TransAlta Completes Investment in Skookumchuck Wind Project
TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta” or “the Company”) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) announced today that it has closed its 49 per cent equity investment in the Skookumchuck Wind Project (Skookumchuck) with Southern Power Company, a subsidiary of Southern Company. Skookumchuck is a 136.8 MW wind project located in Lewis and Thurston Counties, Washington consisting of 38 Vestas V136 wind turbines.
Skookumchuck began commercial operation on November 7, 2020 and has a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Puget Sound Energy, Inc.
“Our investment in Skookumchuck furthers our ambitious objectives as outlined in our Clean Energy Investment Plan and is another step towards meeting our, and our customers , E2SG needs”- said Dawn Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta. “We are pleased to participate in a project that continues our relationship with Puget and serves customers in the Pacific Northwest market.”
About TransAlta:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.
Forward Looking Statements:
This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “propose”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking information or statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this news release contains forward looking statements and information relating to:our Clean Energy Investment Plan, and our ability to meet our customers E2SG needs. The forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance, events or results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements, which include impact of the novel coronavirus; changes in the law or political developments and other risk factors contained in the Company’s Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year end dated December 31, 2019, filed under the Company’s profile with the Canadian securities regulators on www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking information except as required by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward looking information, refer to the Company’s Annual Report and Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
TransAlta Reports Solid Third Quarter 2020 Results, Fast-Tracks Off Coal and Discontinues All Mining in Canada by End of 2021
Third Quarter 2020 Highlights
Comparable EBITDA(1)(2) of $256 million increased by three per cent from $249 million for the same period in 2019
Free cash flow (FCF)(1)(2) of $106 million or $0.39 per share compared to $114 million or $0.40 per share for the same period in 2019
Adjusted availability was 90.7 per cent compared to 95.2 per cent for the same period in 2019
Year-to-date 2020 Financial Highlights
FCF(1)(2) of $306 million or $1.11 per share compared to $258 million or $0.91 per share, an increase of 22 per cent on a per share basis
Returned $21 million of capital to shareholders in the first nine months through the purchase and cancellation of 2,849,400 common shares at an average price of $7.51 per share through our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) program
Operating Highlights
Adjusted the useful life of the Highvale Mine to align with the gas conversion plans of the Company (as defined below) and decision to end mining by Dec. 31, 2021
Commenced conversion to gas at Sundance Unit 6 and on-track to complete the project by mid-Nov. 2020
Windrise Wind construction is 45 per cent complete, as of Sept. 30, 2020, and began receiving wind turbine generators on site in mid-Oct. 2020
Subsequent Events & Updates
The Company announced that it will discontinue all mining operations at the Highvale Mine by Dec. 31, 2021. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the Company will discontinue firing with coal in Canada
Sundance Unit 5 repowering received approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (Board) and is on-track to reach commercial operation by fourth quarter 2023
Announced that the Company’s subsidiary, Southern Cross Energy, replaced and extended its existing power purchase agreement with BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty. Ltd. The replacement of this agreement extends the term from Dec. 31, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2038
Achieved commercial operation of WindCharger, Alberta’s first utility-scale battery storage project
Announced the closing of AU$800 million of secured financing from the South Hedland Power Station
Announced the closing of the $400 million investment by an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield) in preferred shares of the Company pursuant to the investment agreement entered into between the Company and Brookfield on Mar. 22, 2019
Together with our partner, Tidewater Midstream & Infrastructure Ltd. (Tidewater), entered into a purchase and sale agreement with ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. (ATCO) to sell the Pioneer Pipeline for a purchase price of $255 million (Pioneer Transaction). This agreement replaces the Company’s previous agreement from second quarter 2020 to sell its interest in the Pioneer Pipeline to NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL)
The Board adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Pledge that commits the Company to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By undertaking this pledge, the Company will seek to remove systemic barriers that may prevent diverse employees from thriving, including visible minorities, Indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and women
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2020.
“TransAlta’s third quarter delivered excellent results from strategic, operational and financial perspectives. We continued to advance our climate leadership strategy and added Alberta’s first utility-scale battery storage project, WindCharger, to our sizable hydro and wind fleet” – said Dawn Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer. “TransAlta has been a leader in emissions reductions in Alberta since 2005 and we will continue to use this expertise to serve customers with low-cost, reliable, green electricity.”
“In another major milestone, our Board approved closing the Highvale Mine by Dec. 31, 2021, four years ahead of our original off-coal schedule for this mine. This decision demonstrates how we continue to lead our industry in achieving ESG milestones on an accelerated basis. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the front-line employees of SunHills Mining who have worked tirelessly to provide exceptional service since the 1950s.”
Below are additional highlights from the quarter regarding how TransAlta is advancing its Clean Energy Investment Plan, how it is working toward greater diversity and inclusion, how the Company is managing COVID-19, as well as more details regarding the Company’s liquidity and financial position.
Clean Energy Investment Plan
Conversion to Gas
The Company will discontinue all mining operations at Highvale Mine by Dec. 31, 2021. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the Company will cease coal-fired generation in Canada. TransAlta’s Keephills Unit 1 and Sundance Unit 4 will discontinue firing with coal and will only operate on gas, resulting in the maximum capability of these units being reduced to 70 MW and 113 MW, respectively, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate these units as candidates for boiler conversion or full repowering based on market fundamentals.
TransAlta’s conversion programs are underway. The Company commenced the conversion outage of Sundance Unit 6 during the quarter and is on-track to complete the project by mid-Nov. 2020. The Company continues to advance the conversions of its Keephills Unit 2 and Unit 3 planned for 2021 and has issued Full Notice to Proceed for both units. During the third quarter of 2020, the Sundance Unit 5 repowering project received Board approval and is on-track to reach commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2023.
