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20210325Avista to Staff 75 Attachment A8.pdf
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE CREDIT OPINION 28 July 2020 Update RATINGS Avista Corp. Domicile Spokane, Washington, United States Long Term Rating Baa2 Type LT Issuer Rating Outlook Stable Please see the ratings section at the end of this report for more information. The ratings and outlook shownreflect information as of the publication date. Contacts Edna R Marinelarena +1.212.553.1383 Analyst edna.marinelarena@moodys.com Domenic Giovannone +1.212.553.1647 Associate Analyst domenic.giovannone@moodys.com Ryan Wobbrock +1.212.553.7104 VP-Sr Credit Officer ryan.wobbrock@moodys.com Michael G. Haggarty +1.212.553.7172 Associate Managing Director michael.haggarty@moodys.com Jim Hempstead +1.212.553.4318 MD-Utilities james.hempstead@moodys.com CLIENT SERVICES Americas 1-212-553-1653 Asia Pacific 852-3551-3077 Japan 81-3-5408-4100 EMEA 44-20-7772-5454 Avista Corp. Update to credit analysis Summary Avista Corporation's (Avista) credit profile reflects its primary business as a low-risk vertically integrated electric and gas utility with supportive cost recovery mechanisms, such as electric and gas decoupling. The credit further incorporates the company's adequate track record with its primary regulator, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). Although Avista has experienced some relatively contentious proceedings in the past, we expect regulatory outcomes to become more predictable over time because of the May 2019 passage of a new clean energy bill in Washington. The bill is credit positive for Avista because it clarifies the WUTC's authority to consider and implement various constructive regulatory mechanisms including multiyear rate plans and performance and incentive-based regulation. Avista's credit is constrained by lower key metrics driven by issuance of new debt to support liquidity and fund capex. We expect key metrics including CFO pre-WC to debt to be at about 14% over the next several years and should improve as the company files more frequent rate cases to recover costs. Avista has some unregulated exposure in addition to its ownership of regulated utility Alaska Electric Light and Power (AEL&P, Baa3 Stable) that provides marginal operational and cash flow diversity, but remain neutral in terms of our view of Avista's credit. COVID-19 Developments The rapid spread of the coronavirus outbreak, severe global economic shock, low oil prices and asset price volatility are creating a severe and extensive credit shock across many sectors, regions and markets. The combined credit effects of these developments are unprecedented. We regard the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under our ESG framework, given the substantial implications for public health and safety. We expect Avista and its subsidiaries to be resilient to recessionary pressures related to the coronavirus because of its primary rate regulated, essential service business model and cost recovery framework. Nevertheless, we are watching for electric usage declines, utility bill payment delinquency and the regulatory response to counter these effects on earnings and cash flow. As the events related to the coronavirus unfold, we are taking into consideration a wider range of potential outcomes, including more severe downside scenarios. The effects of the pandemic could result in financial metrics that are weaker than expected; however, we see these issues as temporary and not reflective of the core operations or long-term financial or credit profile of the company Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 1 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Exhibit 1 Historical CFO pre-WC, Total Debt and CFO pre-WC to Debt $ in millions $386 $404 $358 $355 $345 $1,991 $2,051 $2,297 $2,372 $2,336 19.4% 19.7% 15.6%15.0%14.8% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% $- $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 Dec-16 Dec-17 Dec-18 Dec-19 LTM Mar-20 CFO Pre-W/C Total Debt CFO Pre-W/C / Debt Source: Moody's Financial Metrics Credit Strengths » Low-risk, $3.4 billion rate base utility with supportive cost recovery mechanisms » Track record of strong cash flow generation » 2019 clean energy bill provides for additional credit positive regulatory tools Credit Challenges » Limited financial buffer expected over next three years » Delayed cost recovery due to historic test year requirement » History of contentious regulatory proceedings Rating Outlook The stable outlook incorporates our view that Avista's financial profile will remain adequate over the next several years with CFO pre- WC to debt at about 14%. In addition, the stable outlook assumes Avista will receive adequate cost recovery authorizations