Form 4: Avista SVP Sells Shares for Tax, Converts Performance Stock

Avista Corp.'s Senior Vice President, Bryan Alden Cox, reported a sale of 1,131 common shares to cover tax obligations on vested restricted stock and the conversion of 1,147 performance shares.

Summary

• Bryan Alden Cox, Senior Vice President of Avista Corp. (AVA), reported transactions on January 6, 2026.
• Sold 1,131 shares of common stock at a price of $38.95 per share.
• The sale was conducted to satisfy income tax obligations on the final one-third of 2023, second one-third of 2024, and first one-third of 2025 restricted shares that vested on January 6, 2026.
• Converted 1,147 of 2023 Performance Shares (TSR) into common stock, indicating performance measures were met.
• Following these transactions, Cox directly owns 7,681 common shares and indirectly owns 9,986.84 shares in a 401(k) plan.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: Neutral. This is a routine compliance filing detailing executive stock transactions (tax-related sale and performance share conversion) and does not indicate a significant positive or negative shift in company fundamentals or outlook.

Positives

• The conversion of 1,147 performance shares into common stock indicates that the company met specific performance measures (TSR) for the 2023 period, which is a positive sign of operational achievement.

Negatives

• The sale of 1,131 common shares, even if for tax purposes, reduces the direct beneficial ownership of a Senior Vice President in the company.

Future Outlook

This filing is a compliance report for insider transactions and does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details routine executive compensation transactions, specifically the vesting of restricted stock, the sale of shares to cover associated tax liabilities, and the conversion of performance-based awards. These types of transactions are common across publicly traded companies as part of executive incentive and compensation plans, aligning management interests with shareholder value through equity ownership.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The reported transactions, including the sale of shares for tax purposes upon vesting of restricted stock and the conversion of performance shares, are standard practices in executive compensation across various industries, including the utilities sector where Avista Corp. operates.
• The structure of equity compensation, involving restricted stock and performance shares, is a widely adopted mechanism to incentivize long-term performance and align executive interests with those of shareholders, consistent with corporate governance best practices.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The conversion of performance shares into common stock results in a minor increase in outstanding shares, which is a routine part of equity compensation plans. The sale of shares for tax purposes is a common event and generally does not signal a change in management's confidence.
• Management: Bryan Alden Cox's compensation structure, including restricted and performance shares, continues to align his interests with the company's performance and shareholder value.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine executive compensation transactions, specifically the sale of shares to cover tax obligations on vested restricted stock and the conversion of performance shares. These are standard occurrences and do not provide new fundamental information to warrant a change in investment recommendation. The company's core business and financial health remain the primary drivers for investment decisions, which are not addressed in this compliance filing.

Keywords

Avista Corp, AVA, Bryan Alden Cox, Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Sale, Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Executive Compensation, SEC Filing