In furtherance of the Company’s natural gas fuel supply needs for the converted units, TransAlta has long-term natural gas delivery transportation agreements with NGTL, bringing the cumulative total of new and existing pipeline transportation service to the Company’s generating facilities up to 400 terajoules (TJ) per day by 2023. TransAlta’s current commitments, including its 139 TJ/day supply arrangement with Tidewater, will remain in place until the closing of the Pioneer Transaction. The Pioneer Transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, which are currently expected to be obtained in the second quarter of 2021.
WindCharger Battery Storage
TransAlta announced that its 10 MW/20 MWh WindCharger Battery Storage project began commercial operation on Oct. 15, 2020. This project has a total capital cost of approximately $14 million, with approximately 50 per cent being funded through the support of Emissions Reduction Alberta. TransAlta will pay TransAlta Renewables Inc. a fixed monthly capacity charge for the right to operate and dispatch the battery in the Alberta market.
Windrise Wind
Construction activities on the Windrise Wind project continues to advance with all appropriate procedures in place to protect the construction team during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is approximately 45 per cent complete (as at Sept. 30, 2020) and the construction schedule has been modified to reflect a COVID-19-related delay in the delivery of the wind turbine components. The Company plans to complete construction and commissioning in the second half of 2021. This project began receiving wind turbine generators on site in mid-Oct. 2020.
Kaybob Cogeneration
The Company has advanced the Kaybob Cogeneration project, including the purchase of the reciprocating engine generator, generator step-up transformers, electrical building, and switchgear.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Board has adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Pledge that commits the Company to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By committing to this pledge, the Company will seek to remove systemic barriers that may prevent diverse employees from thriving, including visible minorities, Indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and women. The persistent inequities around the world underscore the urgent need to address and alleviate racial, ethnic, and other tensions, to remove barriers that perpetuate these inequalities and to promote an inclusive working environment for all employees. TransAlta firmly believes that true diversity is good for the economy, it improves corporate performance, drives growth, and enhances employee engagement. The Diversity and Inclusion Pledge acknowledges these challenges and seeks to: (i) encourage conversations about diversity and inclusion within the workplace; (ii) expand education regarding diversity, equality and inclusion; (iii) create best practices that result in the establishment of programs and initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion within the workplace; and (iv) drive accountability by regularly reporting and evaluating the success of the Company’s programs and initiatives.
COVID-19 Response Update
The Company continued to implement its business continuity plan which ensured that: (i) employees who could work remotely did so; and (ii) employees who operate and maintain our facilities, and who were not able to work remotely, were able to work safely and in a manner that ensured they remained healthy. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company successfully brought employees who were working remotely back to the office without sacrificing health and safety standards. The Company’s facilities also remain fully operational and capable of meeting its customers needs. All of the Company’s offices and sites follow strict health screening and physical distancing protocols with personal protective equipment readily available. TransAlta maintains travel restrictions aligned to local jurisdictional guidance, enhanced cleaning procedures, revised work schedules, and other measures to protect staff and contractors. The Company continues to work and serve all of its customers and counterparties under the terms of the relevant contracts. TransAlta has not experienced interruptions to service requirements. Electricity and steam supply continue to remain a critical service requirement to all of the Company’s customers and have been deemed an essential service in all of the jurisdictions in which TransAlta operates.
Liquidity and Financial Position
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in part due to our long-term contracts and hedged positions. At the end of the third quarter 2020, TransAlta had access to $1.6 billion in liquidity, including $270 million of cash and cash equivalents. Subsequent to the quarter, the Company raised approximately $1.1 billion in additional liquidity to support its gas conversions and renewables construction. The Company is currently positioned with approximately $2.7 billion in liquidity.
In October, TransAlta completed an AU$800 million senior secured note offering, which is secured among other things, a first ranking charge over all assets of its South Hedland Power Station. The Company also received $400 million from the second tranche of financing from the Brookfield investment. In addition, TransAlta has access to additional capital through potential project financing of existing assets that are currently unencumbered. The Company expects to utilize existing cash and credit facilities for the debt maturing in 2020 and expects to refinance the debt maturing in 2022.
The Company also has approximately 90 per cent of its Alberta thermal baseload merchant generation hedged at approximately $53 per MWh for the remainder of 2020.
Financial Results
The Company reported its third quarter 2020 financial results with comparable EBITDA(2) of $256 million compared to $249 million in the same period of 2019. Comparable EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was $693 million, an increase of one per cent compared to 2019. Funds from operations (FFO)(2,3) for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 were $193 million for the quarter compared to $188 million in 2019 and $524 million year-to-date as compared to $512 million in 2019. All 2019 figures quoted exclude the impact of the one-time payment of $56 million received in the third quarter of 2019 for the early termination of the Sundance B and C power purchase arrangements (the “PPA Termination Payments”).
FCF(2), one of the Company’s key financial metrics, totaled $106 million and $306 million for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, respectively. FCF for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 decreased by $8 million and increased by $48 million for the same periods, respectively, after adjusting for the PPA Termination Payments.
Comparable EBITDA, excluding the PPA Termination Payments, for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $7 and $8 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2019 largely due to strong performance by TransAlta’s Energy Marketing, Centralia, and Wind and Solar segments, partially offset by lower performance at the Alberta Thermal and Hydro segments as well as higher corporate costs due to the impact of a total return swap that hedges share-based compensation.
The Company’s operations, maintenance and administration (OM&A) expenses for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 were consistent with the same period in 2019. OM&A for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $6 million compared to the same period in 2019 as variability caused by the total return swap resulted in an increase of expense of $16 million for the period. In addition, OM&A costs increased by $6 million due to the addition of Ada cogeneration facility, Big Level and Antrim Wind projects and the renegotiation of the Fort Saskatchewan maintenance agreement. Excluding the impact of the total return swap and additional facilities, OM&A decreased by $16 million due to tighter cost controls, units remaining on reserve shutdown during the second quarter of 2020 at Centralia, lower labour costs across multiple segments and lower legal fees.
