Avista Corp. Board Increases Common Stock Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Avista Corp. (AVA) has announced a quarterly dividend increase of $0.015 per share, reaching an annualized dividend of $1.90. The board of directors has raised the dividend for the twenty-second consecutive year, showing commitment to maximizing shareholder value. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record as of February 23, 2024.

Financial Analyst

The decision by Avista Corp. to raise its quarterly dividend reflects a positive signal to shareholders, indicating both confidence in the company's cash flow stability and a commitment to returning value to investors. Dividend increases are often perceived as a sign of financial health, as they suggest that a company is generating sufficient earnings and cash flow to share a portion with shareholders. In this case, the raise to $0.475 per share represents a modest increase, which is typically more sustainable than a large jump, suggesting a prudent approach to financial management.

From a financial analysis perspective, the annualized dividend of $1.90 can be used to calculate the dividend yield, which is a key metric for income-focused investors. This yield is determined by dividing the annualized dividend by the current stock price, providing a percentage that indicates the return on investment from dividends alone. Investors will likely compare this yield to those of other companies within the utilities sector, as well as to fixed-income alternatives like bonds, to assess the relative attractiveness of Avista's stock as an income-generating investment.

Market Research Analyst

The consistent increase in dividends over the past twenty-two years is a strong indicator of Avista Corp.'s market positioning. It suggests that Avista has managed to maintain operational efficiency and a competitive edge within the utilities sector, which is known for its regulatory complexities and capital-intensive nature. The ability to continuously raise dividends can also be interpreted as a sign of a mature company with a stable customer base and predictable revenue streams.

Moreover, the timing of the dividend increase announcement is critical. It typically precedes earnings reports and can be used to set market expectations. If the market perceives this increase positively, it could lead to a bullish sentiment among investors, potentially impacting the stock's trading volume and price prior to the actual payment date. However, one must consider the overall economic environment, as external factors such as interest rate hikes or economic downturns could temper investor enthusiasm despite the positive dividend news.

Economist

When evaluating the broader economic implications of Avista Corp.'s dividend increase, it is important to consider the current macroeconomic climate. For instance, in a low-interest-rate environment, dividend-paying stocks become more attractive as they offer better returns compared to traditional savings accounts or government bonds. Conversely, if interest rates are rising, investors might shift towards fixed-income securities, which could potentially lead to a less favorable reaction to dividend increases.

In addition to interest rates, inflationary pressures can influence the real value of dividend payments. In high inflation periods, unless dividend increases outpace inflation rates, the real purchasing power of the dividend returns could diminish for investors. Thus, Avista's ability to raise dividends consistently could be seen as a positive sign of its ability to navigate through various economic cycles, but the real benefit to shareholders may vary based on broader economic conditions.

SPOKANE, Wash., Feb. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avista Corp.’s (NYSE: AVA) board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share on the company’s common stock, an increase of $0.015 per share, yielding an annualized dividend of $1.90. The common stock dividend is payable March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 23, 2024.

“The dividend increase approved by the board of directors marks the twenty-second consecutive year the board has raised the dividend for our shareholders. I believe it demonstrates the board’s commitment to maximizing shareholder value,” said Avista Chief Executive Officer Dennis Vermillion.

The declaration of dividends is at the sole discretion of the board of directors. The board considers the level of dividends on a regular basis, taking into account numerous factors, including financial results, business strategies, and economic and competitive conditions.

About Avista Corp.
Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is the operating division that provides electric service to 415,000 customers and natural gas to 378,000 customers. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. Alaska Energy and Resources Company is an Avista subsidiary that provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska, through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. Avista stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA."  For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts. Such statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, in addition to those discussed herein, all of the factors discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2022, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2023.

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Contact:        
Avista 24/7 Media Line (509) 495-4174
Media: Lena Funston (509) 495-8090 lena.funston@avistacorp.com   
Investors: Stacey Wenz (509) 495-2046 stacey.wenz@avistacorp.com

What is the ticker symbol for Avista Corp.?

The ticker symbol for Avista Corp. is AVA.

What is the amount of the quarterly dividend increase?

The quarterly dividend increase is $0.015 per share.

When is the dividend payable to shareholders?

The dividend is payable on March 15, 2024.

How many consecutive years has the board raised the dividend?

The board has raised the dividend for the twenty-second consecutive year.

Who is the Chief Executive Officer of Avista Corp.?

The Chief Executive Officer of Avista Corp. is Dennis Vermillion.