Avista Execs Rush to Buy Shares, CEO Leads 21K+ Restricted Shares in Bold Confidence Surge

Insider Activity Spotlight: Avista Corp’s Senior Vice President Buys Restricted and Performance Shares

On February 9, 2026, Senior Vice President Jason R. Thackston executed two buy transactions that together increased his Avista holdings to 43,236 restricted shares and 7,344 performance shares, valuing the package at roughly $41.51 per share. The moves come at a time when the company’s stock price is hovering just below its 52‑week high, and the market has reacted with an unusually high buzz level (840 % above average). While the price change on the day was minimal, the volume of the insider transaction signals confidence from the management team that Avista’s long‑term trajectory remains positive.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

The purchase of both restricted and performance shares by a senior executive can be interpreted in several ways:

1. Alignment of Incentives – By tying a portion of his compensation to performance shares that vest over three years, Thackston’s interests become closely linked to shareholder returns. Investors often view such alignment as a sign that executives are motivated to drive operational efficiency and share‑value growth.
2. Signal of Management Outlook – The fact that a high‑ranking executive is willing to lock in shares at $40.99 (the closing price) suggests confidence that the stock will appreciate, particularly given the company’s 12.25 % year‑to‑date gain and the utilities sector’s stable dividend profile.
3. Liquidity Considerations – The restricted shares, while not immediately tradable, will begin vesting at the end of each year in 2026, potentially providing a future source of liquidity for the company or the executive’s personal portfolio. This can help temper concerns about large sell‑off events in the near term.

Overall, the transaction bolsters investor sentiment that Avista’s leadership is committed to shareholder value, and it may temper any negative pressure on the stock that could arise from the high trading volume and social‑media buzz.

Thackston Jason R. – A Profile Based on Historical Activity

Thackston’s insider trading history is characterized by a pattern of selling large blocks of common stock in January 2026 followed by a switch to performance‑based awards in February. In early January, he sold 1,352 shares at $38.95 and converted 1,710 performance shares, reducing his holdings to 40,089 shares. This sell‑off was followed by a 3,147‑share restricted‑share purchase and a 7,344‑share performance‑share purchase in February. The timing suggests a strategic shift from liquidity provision to a long‑term commitment. Compared to his peers, Thackston’s activity is moderate—he is one of several senior executives engaging in similar restricted and performance share transactions—but his recent buy shows a decisive move to increase exposure to Avista’s upside.

Company‑Wide Insider Buying Trend

The February 9 filings reveal a wave of buying among Avista’s senior leadership, including the CEO, CFO, and other vice presidents. For example, Heather Lynn, the President and CEO, added 21,223 restricted shares and 49,526 performance shares. Across the board, executives are purchasing a mix of restricted and performance shares, indicating a collective confidence in Avista’s future prospects. This trend aligns with the company’s 17.63 price‑earnings ratio, which is comfortably above the sector average for utilities, suggesting that the market values Avista’s earnings potential.

Conclusion

Jason R. Thackston’s February transaction, set against a backdrop of widespread senior‑executive buying, reinforces the narrative that Avista’s top management believes in the company’s long‑term value. For investors, this can be a positive signal, particularly in a utilities environment where stability and growth are prized. While the high social‑media buzz warrants monitoring, the underlying insider activity suggests that Avista’s leadership is positioning itself—and its shareholders—for sustained growth rather than short‑term gains.