FCF for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, excluding PPA Termination Payments that were received in third quarter of 2019, was driven primarily by higher segmented cash flows, lower sustaining and productivity capital expenditures and lower distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests. Segmented cash flows(1) for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 were $4 million lower compared to the same period in 2019 due to lower performance in the Alberta Thermal segment, mostly offset by higher performance in the Company’s Centralia, Australian Gas, Wind and Solar and Energy Marketing segments. Segmented cash flows for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, were $43 million higher compared to the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily due to higher performance in the Company’s Centralia, North American Gas, Wind and Solar, and Energy Marketing segments, which was partially offset by lower performance in the Company’s Alberta Thermal and Hydro segments and impacts of the total return swap in the Corporate segment.
Third Quarter 2020 Segmented Review Comparable EBITDA (in CAD$ millions)
3 Months Ended
9 Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
Sept. 30, 2019
Sept. 30, 2020
Sept. 30, 2019
Alberta Thermal
47
135
121
264
Centralia
49
35
109
44
North American Gas
29
30
85
91
Australian Gas
34
29
93
90
Wind and Solar
36
35
171
151
Hydro
28
28
83
92
Energy Marketing
49
31
90
63
Corporate
(16)
(18)
(59)
(54)
Total Comparable EBITDA(2)
256
305
693
741
Comparable EBITDA (1) (2) excluding the PPA Termination Payments
256
249
693
685
Alberta Thermal: Comparable EBITDA, excluding the PPA Termination Payments, for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, decreased $32 million and $87 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. This largely reflects the weaker power demand conditions driving lower Alberta wholesale power prices resulting in lower merchant production and lower margins.
Centralia: Comparable EBITDA returned to normalized levels for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020. For the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020, increased by $14 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to purchased power at a lower cost. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, comparable EBITDA increased by $65 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to the impacts of an isolated and extreme pricing event in Mar. 2019 during which Centralia was unable to commit one of its units to physical production for day-ahead supply due to an unplanned forced outage repair. In addition, comparable EBITDA in 2020 benefited from dispatch optimization and the strengthening of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.
North American Gas: Comparable EBITDA for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 remained consistent compared to the same period in 2019 and for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 decreased by $6 million compared with the same periods in 2019, primarily due to higher OM&A resulting from a change in passthrough provisions of a customer contract.
Australian Gas: Comparable EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $5 million and $3 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2019 mainly due to timing of legal fees and the strengthening of the Australian dollar against the Canadian dollar.
Wind and Solar: Comparable EBITDA for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was consistent with the same period in 2019. Comparable EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $20 million compared with the same period in 2019 primarily due to the addition of the Big Level and Antrim wind facilities and higher production, partially offset by insurance proceeds received in 2019, lower Alberta pricing and the planned expiry of certain Wind power production incentives in 2019.
Hydro: Comparable EBITDA for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was consistent with the same period in 2019. Comparable EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 decreased by $9 million, compared with the same period in 2019, as lower energy and ancillary services revenues resulted from lower Alberta pricing and prior year’s true-up to Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) transmission line losses, which were partially offset by higher production.
Energy Marketing: Comparable EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $18 million and $27 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Results were primarily attained from market volatility arising from extreme weather events in California during the quarter as well as continued strong performance from short-term strategies across various geographic regions in both the power and natural gas markets.
Corporate: Corporate overhead costs for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 were consistent with the same period in 2019. Corporate overhead costs for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 increased by $5 million compared to the same period in 2019. These changes were primarily due to realized gains and losses from the total return swap. A portion of the settlement cost of our employee share-based payment plans is fixed by entering into total return swaps, which are cash settled every quarter.
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was $136 million compared to earnings of $51 million in the same period in 2019. The decrease is largely due to lower revenues, coal inventory write-down, higher depreciation, increase in asset impairments and the PPA Termination Payments, which were partially offset by foreign exchange gains and income tax recoveries. Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was $169 million compared to $14 million in the same period in 2019. The decrease is largely due to lower revenues, coal inventory write-down, higher depreciation, increase in asset impairments and the final PPA termination payment, which were partially offset by lower fuel, carbon compliance, purchased power costs, and foreign exchange gains.
Total sustaining capital expenditures(3) of $99 million were $12 million lower compared to 2019 primarily due to higher planned major maintenance in our Alberta Thermal segment in 2019.
Third Quarter 2020 Highlights
In $CAD millions, unless otherwise stated
3 Months Ended
9 Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
Sept. 30, 2019
Sept. 30, 2020
Sept. 30, 2019
Adjusted availability (%)(4)
90.7%
95.2%
91.4%
89.5%
Production (GWh)(4)
6,184
7,558
17,276
20,918
Revenues
$514
$593
$1,557
$1,738
Fuel, carbon compliance and purchased power
$252
$257
$641
$800
Operations, maintenance and administration
$114
$114
$354
$348
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
$(136)
$51
$(169)
$(14)
Cash flow from operating activities
$257
$328
$592
$668
Comparable EBITDA(2)
$256
$305
$693
$741
Funds from operations(2)
$193
$244
$524
$568
Free cash flow(2)
$106
$170
$306
$314
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted
$(0.50)
$0.18
$(0.61)
$(0.05)
Funds from operations per share(2)
$0.70
$0.87
$1.90
$2.00
Free cash flow per share(2)
$0.39
$0.60
$1.11
$1.11
Dividends declared per common share
$0.0425
$0.0400
$0.1275
$0.0800
Dividends declared per preferred share(5)
$0.26
$0.26
$0.76
$0.52
TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available Nov. 4, 2020 on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Notes
(1) Excluding PPA Termination Payments received in third quarter 2019 of $56 million.
