Short interest for Avista gives investors a sense of the degree to which investors are betting on the decline of Avista's stock. Short interest data is updated every two weeks.

Avista Stock (NYSE:AVA), Short Interest Report

Avista

Avista Corp is an electric and natural gas utility company headquartered in Spokane, Washington. Avista primarily operates in the Pacific Northwest of the United States along with some operations in Juneau, Alaska. The company has two major business segments including Avista Utilities, which provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho and also provides natural gas distribution service in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon. Avista Utilities has electric generating facilities in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. AEL&P is a regulated utility providing electric services in Juneau, Alaska that is a wholly-owned subsidiary and the primary operating subsidiary of AERC.

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During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a  high dividend payout. 

Check Out 3 Utilities Stocks With Over 4% Dividend Yields From Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts

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KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Sophie Karp upgraded Avista Corporation (NYSE: AVA)

KeyBanc Upgrades Avista To Sector Weight: How Wildfire Resiliency Plans Mitigate Risks

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The most oversold stocks in the utilities sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.

Top 3 Utilities Stocks Which Could Rescue Your Portfolio This Quarter

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2024 Earnings Guidance and Outlook
Avista Corp. is initiating its 2024 earnings guidance with a consolidated range of $2.36 to $2.56 per diluted share.
We expect Avista Utilities to contribute within a range of $2.23 to $2.39 per diluted share in 2024. We expect the impact of the ERM on earnings to be negative during the first quarter of 2024 in the 50 percent customer/50 percent company sharing band. For the full year, we expect the ERM to be neutral to earnings with a positive impact in the latter part of the year offsetting the negative impact in the first quarter.
In 2023, the distribution of our earnings between quarters differed from our historical results due to the impact of customer tax credits being returned to customers, reducing customer bills and income tax expense. We expect the distribution of earnings between quarters in 2024 to more closely align with results prior to 2023.
We expect AEL&amp;P to contribute in the range of $0.09 to $0.11 per diluted share in 2024.
We expect our other businesses to contribute in the range of $0.04 to $0.06 per diluted share in 2024.
We continue to expect long term earnings growth of 4 to 6 percent off of a 2025 base year. This assumes a constructive outcome in our 2024 Washington general rate cases.
Our guidance does not include the effect of unusual or non-recurring items until the effects are known and certain. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including our earnings guidance. Please refer to our 10-K for 2023, and the cautionary statements below, for a full discussion of these factors.

Guidance

Avista FY24 GAAP EPS Outlook $2.36 - $2.56 Vs. $2.43 Estimate

Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.08 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.14 by 5.26 percent. This is a 2.86 percent increase over earnings of $1.05 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $504.44 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $545.78 million by 7.57 percent. This is a 1.54 percent increase over sales of $496.77 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Avista Q4 GAAP EPS $1.08 Misses $1.14 Estimate, Sales $504.44M Miss $545.78M Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 21, 2024

Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, 2024-02-21. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that Avista will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14. 
Avista bulls will hope to hear the company announce they've not only beaten that estimate, but also to provide positive guidance, or forecasted growth, for the next quarter.
New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast).
<h3>Past Earnings Performance</h3>
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.08, which was followed by a 1.84% increase in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at Avista's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2023</th>
<th>Q2 2023</th>
<th>Q1 2023</th>
<th>Q4 2022</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.11</td>
<td>0.15</td>
<td>1.16</td>
<td>0.78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.19</td>
<td>0.23</td>
<td>0.73</td>
<td>1.05</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>1.84%</td>
<td>-2.4%</td>
<td>0.15%</td>
<td>1.77%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1708452121_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of Avista were trading at $33.57 as of February 19. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 326.39%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVA/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Avista visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Avista Earnings Preview

&nbsp;<a href="http://www.avistacorp.com/home/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Avista Corp.&#39;s</a>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of&nbsp;$0.475&nbsp;per share on the company&#39;s common stock, an increase of&nbsp;$0.015&nbsp;per share, yielding an annualized dividend of&nbsp;$1.90. The common stock dividend is payable March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 23, 2024.

Avista Declared A Quarterly Dividend Of $0.475 Per Share, An Increase Of $0.015 Per Share From Prior Dividend

Guggenheim analyst Shahriar Pourreza upgrades Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) from Sell to Neutral and announces $34 price target.

Guggenheim Upgrades Avista to Neutral, Announces $34 Price Target

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Shares of utilities stocks are trading higher amid a drop in Treasury yields following softer-than-expected October CPI data.

Capital Expenditures and Other Investments
Avista Utilities&rsquo; capital expenditures were $347 million for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2023, and our planned Avista Utilities&rsquo; capital expenditures are $475 million for the year. We expect AEL&amp;P&rsquo;s capital expenditures to total $17 million in 2023.
We have increased our expectations for Avista Utilities&#39; capital expenditures to $500 million for 2024, $525 million for 2025, and $550 million for 2026.
In addition, we expect to invest $15 million in 2023 at our other businesses related to non-regulated investment opportunities and economic development projects in our service territory.
2023 Earnings Guidance and Outlook
Avista Corp. is narrowing its 2023 consolidated earnings guidance range, as presented in the following table:
<table border="1" style="width:696.875px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width:164.984px">&nbsp;</td>
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<td style="width:228.516px">&nbsp;</td>
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&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
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<td>
Original 2023 Guidance
</td>
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&nbsp;
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<td>
Revised 2023 Guidance
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Avista Utilities
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$2.15 - $2.31
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$2.18 - $2.24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
AEL&amp;P
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$0.08 - $0.10
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$0.10 - $0.12
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Other
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$0.04 - $0.06
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$(0.01) - $0.01
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Consolidated
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$2.27 - $2.47
</td>
<td>
&nbsp;
</td>
<td>
$2.27 - $2.37
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The revised Avista Utilities range incorporates higher costs under the ERM, which we expect to be a decrease to earnings of $0.08 per diluted share for the year. We expect to be in the 90 percent customer/10 percent Company sharing band. Our guidance assumes timely and appropriate rate relief in all of our jurisdictions.

Avista Corp Expects FY23 EPS of $2.27-$2.37 (Prior $2.27-$2.47) Vs. $2.29 Est

Avista Q3 EPS $0.19 Vs $(0.08) YoY, Sales $369.67M Beat $354.58M Estimate

Avista Corporation Gets Approval From Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC or Commission) Of Settlement Agreement Filed On August 3, 2023, Concluding Company's Natural Gas General Rate Case

Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell maintains Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) with a Underperform and lowers the price target from $36 to $33.

Mizuho Maintains Underperform on Avista, Lowers Price Target to $33

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout. </a>
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on&nbsp;their favorite stocks&nbsp;by visiting our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings" target="_blank">Analyst Stock Ratings&nbsp;</a>page. Traders can sort through Benzinga&#39;s extensive database of analyst ratings, including&nbsp;by analyst accuracy. Here&#39;s a look at the most recent high-yield dividend&nbsp;stock ratings from the most accurate Wall Street analysts, according to Benzinga&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Ratings</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the utilities sector.
<h3>Avista Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ava#NYSE">AVA</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.33%</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Sophie Karp upgraded the stock from Underweight to Sector Weight on Aug. 25, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell maintained an Underperform rating and slashed the price target from $38 to $36 on July 21, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 65%.</li>
<li>Recent News: Avista named Senior Vice President and COO Heather Rosentrater to assume President and COO roles.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/agr#NYSE">AGR</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.14%</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Sophie Karp upgraded the stock from Underweight to Sector Weight on June 21, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell reiterated a Neutral rating and a price target of $39 on June 14, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 65%.</li>
<li>Recent News: Avangrid reported worse-than-expected second-quarter results.</li>
</ul>
<h3>NorthWestern Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nwe#NYSE">NWE</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 4.94%</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Eric Beaumont initiated coverage on the stock with an Underweight rating and a price target of $48 on Aug. 23, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Ladenburg Thalmann analyst Paul Fremont maintained the stock with a Buy and cut the price target from $59 to $53 on Aug. 17, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 62%.</li>
<li>Recent News: NorthWestern posted weaker-than-expected quarterly results.</li>
</ul>
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/23/09/34687481/top-5-risk-off-stocks-that-are-set-to-fly-this-month"> Top 5 Risk Off Stocks That Are Set To Fly This Month</a>

Check Out 3 Utilities Stocks With Over 4% Dividend Yields From Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts

The changes will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2023. The move making Heather Rosentraterthe first female President in the company&#39;s 134 year history.

Management

Avista Names Senior Vice President And COO Heather Rosentrater To Assume President And COO Roles; Dennis Vermillion To Remain CEO

KeyBanc Capital Markets&nbsp;analyst Sophie Karp upgraded&nbsp;Avista Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ava#NYSE">AVA</a>)<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVA/analyst-ratings" style="background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; color:#4a6ee0" target="_blank">&nbsp;to Sector Weight from Underweight</a>.&nbsp;
Karp notes that Avista has made significant investments in its wildfire resiliency plan since 2021, which have mitigated its risk profile.
The analyst highlights that the company has no direct exposure to smoldering wildfire risks, but it may weigh on the shares in the near term.
The analyst expects the company to file its 2025 General Rate Case in 1Q24.
This will be AVA&#39;s opportunity to reset the rates to an adequate level given its current cost of capital and operating costs, notes the analyst.
Karp also expects AVA to explore the energy recovery mechanism, which has resulted in significant&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" style="background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; color:#4a6ee0" target="_blank">quarter-to-quarter volatility.&nbsp;</a>
The analyst notes that a constructive outcome that results in reduced volatility and regulatory lag will improve investor sentiment on the shares.&nbsp;
On the negative side, the company&#39;s shares have been particularly pressured since the announcement of the Gray Fire in AVA&#39;s service territory last week, compounded by the developments in Maui, which once again brought wildfire risks into the spotlight.
The analyst cautions that the market will not cut AVA any slack for the current wildfire season, particularly given its heightened exposure in 2023.
The analyst lowered the FY23 EPS estimate to $2.30 from $2.33; the revenue estimates were&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" style="background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; color:#4a6ee0" target="_blank">reduced to $1.732 billion from $$1.780 billion.</a>
For FY24, the analyst raised the EPS estimate to $2.45 from $2.43; the revenue forecasts decreased to $1.782 billion from $1.840 billion.
Price Action:&nbsp;AVA shares are trading higher by 2.81% to $33.33 on the last check Friday.

<h3>Upgrades</h3>
For Hibbett Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIBB#NASDAQ">HIBB</a>), Williams Trading upgraded the previous rating of Hold to Buy. Hibbett earned $0.85 in the second quarter, compared to $1.86 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Hibbett shows a 52-week-high of $75.38 and a 52-week-low of $34.86. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $36.86. 
According to Loop Capital, the prior rating for Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) was changed from Hold to Buy. For the second quarter, Netflix had an EPS of $3.29, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $3.20. The current stock performance of Netflix shows a 52-week-high of $485.00 and a 52-week-low of $211.81. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $406.93. 
For Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFR#NYSE">CFR</a>), UBS upgraded the previous rating of Sell to Neutral. In the second quarter, Cullen/Frost Bankers showed an EPS of $2.47, compared to $1.81 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $160.31 and a 52-week-low of $92.55. At the end of the last trading period, Cullen/Frost Bankers closed at $95.16. 
For Abercrombie &amp; Fitch Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANF#NYSE">ANF</a>), Morgan Stanley upgraded the previous rating of Underweight to Equal-Weight. In the second quarter, Abercrombie &amp; Fitch showed an EPS of $1.10, compared to $0.30 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Abercrombie &amp; Fitch shows a 52-week-high of $53.02 and a 52-week-low of $14.06. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $50.46. 
Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded the previous rating for Ardelyx Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARDX#NASDAQ">ARDX</a>) from Neutral to Overweight. Ardelyx earned $0.08 in the second quarter, compared to $0.19 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $5.12 and a 52-week-low of $0.82. Ardelyx closed at $3.51 at the end of the last trading period. 
For Shift4 Payments Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOUR#NYSE">FOUR</a>), Morgan Stanley upgraded the previous rating of Underweight to Equal-Weight. In the second quarter, Shift4 Payments showed an EPS of $0.74, compared to $0.33 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Shift4 Payments shows a 52-week-high of $76.40 and a 52-week-low of $36.37. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $54.72. 
For Avista Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>), Keybanc upgraded the previous rating of Underweight to Sector Weight. In the second quarter, Avista showed an EPS of $0.23, compared to $0.16 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Avista shows a 52-week-high of $45.28 and a 52-week-low of $32.27. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $32.42. 
<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">See all analyst ratings upgrades.</a>
<h3>Downgrades</h3>
Evercore ISI Group downgraded the previous rating for Fidelity National Information Services Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIS#NYSE">FIS</a>) from Outperform to Neutral. In the second quarter, Fidelity National Info showed an EPS of $1.55, compared to $1.73 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $96.65 and a 52-week-low of $48.57. Fidelity National Info closed at $55.26 at the end of the last trading period. 
According to Benchmark, the prior rating for Weibo Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WB#NASDAQ">WB</a>) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the second quarter, Weibo showed an EPS of $0.53, compared to $0.46 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $25.57 and a 52-week-low of $10.02. Weibo closed at $13.70 at the end of the last trading period. 
TD Cowen downgraded the previous rating for Domo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOMO#NASDAQ">DOMO</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform. For the second quarter, Domo had an EPS of $0.02, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.26. The current stock performance of Domo shows a 52-week-high of $28.94 and a 52-week-low of $11.35. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $17.04. 
For Clarivate PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLVT#NYSE">CLVT</a>), RBC Capital downgraded the previous rating of Outperform to Sector Perform. Clarivate earned $0.21 in the second quarter, compared to $0.22 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Clarivate shows a 52-week-high of $12.55 and a 52-week-low of $6.41. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $7.10. 
RBC Capital downgraded the previous rating for FactSet Research Systems Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) from Outperform to Sector Perform. FactSet Research Systems earned $3.79 in the third quarter, compared to $3.76 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of FactSet Research Systems shows a 52-week-high of $473.90 and a 52-week-low of $377.89. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $440.47. 
Piper Sandler downgraded the previous rating for Olaplex Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLPX#NASDAQ">OLPX</a>) from Neutral to Underweight. For the second quarter, Olaplex Hldgs had an EPS of $0.03, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.14. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $15.31 and a 52-week-low of $2.49. Olaplex Hldgs closed at $2.61 at the end of the last trading period. 
Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Holly Energy Partners LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HEP#NYSE">HEP</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform. Holly Energy Partners earned $0.40 in the second quarter, compared to $0.45 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $22.29 and a 52-week-low of $15.51. At the end of the last trading period, Holly Energy Partners closed at $21.53. 
According to Raymond James, the prior rating for Crestwood Equity Partners LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEQP#NYSE">CEQP</a>) was changed from Outperform to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Crestwood Equity Partners showed an EPS of $1.16, compared to $0.14 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $31.43 and a 52-week-low of $22.11. Crestwood Equity Partners closed at $27.87 at the end of the last trading period. 
For Digital Realty Trust Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLR#NYSE">DLR</a>), Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Hold. Digital Realty Trust earned $1.68 in the second quarter, compared to $1.72 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $130.95 and a 52-week-low of $85.76. At the end of the last trading period, Digital Realty Trust closed at $127.46. 
Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating for Frontline Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRO#NYSE">FRO</a>) from Buy to Hold. For the second quarter, Frontline had an EPS of $0.94, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.21. The current stock performance of Frontline shows a 52-week-high of $19.29 and a 52-week-low of $10.11. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $17.99. 
<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">See all analyst ratings downgrades.</a>
<h3>Initiations</h3>
With a Neutral rating, Citigroup initiated coverage on Trex Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TREX#NYSE">TREX</a>). The price target seems to have been set at $72.00 for Trex Co. In the second quarter, Trex Co showed an EPS of $0.71, compared to $0.79 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $76.05 and a 52-week-low of $38.73. Trex Co closed at $69.46 at the end of the last trading period. 
Northcoast Research initiated coverage on Carpenter Technology Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRS#NYSE">CRS</a>) with a Buy rating. The price target for Carpenter Tech is set to $73.00. For the fourth quarter, Carpenter Tech had an EPS of $0.78, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.00. The stock has a 52-week-high of $61.02 and a 52-week-low of $31.05. At the end of the last trading period, Carpenter Tech closed at $57.79. 
Stephens &amp; Co. initiated coverage on Advanced Drainage Systems Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMS#NYSE">WMS</a>) with an Overweight rating. The price target for Advanced Drainage Systems is set to $148.00. In the first quarter, Advanced Drainage Systems showed an EPS of $2.04, compared to $2.22 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $145.00 and a 52-week-low of $75.02. At the end of the last trading period, Advanced Drainage Systems closed at $122.18. 
With an Outperform rating, Oppenheimer initiated coverage on Zura Bio Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZURA#NASDAQ">ZURA</a>). The price target seems to have been set at $17.00 for Zura Bio. Zura Bio earned $1.31 in the second quarter, compared to $9.54 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $37.55 and a 52-week-low of $4.87. At the end of the last trading period, Zura Bio closed at $6.75. 
<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">See all analyst ratings initiations.</a>

