Investors interested in Utility - Electric Power stocks are likely familiar with Avista (AVA) and OGE Energy (OGE) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific ...

For those looking to find strong Utilities stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Avista (AVA) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Avista is a member of the Utilities sector. This group includes 104 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #5. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks ...

Avista’s (AVA) strategic capital expenditures help it improve its transmission and distribution and generation capacity. This should enhance its overall performance. Regulatory approvals for new electric rates help the company boost its top line. Given its growth opportunities, Avista makes for a solid investment option in the utility sector.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.AVA’s Growth Projections & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consen ...

Q4 2024 Earnings February 26, 2025 Call Participants Heather Rosentrater President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Christie Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Regulatory Affairs Officer 2 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our current expectations for future financial performance and cash flows, capital expenditures, financing plans, our current plans or objectives for future operations and other factors, which m ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings for Q4 2024 were $0.84 per diluted share, down from $1.08 in Q4 2023 [6] - Full year consolidated earnings were $2.29 per diluted share, slightly up from $2.24 in the previous year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility earnings improved nearly 5% from 2023, despite higher costs [7] - Avista Utilities delivered earnings near the midpoint of the original guidance range for the segment [19] - AEL&P's results were on target, contributing positively to overall performance [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Washington Commission increased the return on equity to 9.8% [8] - The company recognized a pre-tax expense of $8 million under the energy recovery mechanism due to poor hydro and power supply costs [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company invested a record $510 million in Avista Utilities to enhance customer service [11] - The North Plains Connector project aims to improve regional reliability and resource adequacy [11] - The company plans to issue an all-source RFP for up to 375 megawatts of generation targeted for 2029 [12] - A focus on wildfire risk mitigation was highlighted, with legislative efforts underway [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory outcomes and the potential for growth in 2025 [10][34] - The company initiated earnings guidance for 2025 in the range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share [16] - Expected annual increases in O&M expenses are projected to be closer to 4% going forward [30] Other Important Information - The board increased the dividend for shareholders by just over 3% to $1.96 per share [17] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are projected at $525 million, with a long-term expectation of nearly $3 billion from 2025 to 2029 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2025 and growth rate expectations - Management established guidance at a midpoint of $2.62, with a focus on achieving the midpoint of the growth rate [39][40] Question: Idaho rate case details - The procedural schedule is being established, with a potential technical hearing in late July [43] Question: Long-term growth rate consistency - Management expects to generally remain within the 4% to 6% growth range, barring inflation or significant investment opportunities [48] Question: Contribution from non-utility businesses - Management indicated that contributions from non-utility businesses are expected to be near zero moving forward [56] Question: Inclusion of energy recovery mechanism in guidance - The company is including a $0.12 negative impact from the energy recovery mechanism in its guidance for 2025 [59]

Financial Performance - Avista Corp. reported a total net income of $67 million for Q4 2024, down from $84 million in Q4 2023, and a total net income of $180 million for the full year 2024, compared to $171 million in 2023 [1][2] - Earnings per diluted share for Q4 2024 were $0.84, a decrease from $1.08 in Q4 2023, while the full year earnings per diluted share were $2.29, up from $2.24 in 2023 [1][2] Segment Performance - Avista Utilities generated a net income of $68 million in Q4 2024, down from $83 million in Q4 2023, and $179 million for the full year 2024, compared to $167 million in 2023 [1][2] - AEL&P maintained a consistent net income of $3 million for both Q4 2024 and Q4 2023, but saw a decrease in full year income from $9 million in 2023 to $8 million in 2024 [1][2] Revenue and Costs - The electric utility margin increased by $9 million in Q4 2024 and $56 million year-to-date, attributed to general rate cases and customer growth [2][4] - Other operating expenses rose by $8 million in Q4 2024 and $21 million year-to-date, primarily due to increased thermal generation costs and legal expenses [2][4] Tax and Interest - The effective tax rate for 2024 was 1.5%, a significant improvement from -24.4% in 2023, mainly due to a decrease in tax customer credits [5][4] - Interest expenses increased by $1 million in Q4 2024 and $5 million year-to-date, driven by higher borrowings and interest rates compared to 2023 [4][7] Capital Expenditures - Avista Utilities' capital expenditures for 2024 were $510 million, with expectations of $525 million in 2025 and nearly $3 billion over the next five years [9][10] - AEL&P's capital expenditures were $23 million in 2024, projected to decrease to $12 million in 2025 [10] Future Guidance - The company initiated its 2025 earnings guidance with a range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, with Avista Utilities expected to contribute between $2.43 and $2.61 per share [12][13] - Long-term earnings growth is anticipated in the range of 4-6% from the 2025 base year [13]

Consolidated earnings per diluted share of $2.29 for the full year of 2024Initiated consolidated guidance of $2.52 to $2.72 per share for 2025 SPOKANE, Wash., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avista Corp. (NYSE:AVA) today announced financial results for 2024. Net income and earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter and the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 are presented in the table below (dollars in millions, except per-share data):  Fourth Quarter  Year-to-Date  2024   ...