(2) These items are not defined under IFRS. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings trends more readily in comparison with prior periods results. Refer to the Comparable EBITDA, Funds from Operations and Free Cash Flow and Earnings and Discussion of Consolidated Financial Results sections of the MD&A for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.
(3) Excludes payments associated with finance leases.
(4) Availability and production includes all generating assets under generation operations that the Company operates and finance leases and excludes hydro assets and equity investments. Production includes all generating assets, irrespective of investment vehicle and fuel type.
(5) Weighted average of the Series A, B, C, E, and G preferred share dividends declared. Dividends declared vary year over year due to timing of dividend declarations.
Conference call
TransAlta will hold a conference call and webcast at 8:00 a.m. MT (10:00 a.m. ET) today, Nov. 4, 2020, to discuss our third quarter 2020 results. The call will begin with a short address by Dawn Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Todd Stack, Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question and answer period for investment analysts and investors. A question and answer period for the media will immediately follow.
Third Quarter 2020 Conference Call:
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-231-8191
Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/events-and-presentations. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-855-859-2056 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 5779326 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company that are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “proposed”, “will”, “anticipates”, “develop”, “continue”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to, without limitation, the following: the conversion of Sundance Unit 6 in Nov. 2020; the ceasing of active mining at the Highvale Mine in Alberta by the end of 2021; Keephills Unit 1 and Sundance Unit 4 discontinuing to fire with coal and only operating on gas effective Jan. 1, 2022; the Pioneer Transaction, including the terms and timing thereof; the repowering of Sundance Unit 5 into a combined cycle unit, with commercial operation by the fourth quarter of 2023; the receipt of funds from Emissions Reduction Alberta to support the WindCharger project; the completion of the construction and commissioning of the Windrise project in the second half of 2021; the conversion of Keephills Unit 2 and Unit 3, and the timing thereof; the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company and the actions to be undertaken by the Company in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and utilizing existing cash and credit facilities for the debt maturing in 2020 and refinancing the debt maturing in 2022.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual plans, performance, results or outcomes to differ materially from current expectations. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include risks relating to the impact of COVID-19 and the associated general economic downturn, the impact of which will largely depend on the overall severity and duration of COVID-19 and the general economic downturn, which cannot currently be predicted, and which present risks including, but not limited to: more restrictive directives of government and public health authorities; reduced labour availability impacting our ability to continue to staff the Company’s operations and facilities; impacts on the Company’s ability to realize its growth goals; decreased short-term and/or long-term electricity demand and lower power pricing; increased costs resulting from the Company’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19; deterioration of worldwide credit and financial markets; a higher rate of losses on accounts receivables due to credit defaults; further disruptions to the Company’s supply chain; impairments and/or write-downs of assets; and adverse impacts on the Company’s information technology systems and the Company’s internal control systems, including increased cybersecurity threats. Other factors that may adversely impact the Company’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: operational risks involving the Company’s facilities, including unplanned outages at such facilities; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; the effects of weather and other climate-related risks; disruptions in the source of water, wind, solar or gas resources required to operate our facilities; ability to secure regulatory approvals for projects under development and construction, including the receipt of the regulatory approvals from the Kaybob Cogeneration project; natural disasters; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost-effective or timely manner; and industry risks and competition. The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail in the MD&A and the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s expectations only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0425 per common share payable on January 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2020.
The Board of Directors also declared the following quarterly dividend on its Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares for the period starting from and including September 30, 2020 up to but excluding December 31, 2020:
Preferred Shares
TSX Stock Symbol
Dividend Rate
Dividend Per Share
Record Date
Payment Date
Series A
TA.PR.D
2.709%
$0.16931
December 1, 2020
December 31, 2020
Series B*
TA.PR.E
2.179%
$0.13693
December 1, 2020
December 31, 2020
Series C
TA.PR.F
4.027%
$0.25169
December 1, 2020
December 31, 2020
Series E
TA.PR.H
5.194%
$0.32463
December 1, 2020
December 31, 2020
Series G
TA.PR.J
4.988%
$0.31175
December 1, 2020
December 31, 2020
*Please note the quarterly floating rate on the Series B Preferred Shares will be reset every quarter.
All currency is expressed in Canadian dollars except where noted. When the dividend payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made the following business day.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today announced the closing of the $400 million second tranche of its previously announced strategic investment by an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield). As previously disclosed, Brookfield committed to invest $750 million in TransAlta through the purchase of exchangeable securities, which are exchangeable in the future into an equity ownership interest in TransAlta’s Alberta hydro assets at a value based on a multiple of the hydro assets future adjusted EBITDA. In connection with today’s second closing, Brookfield has invested a total of $750 million in exchangeable securities of TransAlta; consisting of $350 million in unsecured, subordinated debentures issued on May 1, 2019 and a further $400 million in exchange for a new series of redeemable, retractable first preferred shares. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the second tranche of the financing to advance the Company’s coal-to-gas conversion program, to fund other growth initiatives, to return capital to its shareholders and for general corporate purposes.
About TransAlta:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forwarding-looking statements). All forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made and on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, results and expected future developments, as well as other factors deemed appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as may, will, can, could, would, should, shall, believe, expect, estimate, anticipate, intend, plan, propose, project, forecast, foresee, potential, enable, continue and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance, events or results and are subject to a number of significant risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance, events or results to be materially different from those set out in the forward-looking statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the use of proceeds. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance, events or results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include: the outcomes of existing or potential legal actions not being as anticipated, including those pertaining to the Brookfield investment; changes in our relationships with Brookfield and its affiliated entities or our other shareholders; our Alberta hydro assets not achieving their anticipated value, cash flows or adjusted EBITDA; the Brookfield investment not resulting in the expected benefits for the Company and its shareholders; the ability to identify and execute on growth initiatives; and other risks and uncertainties contained in the Company’s Management Proxy Circular and its Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed under the Company’s profile with the Canadian securities regulators on www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on www.sec.gov.Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect TransAlta’s expectations only as of the date of this news release. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described, or might not occur at all. TransAlta disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will release its third quarter 2020 results before markets open on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for investors, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties the same day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time (10:00 a.m. ET). The media will be invited to ask questions following analysts.