within its regulatory jurisdictions and that unregulated operations will remain below 15% of consolidated earnings and cash flow. Factors that Could Lead to an Upgrade A rating upgrade is unlikely over the next 12 to 18 months given expectation of narrowed financial performance as a result of higher debt coupled with delayed plans to file rate cases as a result of economic impacts from the coronavirus. An upgrade could occur if financial metrics improve such that CFO pre-WC to debt was above 19% and CFO pre-WC less dividend was above 13% on a consistent basis. Additionally, a demonstrated improvement in regulatory environment and relationship will remain a key rating driver. This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. 2 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 2 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Factors that Could Lead to a Downgrade A rating downgrade could result should there be a degradation of regulatory relationships resulting in inadequate cost recovery and CFO pre-WC to debt dropping below 14% on a sustained basis. Key Indicators Exhibit 2 Avista Corp. [1] Dec-16 Dec-17 Dec-18 Dec-19 LTM Mar-20 CFO Pre-W/C + Interest / Interest 5.4x 5.2x 4.5x 4.3x 4.2x CFO Pre-W/C / Debt 19.4%19.7%15.6%15.0%14.8% CFO Pre-W/C – Dividends / Debt 15.0%15.2%11.3%10.6%10.4% Debt / Capitalization 44.5%48.4%50.5%49.2%49.4% [1] All ratios are based on 'Adjusted' financial data and incorporate Moody's Global Standard Adjustments for Non-Financial Corporations. Financial Metrics™Source: Moody's Financial Metrics Profile Avista is primarily an electric and natural gas utility whose Avista Utilities operating division provides electric transmission and distribution, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Avista Utilities also provide natural gas distribution service in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon. The utility has electric generating facilities in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana and also supplies electricity to a small number of customers in Montana. For the three months ended 31 March 2020, Avista Utilities averaged over 394,000 electric and over 362,000 gas customers. Avista owns Alaska Energy and Resources Company (AERC; not rated), parent of Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P; Baa3 Stable) which serves around 17,000 electric customers in Juneau, Alaska. Avista's utility operations are regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) and the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC). AEL&P is under the purview of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA). 2019 earnings contribution breakdown Exhibit 4 Rate base by jurisdiction Avista Utilities96% AELP4% Excludes other segments Source: Avista Corp. Filings Idaho29% Washington63% Oregon8% As of 31 March 2020, excludes AEL&P Source: Company Documents & Moody's Investors Service 3 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 3 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Detailed Credit Considerations Strong cash flow producer with narrow financial metrics expected over next three years Avista has a history of strong cash flow production averaging about $360 million from 2014 to 2019. Deferred income taxes historically constituted a significant portion of Avista's operating cash flow, which averaged 30% over the 2014 to 2017 period. Post tax reform, Avista's reliance on deferred income reduced annually reaching about zero as of LTM Q120 (see Exhibit 5). The loss of deferred tax resulted in lower financial metrics ranging in the midteens over the last two years. Exhibit 5Reduced reliance on deferred income taxes will continue Historical CFO and deferred income taxes $52 $125 $70 $9 $15 $376 $358 $410 $362 $398 $337 13.8% 34.8% 17.0% 2.4%3.8% 0.0%0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% - 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 12/31/15 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 12/31/19 LTM (03/20) Deferred Income Taxes CFO Deferred Income Taxes % of CFO Source: Moody's Investors Service We expect cash flow generation will continue to be strong although financial metrics will be weakened over the medium-term as a result of additional debt to support liquidity and capital investment. As highlighted in Exhibit 6, CFO pre-WC to debt in 2020 is likely to be just under 14% and sustain at about 14% through 2022. Avista intends to file a general rate case in Washington and Idaho in late 2020, which is the driver behind the improved CFO in the later year of the forecast period. Because of historic test year requirements, Avista has experienced cash flow lags over the past several years. Management intended to improve the lag by filing rate cases more frequently, but the coronavirus driven economic downturn delayed plans to file until late 2020. Any outcome thereafter will not be effective until late 2021. Although the company's financial buffer will be limited over the next several years, we expect performance will be close to forecast because the company has a strong track record of producing consistent financial results in line with expectations. Exhibit 6 Stable financial metrics through 2022 with improved flexibility in 2023 Historical and forecast CFO pre-WC to debt 21% 19%20% 16%15% 14%14%14%14% 17%17% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% 22% 24% 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020E 2021E 2022E 2023E 2024E CFO Pre-WC to debt Forecast Upgrade/Downgrade Treshold Range Source: Moody's Investors Service 4 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 4 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE We do not anticipate a material financial impact from the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. Similar to other states, Washington, Idaho and Oregon shutdown economic activity affecting sales primarily in March and April. Management reports a modest overall decline in electric load driven by higher residential usage offsetting load loss in commercial and industrial customer class; natural gas demand was within normal bounds. Favorably, Avista benefits from decoupling and other cost recovery mechanisms, which mitigates effects from load loss within residential and commercial customers. The company instituted cost savings to offset any additional negative impacts from the coronavirus and filed requests to recover costs associated with COVID-19 with all regulatory jurisdictions. Credit supportive regulatory jurisdictions with adequate track record for cost recovery Washington We view Avista's regulatory jurisdictions to be generally credit supportive. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), which regulates roughly 60% of the company's rate base and revenue, has electric and gas decoupling mechanisms which allow for timely recovery of fixed costs for the utility and drive stable and predictable gross margin and cash flow in the face of declining use. Even so, the use of historic test years result in the need for Avista to file general rate cases frequently to recover and earn on investments. Avista filed its most recent electric and natural gas general rate cases on 30 April 2019 with WUTC and reached a partial settlement in November 2019. The commission approved the settlement in March 2020. The partial settlement allows for a one year rate plan increasing electric revenue by $28.5 million and natural gas revenue by $8 million effective 1 April 2020. The agreement is based on an ROE of 9.4% and equity layer of 48.5%, which are slightly below industry averages. Additionally, the settlement includes provisions for cost recovery associated with Colstrip units 3 and 4 decommissioning and remediation (D&R) expenses estimated at about $33 million as of 31 March 2020 and ability to accelerate depreciation to 2025 in recognition of the state's new energy bill requirements. The original filing was for a two-year rate plan that included a $45.8 million increase in annual electric revenue and a $12.9 million increase in annual natural gas revenue effective April 2020 and a $18.9 million increase for annual electric revenue and a $6.5 million increase for annual natural gas revenue effective April 2021. The request was based on a 9.9% ROE and 50% equity layer. Additionally, the order disallowed Avista recovery of costs associated with a 2018 Colstrip plant outage, ruling Avista failed to prove the costs were prudently incurred. Total costs were about $3 million. While we consider the last two Washington rate case outcomes as neutral from a credit perspective, the company has had a somewhat contentious regulatory relationship in recent years particularly related to credit supportive mechanisms that would allow for faster cost recovery. In an ongoing review of Avista's 2015 rate case, the rate base attrition adjustments, which we considered credit supportive, were ruled by the Washington Court of Appeals in August 2018 as against the state’s used and useful law. Subsequently, both the Court of Appeals and Superior Court terminated and remanded the case back to the WUTC to recalculate Avista's rates without the attrition adjustment used in the final order. On 06 March 2020, the WUTC issued a final order which concluded the 2015 rate case review. The order required Avista reimburse customers a total of $8.4 million or $4.9 million to electric customers and $3.5 million to natural gas customers. Idaho Avista reached an all parties settlement on 11 October 2019 for its electric general rate case filed 10 June 2019. The settlement, which was approved on 1 December 