Form 4: Avista VP Kinney Receives Equity Grants

Avista Corp. Vice President Scott J. Kinney reported the acquisition of restricted stock and performance share grants totaling 6,831 shares.

Summary

• Scott J. Kinney, Vice President of Avista Corp. (AVA), reported new equity grants.
• Acquired 2,048 shares of Common Stock as Restricted Shares Grant on February 9, 2026, at a price of $40.99 per share.
• These restricted shares vest 1/3 each year over a 3-year period and are payable in Avista Corp. Common Stock at the end of each year.
• Acquired 4,783 performance shares as a Performance Shares Grant on February 9, 2026, with an implied value of $40.99 per share.
• These performance shares will be issued at the end of each 3-year cycle if specific performance measures are met.
• Following these transactions, Kinney directly beneficially owns 12,566.7289 shares of Common Stock and 4,783 performance shares.
• Kinney also indirectly holds an estimated 1,385.52 shares in a 401(k) Plan.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event, reflecting standard executive compensation practices that align management incentives with long-term company performance, without indicating any significant operational or financial changes.

Positives

• The Vice President received a grant of 2,048 restricted shares, aligning executive incentives with long-term shareholder value.
• An additional grant of 4,783 performance shares further incentivizes the executive to meet company performance targets over a 3-year cycle.

Future Outlook

The restricted shares will vest 1/3 each year over a 3-year period. Performance shares will be issued at the end of each 3-year cycle if performance measures are met.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that routine equity grants to executives are a standard practice in the utility sector, including companies like Avista Corp., to align management interests with long-term company performance and shareholder returns. These grants are part of a typical executive compensation package designed to retain talent and incentivize strategic growth.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Equity compensation, including restricted stock and performance shares, is a common practice across publicly traded companies, particularly in the utility sector, to incentivize long-term executive performance.
• The vesting schedule of 1/3 each year over three years for restricted shares is a standard approach, similar to practices seen at peers like Xcel Energy (XEL) or Sempra Energy (SRE).
• Performance-based share grants, contingent on meeting specific metrics over a multi-year cycle, are also standard and reflect a focus on achieving strategic objectives, comparable to programs at utilities such as Duke Energy (DUK) or Southern Company (SO).

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grants align the Vice President's interests with long-term shareholder value through equity ownership and performance incentives.
• Employees: May signal stability in executive compensation practices and a commitment to performance-based rewards.

Next Steps

• Restricted shares will vest 1/3 each year over the next three years.
• Performance shares will be issued at the end of their 3-year cycle if performance measures are met.

Key Dates

Keywords

Avista Corp, AVA, Form 4, SEC filing, insider transaction, restricted stock, performance shares, equity grant, executive compensation, Scott J. Kinney