TransAlta Renewables Inc. (TransAlta Renewables) (TSX:RNW) will release its third quarter 2020 results before markets on Friday, October 30, 2020. Any questions regarding TransAlta Renewables may be asked on the TransAlta conference call.
Please contact the conference operator five minutes prior to the call, noting TransAlta Corporation as the company.
Third Quarter 2020 Conference Call:
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-231-8191
Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/events-and-presentations. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-855-859-2056 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 5779326 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) announced today that the Company, with its partner Tidewater Midstream & Infrastructure Ltd. (Tidewater), has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. (ATCO) to sell the Pioneer Pipeline for a purchase price of CDN $255 million. This agreement replaces the Company’s previous agreement to sell its interest in the Pioneer Pipeline to NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL). ATCO acquired the right to purchase the Pioneer Pipeline through an option agreement with NGTL.
Following closing of the transaction, Pioneer will be integrated into NGTL’s and ATCO’s Alberta natural gas transmission systems to provide reliable natural gas supply to the Company’s power generation stations at Sundance and Keephills. As part of this transaction, TransAlta has entered into additional long-term gas transportation agreements with NGTL for a total of new and existing transportation service of 400 TJ/day by 2023. TransAlta’s current commitments, including the 139 TJ/day with Tidewater, remain in place until closing of the transaction.
We are excited to work with both ATCO and NGTL to meet our gas supply requirements as we execute our strategy of providing 100% clean, reliable and affordable electricity to Albertans- says Dawn Farrell, President and CEO, TransAlta.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals which is anticipated by the second quarter of 2021.
About TransAlta:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydroelectric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, may, will, project, should, propose, plans, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking information or statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this news release contains forward looking statements and information relating to the Pioneer Pipeline; sale of the Pioneer Pipeline to ATCO; regulatory approvals; execution of the definitive agreements; NGTL’s intention to integrate the Pioneer Pipeline into its natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Alberta; the potential benefits of the transaction; and estimated natural gas pipeline transportation service with NGTL. These forward looking statements are based on a number of assumptions considered by the Company to be reasonable as of the date of this news release, including, but not limited to, the following: no significant changes to applicable laws and regulations, including any tax and regulatory changes; no significant changes to our relationship with Tidewater; and assumptions regarding our current strategy and priorities, including as it pertains to ournatural gas conversion program and the clean energy strategy. The forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance, events or results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements, which include: disruptions in the source of fuels, including natural gas required for the natural gas conversions and repowering strategies; changes in economic and market conditions; changes in tax, environmental, regulatory and other laws and regulations; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated December 31, 2019, filed under the Company’s profile with the Canadian securities regulators on www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking information except as required by law.
Comparable EBITDA of $217 million in line with 2019
Free cash flow (FCF) of $91 million or $0.33 per share, a 94% increase on a per share basis compared to $49 million or $0.17 per share of FCF for the same period in 2019
Adjusted availability was 90.7% compared to 83.8% for the same period in 2019
Completed the acquisition of a 29 MW contracted cogeneration facility located in Michigan (Ada) for a purchase price of approximately US$27 million
Entered into a sale agreement for the sale of the Pioneer Pipeline to Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) for a net purchase price of approximately $128 million (the “Pioneer Transaction”)
Year-to-date 2020 Financial and Operating Highlights
FCF of $200 million or $0.72 per share compared to $144 million or $0.51 per share, a 41% increase to 2019 on a per share basis
Returned $21 million of capital to shareholders in the first six months through the repurchase and cancellation of 2,849,400 common shares at an average price of $7.51 per share through our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) program
Received regulatory approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the repowering of Sundance Unit 5 and Keephills Unit 1 into combined cycle units
Continued construction on the Windrise Wind Project in April and expect to fully commission the project in the second half of 2021
Completed the second phase of our back-to-office business continuity plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which ensured continued essential services to our customers and communities, while safeguarding the health and safety of our employees
Subsequent Events
Provided notice to retire currently mothballed coal-fired Sundance Unit 3 effective July 31, 2020
Issued full notice to proceed on Keephills Unit 3 for coal-to-gas boiler conversions to be completed in 2021
Robert Flexon to resign from the Board effective August 1, 2020 due to his new role as Chair of PG&E Corporation
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its second quarter 2020 financial results, with comparable EBITDA(1) of $217 million compared to $215 million in the same period of 2019. EBITDA for the six months ended June, 30, 2020, was $437 million, in line with the same period last year. Funds from operations (FFO)(1,2) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, increased approximately 3% and 2% to $159 million for the quarter compared to $155 million in 2019 and $331 million year-to-date as compared to $324 million in 2019.
FCF(1), one of the Company’s key financial metrics, totaled $91 million and $200 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $42 million and $56 million respectively. Year-to-date, the Company has generated FCF of $0.72 per share, a 41% increase compared to 2019.
“Second quarter results are in line with our expectations and continue to show strong EBITDA and free cash flow generation from our diversified fleet. With the support of our back-to-office protocols, we continue to deliver the essential power to meet the demands of our communities and our customers,”- said Dawn Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer. “These results demonstrate the strength of our operations, hedging and energy marketing capabilities, as well as our people.”
