Insider Selling and Market Sentiment: What Avista Investors Need to Know
The most recent insider sale by Avista’s Vice President David Meyer—46.16 shares at $40.09 on January 15—fits a pattern of frequent, relatively modest liquidations. Over the past year, Meyer has sold roughly 2,300 shares in total, averaging just over 100 shares per transaction. His most recent move coincided with a stock price of $42.39 and a near‑flat market close, suggesting the sale was driven more by portfolio rebalancing than by a bearish outlook. The transaction’s social‑media sentiment (+35) and buzz (71 %) indicate a muted reaction, reinforcing the view that Meyer’s activity is routine rather than a harbinger of distress.
Investor Takeaways: Why the Numbers Matter
Meyer’s trading volume is dwarfed by the wave of new equity grants recorded for Avista’s senior leadership in early February—particularly the sizable restricted‑share grants for the CEO and several vice presidents. These grants signal management confidence in the company’s medium‑term trajectory. Moreover, the company’s fundamentals remain solid: a 15.28 % year‑to‑date gain, a 52‑week high of $43.09, and a P/E ratio of 17.1—well below the utilities sector average. For investors, Meyer’s incremental sales suggest no imminent sell‑off pressure, while the fresh grants reinforce a bullish stance on Avista’s strategic positioning in multi‑utilities.
David Meyer: A Profile of Prudence and Patience
Meyer’s insider history shows a cautious, incremental approach. His earliest trades in 2025 were modest purchases (27–28 shares) at $40.15, followed by a larger purchase of 11.44 shares at $37.51. From 2025 into early 2026, he has alternated between buying and selling in the 400–1,000 share range, often at market prices around $38–$42. His most recent sale on January 6 of 933 shares at $38.95 was part of a broader pattern of early‑month liquidations among the executive team. Meyer’s holdings—nearly 8,800 shares of common stock plus a substantial balance in his executive deferral plan—indicate a long‑term stake in the company, suggesting he views Avista as a stable, growth‑oriented investment.
Broader Insider Activity: A Mixed Signal
While Meyer’s sales are routine, the February 9 grants to the senior leadership team are substantial: the CEO received 21,223 restricted shares, and several vice presidents received between 1,500 and 7,400 shares each. These grants, combined with performance‑share awards totaling 49,526 shares for the CEO, point to a strong alignment between management incentives and shareholder value creation. Investors should watch the subsequent vesting schedule, as it may provide a future source of liquidity that could influence share prices.
Conclusion: A Balanced Outlook for Avista
In sum, Meyer’s recent sell‑off is part of a predictable trading pattern and is unlikely to trigger a downward spiral in the stock. Coupled with robust fundamentals, a healthy market cap, and fresh equity grants that signal confidence from top executives, Avista remains an attractive play for investors seeking exposure to the utilities sector. Those monitoring insider activity should focus on the vesting dates of the new restricted shares, which could create significant selling pressure in the near term, but the current data suggest a cautiously optimistic stance for the company’s short‑ to medium‑term prospects.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-15 | MEYER DAVID J () | Sell | 46.16 | 40.09 | Shares Held in Executive Deferral Plan |
| N/A | MEYER DAVID J () | Holding | 8,791.99 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | MEYER DAVID J () | Holding | 6.93 | N/A | Estimated Shares held in 401(k) |
