Avista Corp. Insider Sales Surge: VP David Meyer Sells 417 Shares Amid Growing Executive Liquidations.

Insider Selling Continues at Avista Corp.

Avista Corp. shares fell to $42.27 on February 2, 2026, after a string of high‑profile sales by senior management. On that day, Vice President David Meyer sold 417 shares at $41.41, a move that coincides with his retirement and the vesting of a restricted share tranche. The sale was executed at the current market price, so it carries little immediate impact on the share price, but it adds to a broader pattern of insider liquidations that have been unfolding for months.

What the Sale Signals for Investors

The timing of Meyer’s sale is telling. He has been liquidating a modest portfolio of common shares in the past year, but the volume of his transactions has remained relatively low compared with his peers. In January alone, several executives—including CEO Heather Rosentrater and Senior VP Jason Thackston—offered up to 3,000 shares each. Meyer’s 417‑share sell is modest, suggesting that his exit is driven more by personal cash‑flow needs (paying taxes, retiring) than by a loss of confidence in the company. Nevertheless, the cumulative insider selling has weighed on short‑term sentiment, especially as the company sits near its 52‑week high. For investors, the key takeaway is that insider activity has not yet translated into a downward trend in the stock; rather, it reflects normal liquidity needs among senior staff.

Meyer’s Historical Trading Pattern

Meyer’s transaction history paints a picture of a conservative investor. Over the past 12 months, he has made a handful of purchases—most recently buying 27.55 shares on March 14, 2025—and a handful of sales, the largest being a conversion of 876 performance shares in January 2026 that wiped his balance to zero. His holdings in 401(k) and executive deferral plans are minimal, indicating that he prefers to keep a significant portion of his wealth in liquid equity. His trading style is punctuated by opportunistic buying during price dips (e.g., March 14, 2025 at $40.15) and selling when the price is near a 12‑month high. This pattern suggests a focus on capital preservation rather than aggressive growth.

Implications for Avista’s Future

Avista’s fundamentals remain solid. The company’s earnings multiples—PE of 17.72 and PB of 1.25—position it slightly above the utilities peer average, while its 52‑week range shows modest volatility. The recent surge in insider selling could signal an upcoming period of price consolidation as senior management rebalances their portfolios. However, the lack of a coordinated divestiture plan and the company’s continued focus on infrastructure investments make a sharp downturn unlikely. Investors may view Meyer’s sale as an ordinary cash‑flow event; the broader market should monitor for any subsequent insider sales that could indicate shifting confidence levels.

Bottom Line

While Meyer’s February 2 sale adds to a series of insider liquidity moves, it does not fundamentally alter Avista’s valuation picture or its growth trajectory. For shareholders, the prudent approach is to stay focused on the company’s long‑term utility business model and the incremental gains from its capital allocation strategy, rather than reacting to isolated insider trades.