“We also expanded our cogeneration fleet with the acquisition of our Ada cogeneration facility into our portfolio and welcomed Consumers Energy and Amway as new customers. We are excited to mark our first cogeneration facility in the United States and we look forward to building on this U.S. toehold as we further progress our on-site generation strategy into the region.”
“I’d like to thank all of our front-line employees, contractors and their families whose exceptional efforts keep up the strong operational performance of the Company in the face of these challenging times,” added Mrs. Farrell.
Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, were consistent with the same periods in 2019. This was driven by full period operations of the Big Level and Antrim facilities in the Company’s Wind and Solar segment, superior performance from the Energy Marketing segment, favourable gross margins from the U.S. Coal segment, and favourable gains resulting from equity hedge settlements and lower expenses in the Corporate segment. This favourable performance was offset by anticipated weaker margins in the Canadian Coal, Hydro and North American Gas segments resulting from weaker prices in both the Alberta market and the Ontario power markets due to lower market demand and the impact of COVID-19. The Canadian Coal comparable EBITDA in the quarter and year-to-date also declined due to recognition of a $7 million provision adjustment for out-of-period line losses relating to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Line Loss Rule proceeding.
Operations, maintenance and administration (OM&A) expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $18 million and increased by $6 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Variability caused by the total return swap resulted in a decrease of $7 million and an increase of $17 million for the three month and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Excluding the impact of the total return swap, OM&A decreased by $11 million in both periods, due to tighter cost controls, lower labour costs across multiple segments and lower legal fees.
FCF totaled $91 million and $200 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. FCF for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 increased by $42 million and $56 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. The increase was driven primarily by strong segmented cash flows, realized foreign exchange gains, lower sustaining capital expenditures and lower distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests. Segmented cash flows generated by the business are $47 million and $48 million dollars higher for the second quarter and year-to-date periods in 2020, respectively, compared with 2019, due to higher performance in our U.S. Coal, North American Gas, Wind and Solar and Energy Marketing segments that more than offset lower results in the Canadian Coal and Hydro segments.
Clean Energy Investment Program
Coal-to-Gas
TransAlta’s growth construction programs are underway and progressing forward under its business continuity health measures. The Company is on-track to complete the conversion of Sundance Unit 6 during the second half of 2020. The Company continues to advance conversion of its Keephills Unit 2 and Unit 3 planned for 2021 and has issued full notice to proceed for both units. We are on-track to issue full notice to proceed in 2021 for Sundance Unit 5, with an expected commercial operation date in 2023.
In furtherance of the coal-to-gas fuel supply needs, TransAlta entered into long-term natural gas delivery transportation agreements with NGTL, bringing the cumulative total of new and existing pipeline transportation service to the Company’s generating facilities up to 400 terajoules (TJ) per day by 2023. TransAlta’s current commitments, including its 139 TJ/day supply arrangement with Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd., will remain in place until the closing of the Pioneer Transaction. The Pioneer Transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, which are currently expected in the second half of 2021.
Sundance 3
On July 22, 2020, the Company announced that it gave notice to the AESO of its intention to retire the currently mothballed coal-fired Sundance Unit 3 effective July 31, 2020. The retirement decision was largely driven by TransAlta’s assessment of future market conditions, the age and condition of the unit and the ability to supply energy and capacity from our generation portfolio in Alberta. This decision advances our transition to 100 per cent clean electricity by 2025. An asset impairment of approximately $69 million ($52 million after-tax) will be recorded in the third quarter of 2020.
Windcharger Battery Storage
Construction for Windcharger, Alberta’s first battery storage project, is in its final stages and will achieve its commercial operations date in August 2020.
Windrise Wind
Construction activities on the Windrise Wind Project continues to advance with all appropriate procedures in place to protect the construction team during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction schedule has been modified to reflect a COVID-19-related delay in the delivery of the wind turbine components and the Company plans to complete construction and commissioning in second half of 2021.
Kaybob Cogeneration
The Company continues to advance the Kaybob Cogeneration Project with commercial operations scheduled to commence in the second half of 2021; however, the Company continues to monitor COVID-19 and market conditions to determine if any adjustments to plans are necessary. During the first half of 2020, TransAlta executed agreements for the purchase of the reciprocating engine generator, generator step up transformers, electrical building and switchgear. The project secured a municipal development permit in March 2020 and Alberta Energy Regulator permit approval in early April 2020.
Board of Director Changes
On July 30, 2020, Mr. Robert Flexon delivered his resignation from the Board, which is to be effective August 1, 2020. Mr. Flexon recently assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation (PG&E) and is resigning from the Board due only to the potential for perceived conflicts of interests between PG&E and the Company. Mr. Flexon has provided valuable insight during his time on the Board, which included acting as the inaugural chair of the Investment Performance Committee of the Board.
COVID-19 Response Update
The Company formally implemented its business continuity plan on March 9, 2020, which focused on ensuring that: (i) employees that could work remotely did so; and (ii) employees that operate and maintain our facilities, and who were not able to work remotely, were able to work safely and in a manner that ensured they remained healthy. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company began a staggered approach to bring employees that were working remotely back to the office. All of TransAlta’s offices and sites follow strict health screening and social distancing protocols with personal protective equipment readily available. Further, TransAlta maintains travel bans aligned to local jurisdictional guidance, enhanced cleaning procedures, revised work schedules, contingent work teams and the reorganization of processes and procedures to limit contact with other employees and contractors on-site.
While the Company’s results have been impacted by price and demand as a result of COVID-19, all of the Company’s facilities remain fully operational and capable of meeting its customers needs. The Company has modified its operating procedures and implemented safety protocols that are allowing all office employees to now return to sites across the fleet by end of July. The Company continues to work and serve all of its customers and counterparties under the terms of the relevant contracts. TransAlta has not experienced interruptions to service requirements. Electricity and steam supply continue to remain a critical service requirement to all of the Company’s customers and have been deemed an essential service in all of the jurisdictions in which TransAlta operates.