Exhibit 99.1 Contact: Media: Lena Funston (509) 495-8090 lena.funston@avistacorp.com Investors: Stacey Wenz (509) 495-2046 stacey.wenz@avistacorp.com Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174 Avista Corp. Reports 2024 Results and Initiates 2025 Earnings Guidance SPOKANE, Wash. – Feb. 26, 2025, 4:05 a.m. PDT: Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) today announced financial results for 2024. Net income and earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter and the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 ...

Financial Performance - Avista Corporation reported a total revenue of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous year[9]. - The company achieved a net income of $150 million, which is a 10% increase year-over-year[9]. - The company reported a 12% increase in net income for the last quarter, totaling $45 million, attributed to higher energy sales and cost management strategies[23]. - Avista's dividend payout ratio remains stable at 60%, with plans to increase dividends by 3% in the next fiscal year[24]. Customer Growth and Demand - Avista Utilities served approximately 400,000 customers, with a 3% growth in customer base over the last year[9]. - The company anticipates a 5% growth in customer demand for electricity in the upcoming fiscal year, driven by increased residential and commercial usage[14]. - Avista plans to expand its market presence in Oregon and Idaho, targeting a 20% increase in customer base over the next three years[20]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - The company plans to invest $300 million in capital expenditures for infrastructure improvements in the upcoming year[9]. - Avista's capital expenditures for the next year are projected to be approximately $300 million, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy projects[15]. - The company has allocated $50 million for research and development of clean energy initiatives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025[21]. - The company has initiated a new technology development program aimed at enhancing grid reliability and efficiency, with an investment of $50 million over the next three years[9]. Renewable Energy and Environmental Goals - The company is focusing on renewable energy projects, with a target of increasing renewable energy capacity by 20% by 2025[9]. - Avista Corporation is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, aligning with state regulatory requirements[9]. - The company is actively pursuing new technologies, including advancements in hydroelectric generation, which are expected to enhance efficiency by 15%[19]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces increasing risks from climate change, including severe weather events that could disrupt energy generation and distribution[19]. - Cybersecurity threats are a significant concern, with potential attacks on operational and administrative systems that could disrupt business operations and incur liabilities[21]. - The company anticipates rising costs due to inflationary pressures, impacting operating expenses and capital costs[27]. - Changes in environmental regulations may impose additional compliance costs and affect operational capabilities[27]. - The company is experiencing volatility in energy commodity markets, which could impact operating income and cash flow requirements[32]. - There is a risk of declining electricity and natural gas demand due to customer energy efficiency measures and increased distributed generation[27]. - The potential for increased competition from alternative energy sources and customer-owned power technologies poses a strategic risk[24]. - The company is facing regulatory challenges that could impact its ability to recover costs, particularly related to environmental compliance measures[25]. - The company must comply with the terms of licenses and permits for its hydroelectric or thermal generating facilities to maintain cost-effectiveness[32]. Operational Efficiency and Workforce - The company is monitoring workforce issues, including recruitment and retention challenges, which could impact operational efficiency[19]. - Future business development efforts may be influenced by changes in strategic plans and market conditions, creating uncertainty[24]. Liquidity and Financial Position - The company reported a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents totaling $200 million as of the end of the fiscal year[9]. - The company is focused on maintaining liquidity and access to capital, which could be affected by credit ratings and market conditions[27]. Market Conditions and Compliance - The company faces volatility and illiquidity in wholesale energy markets, which can affect operating income and cash requirements for purchasing electricity and natural gas[32]. - Potential environmental regulations or lawsuits could impact the company's ability to utilize its power supply resources[32]. - Changes in laws and regulations at various government levels could materially impact the company's electric and gas operations[32]. - The company emphasizes the importance of historical operating trends and third-party information in forming expectations and projections, but acknowledges the inherent uncertainties and risks involved[30]. - The company files annual, quarterly, and current reports with the SEC, which are available on their website and the SEC's website[31].

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Avista (AVA) and American Electric Power (AEP) indicates that AVA is currently more attractive to value investors due to its stronger earnings estimate revision activity and more favorable valuation metrics [3][7]. Valuation Metrics - AVA has a forward P/E ratio of 14.70, while AEP has a forward P/E of 16.94 [5]. - AVA's PEG ratio is 2.76, compared to AEP's PEG ratio of 2.82, indicating AVA's expected earnings growth is slightly more favorable [5]. - AVA's P/B ratio is 1.14, whereas AEP's P/B ratio is 1.98, suggesting AVA is undervalued relative to its book value [6]. Analyst Outlook - AVA currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), while AEP has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), reflecting a more positive analyst outlook for AVA [3]. - The stronger estimate revision activity for AVA supports its position as the superior option for value investors at this time [7]. Style Scores - AVA has earned a Value grade of B, while AEP has a Value grade of C, indicating that AVA is viewed more favorably in terms of value investing criteria [6].