested restricted stock and converted performance shares. Such transactions are common and generally do not provide new information that would warrant a change in the company's fundamental outlook or an investor's existing investment thesis. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate.

Keywords

Avista Corp, AVA, Form 4, insider transaction, stock sale, performance shares, executive compensation, restricted stock