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in part due to its long-term contracts and hedged positions. The Company is scheduled to receive $400 million from the second tranche of financing from the Brookfield investment in the fourth quarter of 2020 and has access to additional capital through potential project financing of existing assets that are currently unencumbered. The Company currently has access to $1.6 billion in liquidity including $257 million in cash and has sufficient liquidity to meet the upcoming debt maturity due November 2020 and growth construction requirements. The next major debt repayment is scheduled for November 2022.
In addition, the Company has approximately 75 per cent of its Alberta thermal baseload merchant generation hedged at approximately $53 per MWh for the remainder of 2020.
Second Quarter 2020 Segmented Review Comparable EBITDA (in CAD$ millions)
3 Months Ended
6 Months Ended
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2019
Canadian Coal
30
66
74
129
U.S. Coal
27
19
60
9
North American Gas
27
31
56
61
Australian Gas
29
31
59
61
Wind and Solar
61
47
135
116
Hydro
29
37
55
64
Energy Marketing
28
13
41
32
Corporate
(14)
(29)
(43)
(36)
Total Comparable EBITDA(2)
217
215
437
436
Canadian Coal: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased $36 million and $55 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. This largely reflects the weaker power demand conditions driving lower Alberta wholesale power prices and resulting in lower merchant production as well as the increase to the transmission line loss provision.
U.S. Coal: Comparable EBITDA returned to normalized levels in 2020 and for the three months ended June 30, 2020, increased by $8 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to low priced power purchases and favourable foreign exchange rates. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, comparable EBITDA increased by $51 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to the impacts of an isolated and extreme pricing event in March 2019 during which Centralia was unable to commit one of its units to physical production for day-ahead supply due to an unplanned forced outage repair. In addition, comparable EBITDA in the first half of 2020 benefited from low-priced power purchases and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.
North American Gas: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $4 million and $5 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2019, due to lower power prices in Alberta and Ontario.
Australian Gas: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $2 million for both periods compared with the same periods in 2019, mainly due to the weakening of the Australian dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.
Wind and Solar: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, increased by $14 million and $19 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2019, primarily due to higher production related to the Big Level and Antrim wind facilities, which were commissioned in December of 2019, partially offset by insurance proceeds received in 2019.
Hydro: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $8 million and $9 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2019, as lower energy and ancillary services revenues were impacted by lower Alberta pricing, which was partially offset by higher production.
Energy Marketing: Comparable EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, increased by $15 million and $9 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Results were primarily attained from short-term strategies across various geographic regions in both the power and natural gas markets.
Corporate: Corporate overhead costs for the three months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $15 million and for the six months ended June 30, 2020, increased by $7 million compared to the same periods in 2019. These changes were primarily due to realized gains and losses from the total return swap. A portion of the settlement cost of our share-based payment plans is fixed by entering into total return swaps, which are cash settled every quarter.
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2020, was $60 million compared to nil in the same period in the prior year. The decrease is largely due to lower revenues, higher depreciation, asset impairment and lower income tax recoveries partially offset by lower OM&A and foreign exchange gains. Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was $33 million, compared to a loss of $65 million in the same period in 2019, an improvement of $32 million. Stronger earnings from our U.S. Coal and Wind and Solar segments, foreign exchange gains and a reduction in the Centralia mine decommissioning provision due to changes in discount rates resulting in an asset impairment reversal were partially offset by higher depreciation, higher interest expense and lower income tax recoveries.
Total sustaining capital expenditures (2) of $55 million were $31 million lower compared to 2019 primarily due to higher planned major maintenance in our coal segments in 2019.
Second Quarter 2020 Highlights
In $CAD millions, unless otherwise stated
3 Months Ended
6 Months Ended
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2019
Adjusted availability (%)(3)
90.7%
83.8%
91.7%
86.7%
Production (GWh)(3)
4,607
5,235
11,093
13,360
Revenues
$437
$497
$1,043
$1,145
Fuel, carbon compliance and purchased power
$151
$177
$389
$543
Operations, maintenance and administration
$112
$130
$240
$234
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
$(60)
–
$(33)
$(65)
Cash flow from operating activities
$121
$258
$335
$340
Comparable EBITDA(1)
$217
$215
$437
$436
Funds from operations(1)
$159
$155
$331
$324
Free cash flow(1)
$91
$49
$200
$144
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted
$(0.22)
–
$(0.12)
$(0.23)
Funds from operations per share(1)
$0.58
$0.55
$1.20
$1.14
Free cash flow per share(1)
$0.33
$0.17
$0.72
$0.51
Dividends declared per common share
$0.0425
$0.040
$0.0850
$0.040
Dividends declared per preferred share(4)
$0.25
$0.26
$0.51
$0.26
TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available July 31, 2020, on the Investors section of TransAlta’s website at transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Notes
(1) These items are not defined under IFRS. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings trends more readily in comparison with prior periods results. Refer to the Comparable EBITDA, Funds from Operations and Free Cash Flow and Earnings and Discussion of Consolidated Financial Results sections of the Company’s MD&A for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.
(2) Excludes payments associated with finance leases.
(3) Availability and production include all generating assets under generation operations that we operate and finance leases and excludes hydro assets and equity investments. Production includes all generating assets, irrespective of investment vehicle and fuel type.
(4) Weighted average of the Series A, B, C, E, and G preferred share dividends declared. Dividends declared vary year over year due to timing of dividend declarations.
Conference call
TransAlta will hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET) today, July 31, 2020, to discuss our second quarter 2020 results. The call will begin with a short address by Dawn Farrell, President and CEO, and Todd Stack, Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question and answer period for investment analysts and investors. A question and answer period for the media will immediately follow.
