Avista Insider Sales Continue—What David Meyer’s Recent Trade Means for Investors

Insider Selling Continues at Avista Corp.

Avista Corp. shares slipped to $42.27 on February 2 2026 following a sequence of high‑profile sales by senior executives. On that day, Vice President David Meyer divested 417 shares at $41.41—a transaction that coincides with his retirement and the vesting of a restricted‑share tranche. The sale, executed at the prevailing market price, carries limited immediate impact on the share price but contributes to a broader pattern of insider liquidations that has been unfolding for months.

What the Sale Signals for Investors

The timing of Meyer’s transaction is noteworthy. While he has been liquidating a modest portfolio of common shares over the past year, the volume of his trades remains comparatively low relative to his peers. In January alone, other executives—including CEO Heather Rosentrater and Senior VP Jason Thackston—sold up to 3,000 shares each. Meyer’s 417‑share sale appears to be driven more by personal cash‑flow needs (e.g., tax planning, retirement) than by any loss of confidence in the company. The cumulative insider selling has weighed on short‑term sentiment, especially as the stock 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 illustrates a conservative investor profile. 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, which left his balance at zero. His holdings in a 401(k) and executive deferral plans are minimal, indicating a preference for keeping a substantial 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—P/E of 17.72 and P/B 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.