2019 by IPUC, included a revenue reduction of $7.18 million effective 1 December 2019. The approved revenue decrease was based on a 9.5% ROE and a 50% equity ratio, which were in line with prior approved levels. Avista requested a revenue increase of about $5.3 million that included costs associated with their wind generation PPAs in base rates instead of continuation of the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) mechanism. The settlement approved continuation of the PCA instead of inclusion in base rates. Avista was authorized electric and gas decoupling mechanisms, known as Fix Cost Adjustment (FCA) in Idaho, in December 2015 for a three-year period beginning 1 January 2016. The company filed a request for continuation, and the IPUC approved the request on 17 December 2019. Oregon The company filed its latest natural gas rate case on 16 March 2020 seeking a $6.8 million or 6.8% base rate increase. Management expects proceedings to move along and could reach an overall settlement with effective rates mid January 2021. On 9 October 2019, the OPUC approved an all-party natural gas rate settlement filed in August 2019 taking effect 15 January 2020. The approved 5 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 5 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE settlement increases natural gas revenue by $3.6 million and maintains the 9.4% ROE and a 50% equity layer. As part of its March 2016 rate case order in Oregon, Avista is allowed to implement a revenue per customer decoupling mechanism. Alaska AELP lowered customer rates by 6.7% or $2.4 million annually effective 1 August 2018 to reflect the lower tax rate associated with tax reform. The RCA also approved AELP's proposal to refund to customers a one-time credit equal to the 6.7% rate reduction for 1 January through 31 July 2018. The utility completed the refund during the third quarter of 2018. The impact of the TCJA on AELP’s deferred income taxes will be addressed in its next general rate case to be filed by August 30, 2021. AELP's allowed ROE of 11.95% and equity layer of 58.18% is above the average of authorized returns for the industry, a credit positive. However, we note that Alaska has a statutory period of 450 days or approximately 15 months to decide on rate cases, the longest in the nation and has not authorized cash flow stabilizing mechanisms such as revenue decoupling. Washington's clean energy bill enhances regulatory framework In May 2019, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed a package of clean energy legislation including the 100% clean energy and regulatory reform bill (SB 5116). We expect Avista's regulatory environment to strengthen as a result of passage of this legislation. The bill requires electric utilities to eliminate coal-fired generation by 2025, transition the state's electricity supply to 80% renewables and 100% carbon neutral power by 2030 and be 100% carbon free by 2045. We view the law as credit positive because it includes the potential for enhanced cost recovery mechanisms that can improve utility financial performance and provides a legal and regulatory framework to reduce carbon exposure risks. Compliance with the law will require significant investment and an overhaul of existing state electric infrastructure. However, the law acknowledges the WUTC's authority to implement performance and incentive based regulation, multiyear rate plans and other “flexible regulatory mechanisms” to achieve the state's public interest objectives. Importantly, the law also recognizes that the policy must include safeguards that do not impair the reliability of the electricity system nor impose unreasonable costs on utility customers. Some of the key components of SB 5116 include: four year clean energy implementation plans to be filed and approved beginning in 2022; successive four year compliance periods to implement WUTC approved clean energy plans for interim goals beginning in 2022; penalty payments for failure to comply with emissions goals; alternative compliance options (including payments, use of renewable energy certificates, investment in “energy transformation projects”); and 2% revenue increase caps on compliance costs. It also promotes energy transformation projects, including support of the electrification of transportation, smart grid investments, distributed generation and grid resilience, among others. SB 5116 also requires the WUTC to accelerate depreciation schedules for coal generation resources, including transmission lines, to December 31, 2025, or to allow investor-owned utilities to recover costs in rates for earlier closure of those facilities. ESG considerations From an environmental perspective, Avista has moderate carbon transition risk within the regulated electric and gas utility sector. The company's electric generation resource mix consists of 34% fossil fuels and 9% coal. The Washington and Idaho commissions agreed to set aside $11.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively, of TCJA related electric tax benefits to offset costs associated with accelerating depreciation of Avista's only coal facilities, Colstrip Units 3 and 4. The remaining useful life under the WUTC agreement is 31 December 2025 while the IPUC authorized to 31 December 2027. Colstrip Units 3 & 4 will cease service to Washington customers in 2025 in line with state requirements. Moody’s framework for assessing carbon transition risk in the utility industry is discussed in “Prudent regulation key to mitigating risk, capturing opportunities of decarbonization” (2 November 2017). 6 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 6 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Exhibit 7 Avista electric generation mix As of 31 March 2020 Natural Gas 34% Coal 9% Wind4%Biomass 2% Hydro51% Based on maximum capacity, excludes AEL&P Source: Avista Corp. Filings Social considerations include risks associated with safety and reliability of company services and supply, business reputation or regulatory relations, an aging workforce and ability to hire and retain qualified personnel. With respects to regulatory relations, Avista has experienced a contentious relationship in the past, we anticipate a more predictable regulatory environment as a result of the 2019 legislative action. Regarding health and safety, we see a rise of social risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the health and safety of plant operations. The safety and reliability of service are extremely important and are a key focus for Avista's utilities. From a governance perspective, financial and risk management policies including a strong financial profile are important characteristics for managing environmental and social risks. We view the governance of Avista as strong based on our assessment criteria. Moody's framework for assessing corporate governance is discussed in “Utilities and power companies – North America Corporate governance assessments show generally credit-friendly characteristics” (September 19, 2019). Liquidity Analysis We expect Avista to maintain adequate liquidity over the next 12-18 months. Avista's external liquidity sources consist of a $400 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which expires in April 2022. At the end of Q120, there was about $182 million available under the line of credit. Since Avista currently has unsecured investment-grade ratings from two nationally recognized rating agencies, the company has the option to request the banks to relinquish the existing First Mortgage Bond collateral position. Avista has not asked for the release, keeping the company as one of the few US regulated utilities to maintain a secured bank credit facility. The secured nature of the credit facilities constrains Avista's liquidity flexibility, in our opinion, since the typical investment grade issuer (having an unsecured facility) can use collateral as an option to improve bank credit access during periods of unforeseen liquidity stress. Avista was in compliance with the facility’s sole covenant of less than 65% capitalization, with a ratio of 53.7% as of 31 March 2020. We note that the company has no material adverse change language beyond the close of the facility, a credit positive. AEL&P has a $25 million line of credit which expires in 2024 and requires a consolidated debt to capitalization covenant of 67.5%. As of 30 March 2020, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the facility and AEL&P was in compliance with its covenant, with a ratio of 52.3%. Avista entered into $100 million 364-day term loan in April 2020 to support liquidity. Additionally, the company plans to issue $165 million in long-term debt to refinance the $52 million in senior debt maturing in December 2020 as well as fund capital spending estimated at $405 million annually through 2024. This is consistent with prior years where the company funds capex with a combination of long-term debt and equity. 7 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 7 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Exhibit 8 Avista Corp. Debt Maturities ($ in millions) $52 $250 $14 $25 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Excludes $15 million term loan at Alaska Energy and Resources Company maturing in 2024 Source: Avista Corporation 8 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 8 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Methodology and Scorecard Exhibit 9 Rating Factors Avista Corporation Regulated Electric and Gas Utilities Industry [1][2] Factor 1 : Regulatory Framework (25%)Measure Score Measure Score a) Legislative and Judicial Underpinnings of the Regulatory Framework A A A A b) Consistency and Predictability of Regulation Baa Baa Baa Baa Factor 2 : Ability to Recover Costs and Earn Returns (25%) a) Timeliness of Recovery of Operating and Capital Costs Baa Baa Baa Baa b) Sufficiency of Rates and Returns Baa Baa Baa Baa Factor 3 : Diversification (10%) a) Market Position A A A A b) Generation and Fuel Diversity A A A A Factor 4 : Financial Strength (40%) a) CFO pre-WC + Interest / Interest (3 Year Avg)4.6x A 4x - 4.5x Baa b) CFO pre-WC / Debt (3 Year Avg)16.7%Baa 13.6%-14.0%Baa c) CFO pre-WC – Dividends / Debt (3 Year Avg)12.2%Baa 9%-10%Baa d) Debt / Capitalization (3 Year Avg)48.4%Baa 48%-51%Baa Rating: Scorecard-Indicated Outcome Before Notching Adjustment Baa1 Baa1 HoldCo Structural Subordination Notching 0 0 0 0 a) Scorecard-Indicated Outcome Baa1 Baa1 b) Actual Rating Assigned Baa2 (P)Baa2 Current LTM 3/31/2020 Moody's 12-18 Month Forward View As of Date Published [3] [1] All ratios are based on 'Adjusted' financial data and incorporate Moody's Global Standard Adjustments for Non-Financial Corporations. [2] As of 3/31/2020 (LTM) [3] This represents Moody's forward view; not the view of the issuer; and unless noted in the text, does not incorporate significant acquisitions and divestitures. Source: Moody’s Financial Metrics™ 9 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 9 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Appendix Exhibit 10 Peer Comparison Table [1] FYE FYE LTM FYE FYE LTM FYE FYE LTM FYE FYE LTM (in US millions)Dec-18 Dec-19 Mar-20 Dec-18 Dec-19 Mar-20 Dec-18 Dec-19 Mar-20 Dec-18 Dec-19 Mar-20 Revenue 1,397 1,346 1,353 3,346 3,401 3,422 1,367 1,343 1,384 1,991 2,123 2,082 EBITDA 452 463 458 1,393 1,329 1,331 503 527 507 749 787 754 CFO Pre-W/C / Debt 15.6%15.0%14.8%20.3%15.1%18.5%17.5%15.3%17.9%22.2%19.7%21.4% CFO Pre-W/C – Dividends / Debt 11.3%10.6%10.4%16.5%11.7%15.2%12.2%9.8%12.3%17.8%15.3%16.9% Debt / EBITDA 5.1x 5.1x 5.1x 3.3x 3.6x 3.6x 4.5x 4.5x 4.5x 3.8x 3.8x 3.8x Debt / Capitalization 50.5%49.2%49.4%49.9%49.3%50.3%43.9%43.6%43.5%49.6%50.5%49.6% EBITDA / Interest Expense 4.4x 4.3x 4.3x 5.7x 5.2x 5.4x 4.5x 4.8x 4.5x 5.5x 5.7x 5.5x (P)Baa2 Stable Baa1 Stable A3 Stable A3 Stable Avista Corp.Puget Sound Energy, Inc.Idaho Power Company Portland General Electric Company [1] All figures & ratios calculated using Moody's estimates & standard adjustments. FYE=Financial Year=End. LTM=Last Twelve Months. Source: Moody's Financial Metrics Exhibit 11 Cash Flow and Credit Metrics [1] ($ in millions) CF Metrics Dec-16 Dec-17 Dec-18 Dec-19 LTM Mar-20 As Adjusted EBITDA 473 488 452 463 458 FFO 442 389 332 365 355 - Div 87 92 98 103 101 RCF 355 297 234 262 253 FFO 442 389 332 365 355 +/- ΔWC (28) 8 4 47 (7) +/- Other (56) 15 26 (10) (10) CFO 358 412 362 402 338 - Div 87 92 98 103 101 - Capex 407 412 424 447 452 FCF (136) (93) (160) (147) (215) Debt / EBITDA 4.2x 4.2x 5.1x 5.1x 5.1x EBITDA / Interest 5.4x 5.0x 4.4x 4.3x 4.3x FFO / Debt 22.2%19.0%14.5%15.4%15.2% RCF / Debt 17.8%14.5%10.2%11.1%10.8% Revenue 1,442 1,446 1,397 1,346 1,353 Cost of Good Sold 547 525 495 438 455 Interest Expense 88 97 102 107 107 Net Income 141 126 84 128 75 Total Assets 5,310 5,518 5,833 6,082 5,965 Total Liabilities 3,672 3,799 4,074 4,158 4,086 Total Equity 1,637 1,719 1,759 1,925 1,879 [1] All figures & ratios calculated using Moody’s estimates & standard adjustments. Periods are Financial Year-End unless indicated. LTM = Last Twelve Months. Source: Moody’s Financial Metrics™ 10 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 10 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE Ratings Exhibit 12 Category Moody's Rating AVISTA CORP. Outlook Stable Issuer Rating Baa2 First Mortgage Bonds A3 Senior Secured A3 Senior Unsecured MTN (P)Baa2 ALASKA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWERCOMPANY(AELP) Outlook Stable Issuer Rating Baa3 AVISTA CORP. CAPITAL II Outlook Stable BACKED Pref. Stock Baa3 Source: Moody's Investors Service 11 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 11 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE © 2020 Moody’s Corporation, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Moody’s Analytics, Inc. and/or their licensors and affiliates (collectively, “MOODY’S”). All rights reserved. CREDIT RATINGS ISSUED BY MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. 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REPORT NUMBER 1236582 12 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 12 of 13 MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT FINANCE CLIENT SERVICES Americas 1-212-553-1653 Asia Pacific 852-3551-3077 Japan 81-3-5408-4100 EMEA 44-20-7772-5454 13 28 July 2020 Avista Corp.: Update to credit analysis Staff_PR_075 Attachment A8 Page 13 of 13