Second Quarter 2020 Conference Call:
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-231-8191
Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/events-and-presentations. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-855-859-2056 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 3287982 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
This news release contains forward looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company that are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “proposed”, “will”, “anticipates”, “develop”, “continue”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to, without limitation, the following: the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company and the actions to be undertaken by the Company in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; the sale of the Pioneer Pipeline, including the terms and timing thereof; the commercial operation date for the WindCharger Battery Project; the potential repowering of Sundance Unit 5 and Keephills Unit 1 into combined cycle units; the conversion of Sundance Unit 6 by the second half of 2020; the conversion of Keephills Unit 2 and Unit 3, and the timing thereof; the closing of the $400 million investment from Brookfield; the asset impairment to be recorded for Sundance Unit 3; losses relating to the AESO Line Loss Rule proceeding; and sufficient liquidity to meet the upcoming debt maturity due November 2020 and growth construction requirements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual plans, performance, results or outcomes to differ materially from current expectations. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include risks relating to the impact of COVID-19 and the associated general economic downturn, the impact of which will largely depend on the overall severity and duration of COVID-19 and the general economic downturn, which cannot currently be predicted, and which present risks including, but not limited to: more restrictive directives of government and public health authorities; reduced labour availability impacting our ability to continue to staff the Company’s operations and facilities; impacts on the Company’s ability to realize its growth goals; decreases in short-term and/or long-term electricity demand and lower power pricing; increased costs resulting from the Company’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19; deterioration of worldwide credit and financial markets that could limit the Company’s ability to obtain external financing to fund its operations and growth expenditures; a higher rate of losses on accounts receivables due to credit defaults; further disruptions to the Company’s supply chain; impairments and/or write-downs of assets; and adverse impacts on the Company’s information technology systems and the Company’s internal control systems as a result of the need to increase remote work arrangements, including increased cybersecurity threats. Other factors that may adversely impact the Company’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: operational risks involving the Company’s facilities, including unplanned outages at such facilities; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; the effects of weather and other climate-related risks; disruptions in the source of water, wind, solar or gas resources required to operate our facilities; natural disasters; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost-effective or timely manner; and industry risks and competition. The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s expectations only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0425 per common share payable on October 1, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2020.
The Board of Directors also declared the following quarterly dividend on its Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares for the period starting from and including June 30, 2020 up to but excluding September 30, 2020:
Preferred Shares
TSX Stock Symbol
Dividend Rate
Dividend Per Share
Record Date
Payment Date
Series A
TA.PR.D
2.709%
$0.16931
September 1, 2020
September 30, 2020
Series B*
TA.PR.E
2.2850%
$0.14359
September 1, 2020
September 30, 2020
Series C
TA.PR.F
4.027%
$0.25169
September 1, 2020
September 30, 2020
Series E
TA.PR.H
5.194%
$0.32463
September 1, 2020
September 30, 2020
Series G
TA.PR.J
4.988%
$0.31175
September 1, 2020
September 30, 2020
*Please note the quarterly floating rate on the Series B Preferred Shares will be reset every quarter.
All currency is expressed in Canadian dollars except where noted. When the dividend payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made the following business day.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will release its second quarter 2020 results before markets open on Friday, July 31, 2020. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for investors, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties the same day beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. ET). The media will be invited to ask questions following analysts.
Please contact the conference operator five minutes prior to the call, noting TransAlta Corporation as the company.
Second Quarter 2020 Conference Call:
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-231-8191
Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/events-and-presentations. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-855-859-2056 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 3287982 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
TransAlta Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid
TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted the notice filed by the Company to implement a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for a portion of its common shares (Common Shares).
Pursuant to the NCIB, TransAlta may repurchase up to a maximum of 14,000,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 7.02% of its public float of Common Shares as at May 25, 2020. Purchases under the NCIB may be made through open market transactions on the TSX and any alternative Canadian trading platforms on which the Common Shares are traded, based on the prevailing market price. Any Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.
Transactions under the NCIB will depend on future market conditions. TransAlta will initially retain discretion whether to make purchases under the NCIB, and to determine the timing, amount and acceptable price of any such purchases, subject at all times to applicable TSX and other regulatory requirements. The period during which TransAlta is authorized to make purchases under the NCIB commences on May 29, 2020 and ends on May 28, 2021 or such earlier date on which the maximum number of Common Shares are purchased under the NCIB or the NCIB is terminated at the Company’s election.
Under TSX rules, not more than 228,157 Common Shares (being 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 912,630 Common Shares for the six months ended April 30, 2020) can be purchased on the TSX on any single trading day under the NCIB, with the exception that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. There are currently 275,778,741 Common Shares of the Company issued and outstanding.
TransAlta has repurchased and cancelled 9,013,300 million Common Shares on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading platforms at a cost of $76.53 million, or an average of $8.49 per share under its prior NCIB approved by the TSX on May 27, 2019 for the twelve-month period commencing May 29, 2019.
The NCIB provides the Company with a capital allocation alternative with a view to long-term shareholder value. TransAlta’s Board of Directors and Management believe that, from time to time, the market price of TransAlta’s Common Shares does not reflect the underlying value and purchases of Common Shares for cancellation under the NCIB may provide an opportunity to enhance shareholder value.
About TransAlta Corporation:
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydroelectric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. TransAlta is proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations)designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit its web site at transalta.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “propose”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to TransAlta’s intentions with respect to the NCIB, the effects of repurchases of Common Shares and purchases thereunder, including any enhancement to shareholder value. These statements are based on TransAlta’s belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include: the entering into of an automatic securities purchase plan; legislative or regulatory developments; any significant changes to Common Share price or trading volume; continued availability of capital and financing; changes to general economic, market or business conditions; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by TransAlta; and other risk factors contained in the Company’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which reflect TransAlta’s expectations only as of the date of this news release. TransAlta disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars.