Avista (AVA) News Today

Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) shares have decreased as investors weigh a lower price target and a cautious brokerage rating against modestly improved earnings forecasts.

• Positive Sentiment: KeyCorp raised several earnings estimates. The firm increased its Q3 2026 EPS forecast to $0.44 from $0.21 and lifted its FY2026 estimate to $2.66 from $2.59. It also made small upward revisions for FY2028, FY2029 and FY2030, forecasting $2.85, $3.15 and $3.32 per share, respectively. These revisions suggest improving long-term earnings expectations for the utility. KeyCorp earnings estimate revisions
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts remain divided on Avista’s near-term outlook. KeyCorp lowered its Q4 2026 EPS forecast to $0.68 from $0.84, partially offsetting the firm’s increases elsewhere. The company’s full-year consensus estimate is approximately $2.59 per share, highlighting limited near-term earnings momentum despite better longer-term projections. KeyCorp quarterly earnings estimate revisions
• Neutral Sentiment: Avista was rated “Hold” by sell-side brokerages. The rating indicates analysts generally see limited catalysts to drive substantial upside in the shares in the near term. Avista Corporation Stock Now Rated Hold
• Negative Sentiment: Barclays cut its Avista price target to $35.00. With the shares recently trading around $36.20, the revised target implies downside and is likely the most direct reason for the weaker stock performance. The reduction signals that Barclays sees less upside potential based on valuation or the company’s earnings outlook. Barclays cuts target for Avista stock

Avista’s valuation remains relatively moderate, with a price-to-earnings ratio near 13, but the stock is below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Consequently, the lower Barclays target and Hold stance appear to be outweighing the improved long-term KeyCorp forecasts.