Avista Corp. has reported second-quarter net income of $22.9 million, or 29 cents a diluted share, up from income of $17.5 million, or 23 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. 

Dennis Vermillion, CEO of Spokane-based energy company, said in the earnings release that Avista's performance is in line with expectations and reflects strength in its core utility operations. 

Through the first six months of the year, the company posted net income of $94.4 million, or $1.20 a share, up from income of $72.3 million, or 96 cents a share, in the first half of 2023. 

Separate from its earnings announcement, the company announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of 47.5 cents per share, payable on Sept. 13 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 22. 

At market close today, Aug. 7, the company's stock traded at $38.26 a share, up 9 cents and closer to its 52-week high of $39.98 a share than its yearly low of $30.53 a share.