Downgrades

Initiation

ARDX

CEQP

CLVT

DOMO

FOUR

HIBB

NFLX

OLPX

TREX

ZURA

Benzinga's Top Ratings Upgrades, Downgrades For August 25, 2023

Keybanc analyst Sophie Karp upgrades Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) from Underweight to Sector Weight.

Keybanc Upgrades Avista to Sector Weight

On August 18, 2023, a severe windstorm caused the Gray Fire, which has burned more than 10,000 acres in and near Medical Lake, Washington, damaging at least 185 structures.

Avista Says Commenced An Investigation And Thus Far Has Found No Indication That Its Facilities Were Involved In The Ignition Of The Gray Fire - Filing

Avista Confirms 2023 Consolidated EPS Guidance Of $2.27-$2.47, Expecting To Be In The Lower End Of Ranges Due To Higher Costs Under ERM (Consensus $2.32)

Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.23 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.15 by 53.33 percent. This is a 43.75 percent increase over earnings of $0.16 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $368.60 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $398.20 million by 7.43 percent. This is a 0.02 percent increase over sales of $368.51 million the same period last year.

Avista Q2 EPS $0.23 Beats $0.15 Estimate, Sales $368.60M Miss $398.20M Estimate

Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell maintains Avista (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>) with a Underperform and lowers the price target from $38 to $36.

Mizuho Maintains Underperform on Avista, Lowers Price Target to $36

Avista Corporation 2023 Q4 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation

Avista Corporation (AVA) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

Avista (AVA) has disclosed a new risk, in the Share Price & Shareholder Rights category. Avista faces significant business risk from potential acti...

Avista's New Share Price & Shareholder Rights Risk – A Cause for Worry?

Dividend Champion, Contender, And Challenger Highlights: Week Of March 10

Warning: AVA is at high risk of performing badly

The market has been high on Avista Corp (AVA)  stock recently. AVA gets a Bullish score from InvestorsObserver Stock Sentiment Indicator. Avista Corp has a Bullish sentiment reading. Find out what this means for you and get the rest of the rankings on AVA!See Full AVA ReportWhat is Stock Sentiment?Sentiment uses short term

Is Avista Corp (AVA) Stock About to Get Hot Thursday?

Avista Corp (AVA) stock is lower by -17.56% over the last 12 months, and the average rating from Wall Street analysts is a Sell. InvestorsObserverâ€&#x2122;s proprietary ranking system, gives AVA stock a score of  26 out of a possible 100. That rank is primarily influenced by a short-term technical score of 5. AVA's rank also inclu

Is Avista Corp (AVA) Stock a Smart Value?

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
One of the best ideas for surviving market ambiguity is to focus on <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/utility/">utility stocks.</a> Since the enterprises underlying this category benefit from a natural monopoly, they effectively command permanent relevance. Still, even this ecosystem can become a short-seller target.



Ordinarily, you wouldn&rsquo;t look for short trades in the regulated power and resource space. Nevertheless, not all regions enjoy the same level of economic viability or resilience. Further, certain regions may suffer from unique headwinds that don&rsquo;t impact other markets.



It&rsquo;s a complicated narrative. However, with analysts dumping these utility stocks combined with their status as short-seller targets, these are the ideas you may want to avoid.



<h2>Avista (AVA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/utility-pole-aqn-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="multiple powerline towers are shown against a sunset and a distant city skyline. AQN stock"><div>Source: zhao jiankang / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Based in Spokane, Washington, Avista (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ava-stock-quote/">AVA</a>) operates as an electric and natural gas utility company. It provides electric distribution and transmission along with natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. On paper, it sounds relevant. However, it happens to be one of the utility stocks that are short-seller targets.



Conspicuously, analysts rate shares a <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/ava/forecast">consensus moderate sell.</a> The assessment breaks down as one Hold and one Sell. Further, the average price target sits at $33, implying more than 3% downside risk. Yes, the company overall enjoyed a strong performance in fiscal 2023. Its average positive earnings surprise came out to 7.8%.



However, experts are looking for revenue to slip 3.9% to $1.68 billion. Further, fiscal 2025&rsquo;s projected revenue of $1.78 billion is only marginally better than last year&rsquo;s haul of $1.75 billion.



Data from Fintel indicates that AVA features a <a href="https://fintel.io/ss/us/ava">short interest</a> of float of nearly 4% with a short ratio of 7.02 days to cover. Combined with the aforementioned Sell rating, AVA might be one of the utility stocks to avoid.



<h2>MGE Energy (MGEE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/utility-stocks-300x169.jpg" alt="Utilities stocks: a stock image of light fixtures; one lightbulb is lit up"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, MGE Energy (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mgee-stock-quote/">MGEE</a>) operates as a public utility holding company mainly in the U.S. Per its corporate profile, MGE generates, purchases and distributes electricity and natural gas in Wisconsin and Iowa. It also owns and leases electric generating capacity and plans, constructs, operates, maintains and expands transmission facilities to provide transmission power services.



On the surface, it&rsquo;s like most other relevant utility stocks: MGE gets the job done for its customers, which number around 163,000. However, Morgan Stanley&rsquo;s (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ms-stock-quote/">MS</a>) David Arcaro isn&rsquo;t keen on the idea, pegging MGEE a Sell. In addition, the expert has assigned a <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/mgee/forecast">$64 price target</a> on shares, implying more than 15% downside risk.



Part of the disillusionment could stem from the erratic earnings performance last year. Back then, the average quarterly surprise came out to 3.08% below consensus expectations.



Adding to the pressure, MGEE represents one of the short-seller targets. Currently, its <a href="https://fintel.io/ss/us/mgee">short interest</a> comes in at 5.78% of the float. As well, the short ratio stands at 14.94 days to cover. Risk-averse investors may want to consider something else.



<h2>Hawaiian Electric (HE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/hei-hawaiian-electric-he-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="graphic of magnifying glass zooming in on Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE) webpage"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/Casimiro PT</div></div>The island state of Hawaii is often considered a top destination spot for vacationing. However, its utility stocks don&rsquo;t necessarily get the same love. Just look at Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/he-stock-quote/">HE</a>). With its subsidiaries, the company engages in the electric utility business. It provides production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai.



However, Hawaii depends greatly on tourism. With consumer discretionary sentiment under pressure from inflation and other headwinds, this narrative faces some questions. Sadly, the wildfires in the state devastated tourism, leading to a catastrophic loss of equity value in HE stock. Year-to-date, it&rsquo;s down 24%. Over the past 52 weeks, it slipped more than 72%.



Now, there is an argument that Hawaiian Electric could make a comeback. That&rsquo;s up to you. The fact of the matter is that <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/he/forecast">analysts rate</a> shares a Moderate Sell with an average price target of $9.75. That implies almost 10% downside risk.



Further, HE suffers from a <a href="https://fintel.io/ss/us/he">short interest of 14.64%</a> and a short ratio of 8.03 days to cover. Again, it&rsquo;s your call if you want to speculate. However, it is an extremely risky idea.



On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>A former senior business analyst for Sony Electronics, Josh Enomoto has helped broker major contracts with Fortune Global 500 companies. Over the past several years, he has delivered unique, critical insights for the investment markets, as well as various other industries including legal, construction management, and healthcare. Tweet him at @EnomotoMedia.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/3-utility-stocks-short-sellers-are-pulling-the-plug-on-is-a-power-outage-looming/">3 Utility Stocks Short Sellers Are Pulling the Plug On: Is a Power Outage Looming?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

3 Utility Stocks Short Sellers Are Pulling the Plug On: Is a Power Outage Looming?

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Avista Stock (NYSE:AVA), Short Interest Report

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