TransAlta Announces Public Offering of U.S. Senior Green Bonds and releases inaugural Green Bond Framework

TransAlta Announces Public Offering of U.S. Senior Green Bonds and releases inaugural Green Bond Framework

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA; NYSE: TAC) is pleased to announce it has commenced a U.S. public offering of its senior notes. TransAlta intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay C$100 million drawn on its credit facility and replace balance sheet cash used to fund the repayment in full of TransAlta’s 4.500% unsecured senior notes on November 15, 2022 and pay any related fees and expenses. TransAlta also intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing eligible green projects in accordance with our Green Bond Framework (the €œFramework). The Framework received a second-party opinion from Sustainalytics which verified that it aligned with the Green Bond Principles from the International Capital Markets Association. The precise timing, size and terms of the offering are subject to market conditions and other factors.

RBC Capital Markets LLC, BofA Securities Inc. and CIBC Capital Markets LLC are joint book runners for the offering which is being made pursuant to a preliminary prospectus supplement dated November 14, 2022, to a short form base shelf prospectus of TransAlta dated June 28, 2021, which forms a part of and is included in TransAlta’s registration statement on Form F-10, filed in the United States with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A final prospectus supplement in respect of the offering of the notes will be filed with the SEC. The short form base shelf prospectus and prospectus supplements contain important detailed information about the notes. Copies of these documents may be obtained without charge by visiting the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov or from Attention: RBC Capital Markets, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10281-8098, Telephone: 212-428-6200.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC or any Canadian securities regulatory authority, nor has any authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the short form base shelf prospectus or the prospectus supplement.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information”, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements). 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, without limitation, statements pertaining to: the completion and timing of the offering, TransAlta’s intention to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to replace balance sheet cash and any indebtedness drawn to fund the repayment in full of

TransAlta’s 4.500% unsecured senior notes on November 15th, 2022, and pay any related fees and expenses; TransAlta’s intention to allocate an equivalent amount to the net proceeds of the offering to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing eligible green projects in accordance with TransAlta’s Green Bond Framework; and TransAlta’s expectations that its Green Bond Framework, and any future Green Bond issuances, will enable TransAlta to further expand its commitment to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and other environmentally beneficial projects . These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on TransAlta’s belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made, including, but not limited to, the current political and regulatory environment, the price of power in Alberta and the condition of the financial markets. 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: operational risks involving our facilities; changes in market prices where we operate; unplanned outages at generating facilities and the capital investments required; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost effective and timely manner, including the Kent Hills remediation; the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises; global supply chain disruptions impacting major maintenance and growth projects; disruptions in the source of thermal fuels, water, solar or wind required to operate our facilities, including the necessary natural gas supply; energy trading risks; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; inability to satisfy all conditions and requirements associated with announced growth projects; negative impact to our credit ratings; legislative or regulatory developments and their impacts; increasingly stringent environmental requirements and their impacts; increased competition; global capital markets activity (including our ability to access financing at a reasonable cost); changes in prevailing interest rates; currency exchange rates; inflation levels and commodity prices; armed hostilities, including an escalation of the war in Ukraine; general economic conditions in the geographic areas where TransAlta operates; disputes or claims involving TransAlta or TransAlta Renewables; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in TransAlta’s materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in TransAlta’s MD&A and Annual Information Form for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021. Readers 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. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained in this news release are to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes and is given 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.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

TransAlta Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results, Increases 2022 Financial Guidance, and Announces a 10% Common Share Dividend Increase

TransAlta Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results, Increases 2022 Financial Guidance, and Announces a 10% Common Share Dividend Increase

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

  • Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) of $555 million, an increase of 38% over the same period in 2021
  • Free Cash Flow(1) of $393 million, or $1.45 per share, an increase of $0.68 or 88% on a per-share basis compared to the same period in 2021
  • Earnings before income taxes of $126 million, compared to a loss before income taxes of $441 in the same period in 2021
  • Net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $61 million or $0.23 per share, compared to a loss of $1.68 per share for the same period in 2021
  • Cash flow from operating activities of $204 million, a decrease of $406 million for the same period in 2021
  • Increased annual common share dividend by 10% to $0.22 per year effective Jan. 1, 2023, representing the fourth consecutive annual increase
  • Returned $34 million of capital to common shareholders during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, through share buybacks of 2.7 million common shares

Other Business Highlights

  • Executed contract renewals for five additional years for the Sarnia cogeneration and Melancthon 1 wind facilities with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”)
  • Expanded TransAlta’s development pipeline by 553 MW across Canada and the United States
  • Announced Ms. Beverlee Park’s retirement from the Board of Directors

2022 Revised Outlook

  • Increased 2022 annual financial guidance as set out below:
  • Adjusted EBITDA range of $1,380 to $1,460 million (original guidance of $1,065 to $1,185 million)
  • FCF range of $725 to $775 million (original guidance of $455 to $555 million)

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022.

“Our third quarter results demonstrated the value of our strategically diversified fleet in Alberta. Our Alberta Electricity Portfolio, comprising our Alberta hydro, gas and wind facilities, led our results with exceptional operational availability and a portfolio position that benefited from the strong pricing environment,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With this exceptional performance across the fleet and our continuing positive outlook on market expectations for the balance of the year, we have revised our 2022 financial guidance upwards for both adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, with revised ranges now exceeding the top end of our original targets. I am also pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved a 10% increase to the common share dividend effective for the first quarter 2023 dividend payment.”

“We continue to execute on our strategy of developing contracted renewables and are progressing several advanced-stage projects on multiple fronts. Our focus is to also expand our development pipeline and I am pleased to share that this quarter we have added 553 MW of development opportunities to our pipeline,” added Mr. Kousinioris.

Set out below are additional highlights of TransAlta’s business activities from the quarter, including the Company’s progress on advancing its Clean Electricity Growth Plan as well as details regarding the Company’s financial performance and liquidity.

Key Business Developments

Executed Contract Renewals with the IESO at Sarnia Cogeneration and Melancthon 1 Wind Facilities

On Aug. 23, 2022, TransAlta Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“TransAlta Renewables”) announced that it was awarded capacity contracts for the Sarnia cogeneration facility and the Melancthon 1 wind facility from the IESO as part of the IESO’s Medium-Term Capacity Procurement Request for Proposals. The new capacity contracts run from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2031 and will extend the period of contracted revenues of the Sarnia cogeneration facility to April 30, 2031. The Company expects the gross margin from the Sarnia cogeneration facility to step down by approximately thirty per cent as a result of the IESO price cap under the new contract.

New Term Facility

During the third quarter of 2022, the Company closed a two-year $400 million floating rate Term Facility with its banking syndicate with a maturity date of Sept. 7, 2024.

Changes to Board of Directors

On Sept. 30, 2022, Ms. Beverlee Park retired from TransAlta’s Board of Directors. Ms. Park served on the Board of Directors since 2015 and as Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee from April 2018 to April 2022. The Company recognizes her for the many contributions made by Ms. Park to TransAlta and thanks her for the many years of service.

Conversion Results for Series E and F Preferred Shares

On Sept. 21, 2022, there were 89,945 Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series E (Series E Shares) tendered for conversion, which was less than the one million shares required to give effect to conversions into Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series F (Series F Shares). As a result, the Series E Shares were not converted into Series F Shares.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in part due to long-term contracts and hedged positions. At the end of the third quarter of 2022, TransAlta had access to $2.3 billion in liquidity, including $0.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

Accelerated Clean Electricity Growth Plan

On Sept. 28, 2021, the Company announced the strategic targets associated with its Clean Electricity Growth Plan.

During the third quarter, the Company added 553 MW to its renewable development pipeline across Canada and the United States, bringing its development pipeline to between 3.6 GW and 4.7 GW.

As of Nov. 7, 2022, the Company has made significant progress in achieving the targets of the Clean Electricity Growth Plan. Refer to Strategy and Capability to Deliver Results in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for further details.

Clean Electricity Growth Plan TargetsTarget% of Target Achieved
Renewable Energy Capacity2 GW40%
Capital Investment$3 Billion49%
Incremental EBITDA$250 Million59%

Normal Course Issuer Bid

During the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 2.7 million common shares at an average price of $12.50 per common share, for a total cost of $34 million.

Third Quarter 2022 Highlights

 $ millions, unless otherwise stated

3 months ended

9 months ended

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Adjusted availability (%)

93.8

89.2

90.1

87.5 

Production (GWh)

5,432

6,053 

15,253

16,282

Revenues

929

850

2,122

2,111 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

555

402

1,093

1,043 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

126

(441)

346

(348)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders

61

(456)

167

(498)

Cash flow from operating activities

204

610

526

947 

FFO(1)

488

318

887

808

FCF(1)

393

210

646

506

Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted

0.23

(1.68)

0.62

(1.84)

FFO per share(1),(2)

1.80

1.17 

3.27

2.98

FCF per share(1),(2)

1.45

0.77

2.38

1.87 

Third Quarter Financial Results Summary

Adjusted EBITDAfor the three months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased by $153 million compared to the same period in 2021, largely due to strong performance from our Alberta Electricity Portfolio, driven primarily by the Hydro and Gas segments as a result of strong weather-adjusted demand and higher power prices. This was partially offset by lower adjusted EBITDA from the retirement of units in the Energy Transition segment, lower production and lower revenues in the Wind and Solar segment, lower gross margin in Energy Marketing and higher corporate expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased by $50 million compared to the same period in 2021, largely due to higher adjusted EBITDA from higher production and merchant power pricing in the Hydro segment, continuing strong performance and contribution from the Gas segment for Alberta, incremental production from new facilities, liquidated damages related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility, higher environmental credit sales in the Wind and Solar segment and lower carbon compliance costs in both the Gas and Energy Transition segments. This was partially offset from lower production from the Gas and Energy Transition segments, higher fuel and purchased power costs within the Gas segment. On a year-to-date basis, the Energy Marketing segment results were lower but in line with expectations compared with the exceptional results in the prior period.

Earnings before income taxes for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased $567 million and $694 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 were $61 million and $167 million, respectively, compared to a net loss of $456 million and $498 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2021. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders in 2021 were significantly impacted by asset impairment charges resulting from the Company’s decisions to shut down the Highvale mine, suspend the Sundance Unit 5 repowering project, and retire Sundance Unit 4 and Keephills Unit 1. The Company benefited from higher revenues and lower carbon compliance costs, partially offset by higher fuel and purchased power, higher depreciation due to the acceleration of useful lives on certain facilities and higher tax expense. In addition, during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, the Company recognized liquidated damages payable to the Company related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility and insurance proceeds related to the replacement costs for a tower at the Kent Hills facility. During the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2021, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of the Pioneer Pipeline.

Cash flow from operating activities for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 decreased by $406 million and $421 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2021, mainly due to unfavourable changes in working capital from higher accounts receivable and movements in the collateral accounts related to high commodity prices and volatility in the markets.

FCF for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased by $183 million and $140 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2021, driven primarily by higher adjusted EBITDA, higher realized foreign exchange gains, lower current income tax expenses and a decrease in sustaining capital spending related to fewer planned maintenance turnarounds.

Alberta Electricity Portfolio

The average spot power price in Alberta increased to $221 per MWh and $145 per MWh, respectively, for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, from $100 per MWh in both periods in 2021.

The Alberta Electricity Portfolio generated gross margin of $424 million and $756 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, an increase of $173 million and $84 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. Gross margin for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2022, was positively impacted by higher merchant pricing resulting from strong weather-driven demand, higher natural gas prices and higher power prices in adjacent markets compared to 2021. Energy and ancillary services revenue from the Hydro segment was higher as a result of higher power prices and market volatility. Gross margin for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, was positively impacted by strong weather-driven demand, partially offset by a better-supplied market. The Gas and Energy Transition segment results were impacted by lower production due to unit retirements and higher dispatch optimization in response to lower market heat rates and higher gas prices.

Hedged production for the balance of 2022 is 1,850 GWh at an average price of $95 per MWh.

Increased 2022 Financial Guidance and Common Share Dividend

The Company increased its 2022 outlook for adjusted EBITDA to be between $1.38 billion and $1.46 billion. The midpoint of the range represents a 26 per cent increase over the Company’s previous 2022 outlook as at the second quarter.

FCF has also been increased and is now expected to be between $725 million and $775 million. The midpoint of the range represents a 49 per cent increase over the Company’s previous 2022 outlook.

On Nov. 7, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a 10 per cent increase to the common share dividend and declared a dividend of $0.055 per share on the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company to be payable on Jan. 1, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 1, 2022. The quarterly dividend of $0.055 per common share represents an annualized dividend of $0.22 per common share.

The following table provides additional details pertaining to the 2022 outlook:

MeasureUpdated Target 2022Original Target 20222021 Actual
Adjusted EBITDA(1)(3)$1,380 million – $1,460 million$1,065 million – $1,185 million$1,286 million
FCF(1)(3)$725 million – $775 million$455 million – $555 million$585 million

Range of key power and gas price assumptions:

MarketUpdated 2022 ExpectationsOriginal Expectations
Alberta Spot ($/MWh)$125 – $150$80 – $90
Mid-C Spot (US$/MWh)US$55 – US$65US$45 – US$55
AECO Gas Price ($/GJ)$5.00 – $6.00$3.60

Other assumptions relevant to 2022 financial outlook:

 Updated 2022 ExpectationsOriginal Expectations
Sustaining capital$145 million – $155 million$150 million – $170 million
Energy Marketing adjusted gross margin$145 million – $160 million$95 million – $115 million

Segmented Financial Performance

($ millions)

3 months ended

9 months ended

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Hydro

245

82

394

255

Wind and Solar

42

55

219

186

Gas

195

155

365

385

Energy Transition

51

55

67

96

Energy Marketing

53

79

120

177

Corporate

(31)

(24)

(72)

(56)

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

555

402

1,093

1,043 

Total earnings (loss) before income taxes

126

(441)

346

(348)

Hydro:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased by $163 million and $139 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021, primarily due to higher merchant pricing and higher ancillary services realized prices in the Alberta market as well as higher energy and ancillary services volumes due to higher water resources. OM&A costs for the year are higher due to increased insurance premiums for updated replacement value coverage.  

Wind and Solar:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2022, decreased by $13 million, compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to lower production, lower environmental attribute revenues and an increase in OM&A related to the addition of the Windrise wind and North Carolina Solar facilities. This was partially offset by higher realized merchant pricing in Alberta. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 increased by $33 million, compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to higher production, higher realized merchant pricing in Alberta, higher environmental attribute revenues and recognition of liquidated damages payable to the Company related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility. This was partially offset by an increase in transmission rates and OM&A related to the addition of the Windrise wind and North Carolina Solar facilities. A one-time favourable adjustment as a result of the AESO transmission line loss ruling was included in the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2021.

Gas:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2022, increased by $40 million compared to the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher merchant pricing in Alberta, net of hedging, lower carbon costs and a favourable change in legal provisions, partially offset by lower production, higher natural gas prices and increased natural gas consumption. Lower carbon costs and increased natural gas consumption in the period were a result of no longer operating on coal. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, decreased by $20 million compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower production, higher natural gas prices and increased OM&A due to higher incentive accruals related to the Company’s performance and increased general operating expenses, partially offset by lower carbon compliance costs and higher merchant pricing in Alberta, net of hedging.  Carbon compliance costs were lower due to reductions in GHG emissions, lower production and utilization of our compliance credits to settle a portion of the GHG obligation, partially offset by an increase in the carbon price per tonne. Lower GHG emissions were a direct result of operating exclusively on natural gas in Alberta rather than coal, resulting in changes in the fuel mix ratio. The nine months ended Sept. 30, 2021, was also impacted by the unplanned short-term steam supply outages at the Sarnia cogeneration facility in 2021.

Energy Transition:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, decreased by $4 million and $29 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decreases were primarily due to lower production and higher purchased power costs incurred due to higher power prices during outages at Centralia Unit 2 in 2022, partially offset by higher merchant pricing at Centralia and lower carbon costs in Alberta. Carbon costs were lower as the facilities in Alberta no longer operated on coal and have now been retired. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, the Company utilized 0.5 million tonnes of emission credits to settle the 2021 carbon compliance obligation, reducing our carbon compliance costs by $5 million.

Energy Marketing:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, decreased by $26 million and  $57 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, exceeded segment expectations due to short-term trading of both physical and financial power and gas products across all North American markets but was below 2021 due to the exceptional results in the prior period. The Company was able to capitalize on short-term volatility in the trading markets without materially changing the risk profile of the business unit.

Corporate:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, decreased by $7 million and $16 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decrease was mainly due to higher contractor costs, higher incentive accruals reflecting the Company’s performance and higher general operating expenses. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2021, adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the receipt of CEWS proceeds and gains on the total return swap.

Conference call

TransAlta will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, Nov. 8, 2022, to discuss our third quarter 2022 results. The call will begin with remarks by John Kousinioris, President and CEO, and Todd Stack, EVP Finance and 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.

Dial-in numbers – Third Quarter 2022 Results:

Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-664-6392

A link to the live webcast will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 828706 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

Notes

(1) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods results. Please refer to the Segmented Financial Performance and Operating Results section of the MD&A for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. See also the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings release.

(2) Funds from operations (“FFO”) per share and free cash flow (“FCF”) per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 was 271 million shares (Sept. 30, 2021 – 271 million for both periods). Please refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section in this earnings release for the purpose of these non-IFRS ratios.

(3)The 2021 actual adjusted EBITDA and FCF were revised during the second quarter of 2022. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A.

Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures

We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our audited annual 2021 consolidated financial statements and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of earnings (loss) for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022, prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, or as an alternative for, or more meaningful than our IFRS results.

Adjusted EBITDA

In the fourth quarter of 2021, comparable EBITDA was relabeled as adjusted EBITDA to align with industry standard terminology. Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core business profitability. In the second quarter of 2022, our adjusted EBITDA composition was adjusted to include the impact of closed positions that are effectively settled by offsetting positions with the same counterparty to reflect the performance of the assets and Energy Marketing segment in the period in which the transactions occur. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatments may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers’ analysis of trends. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Please refer to M39-M40 of the MD&A for a description of adjustments made.

Average Annual EBITDA

Average annual EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure that is forward-looking, used to show the average annual EBITDA that the project currently under construction is expected to generate upon completion.

Funds From Operations (“FFO”)

FFO is an important metric as it provides a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is a non-IFRS measure.

Free Cash Flow (“FCF”)

FCF is an important metric as it represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal repayments on debt, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares. Changes in working capital are excluded so FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and the timing of receipts and payments. FCF is a non-IFRS measure.

Non-IFRS Ratios

FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Financial Non-IFRS Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

FFO per share and FCF per share

FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share are a non-IFRS ratios.

Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis

The following tables reflects adjusted EBITDA and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2021

3 months ended Sept. 30, 2022

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

265

14

372

231

54

(4)

932

(3)

€”

929

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

€”

53

47

6

46

€”

152

€”

(152)

€”

Realized (gain) loss on closed exchange positions

€”

€”

(4)

€”

(38)

€”

(42)

€”

42

€”

Decrease in finance lease receivable

€”

€”

12

€”

€”

€”

12

€”

(12)

€”

Finance lease income

€”

€”

4

€”

€”

€”

4

€”

(4)

€”

Adjusted revenues

265

67

431

237

62

(4)

1,058

(3)

(126)

929

Fuel and purchased power

7

6

167

167

€”

1

348

€”

€”

348

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Australian interest income

€”

€”

(1)

€”

€”

€”

(1)

€”

1

€”

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

7

6

166

167

€”

1

347

€”

1

348

Carbon compliance

€”

€”

26

2

€”

(5)

23

€”

€”

23

Gross margin

258

61

239

68

62

€”

688

(3)

(127)

558

OM&A

12

19

49

17

9

30

136

(1)

€”

135

Taxes, other than income taxes

1

1

5

€”

€”

1

8

€”

€”

8

Net other operating income

€”

(1)

(10)

€”

€”

€”

(11)

€”

€”

(11)

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

245

42

195

51

53

(31)

555

     

Equity income

                 

1

Finance lease income

                 

4

Depreciation and amortization

                 

(179)

Asset impairment charges

                 

(70)

Net interest expense

                 

(66)

Foreign exchange gain

                 

6

Gain on sale of assets and other

                 

4

Earnings before income taxes

                 

126

1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A

3 months ended Sept. 30, 2021

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

96

55

384

231

86

1

853

(3)

€”

850

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

€”

21

(71)

(2)

(14)

€”

(66)

€”

66

€”

Realized loss on closed exchange positions

€”

€”

€”

€”

21

€”

21

€”

(21)

€”

Decrease in finance lease receivable

€”

€”

10

€”

€”

€”

10

€”

(10)

€”

Finance lease income

€”

€”

6

€”

€”

€”

6

€”

(6)

€”

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity

€”

€”

(3)

€”

€”

€”

(3)

€”

3

€”

Adjusted revenues

96

76

326

229

93

1

821

(3)

32

850

Fuel and purchased power(4)

4

4

129

190

€”

1

328

€”

€”

328

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Australian interest income

€”

€”

(1)

€”

€”

€”

(1)

€”

1

€”

Mine depreciation

€”

€”

(26)

(48)

€”

€”

(74)

€”

74

€”

Coal inventory write-down

€”

€”

€”

(5)

€”

€”

(5)

€”

5

€”

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

4

4

102

137

€”

1

248

€”

80

328

Carbon compliance

€”

€”

33

14

€”

€”

47

€”

€”

47

Gross margin

92

72

191

78

93

€”

526

(3)

(48)

475

OM&A(4)

10

14

42

28

14

23

131

(1)

€”

130

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Parts and materials write-down

€”

€”

€”

(5)

€”

€”

(5)

€”

5

€”

Adjusted OM&A

10

14

42

23

14

23

126

(1)

5

130

Taxes, other than income taxes

€”

3

4

1

€”

1

9

€”

€”

9

Net other operating (income) loss

€”

€”

(10)

57

€”

€”

47

€”

€”

47

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Royalty onerous contract and contract termination penalties

€”

€”

€”

(58)

€”

€”

(58)

€”

58

€”

Adjusted net other operating income

€”

€”

(10)

(1)

€”

€”

(11)

€”

58

47

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

82

55

155

55

79

(24)

402

     

Equity income

                 

1

Finance lease income

                 

6

Depreciation and amortization

                 

(123)

Asset impairment charges

                 

(575)

Net interest expense

                 

(63)

Foreign exchange gain

                 

1

Gain on sale of assets and other

                 

23

Loss before income taxes

                 

(441)

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) During the three months ended Sept. 30, 2021, $1 million related to station service costs for the Hydro segment was reclassified from OM&A to fuel and purchased power for comparative purposes. This did not impact previously reported net earnings.

(5) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A.

9 months ended Sept. 30, 2022

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

447

205

933

433

116

(2)

2,132

(10)

€”

2,122

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

€”

81

13

17

€”

€”

111

€”

(111)

€”

Realized (gain) loss on closed exchange positions

€”

€”

(11)

€”

27

€”

16

€”

(16)

€”

Decrease in finance lease receivable

€”

€”

34

€”

€”

€”

34

€”

(34)

€”

Finance lease income

€”

€”

15

€”

€”

€”

15

 

(15)

€”

Adjusted revenues

447

286

984

450

143

(2)

2,308

(10)

(176)

2,122

Fuel and purchased power

17

20

445

332

€”

3

817

€”

€”

817

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Australian interest income

€”

€”

(3)

€”

€”

€”

(3)

€”

3

€”

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

17

20

442

332

€”

3

814

€”

3

817

Carbon compliance

€”

1

56

(1)

€”

(5)

51

€”

€”

51

Gross margin

430

265

486

119

143

€”

1,443

(10)

(179)

1,254

OM&A

33

50

138

50

23

71

365

(1)

€”

364

Taxes, other than income taxes

3

7

13

2

€”

1

26

(1)

€”

25

Net other operating income

€”

(18)

(30)

€”

€”

€”

(48)

€”

€”

(48)

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Insurance recovery

€”

7

€”

€”

€”

€”

7

€”

(7)

€”

Adjusted net other operating income

€”

(11)

(30)

€”

€”

€”

(41)

€”

(7)

(48)

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

394

219

365

67

120

(72)

1,093

     

Equity income

                 

5

Finance lease income

                 

15

Depreciation and amortization

                 

(411)

Asset impairment charges

                 

(4)

Net interest expense

                 

(195)

Foreign exchange gain

                 

17

Gain on sale of assets and other

                 

6

Earnings before income taxes

                 

346

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A.

9 months ended Sept. 30, 2021

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

299

225

937

471

185

2,123

(12)

€” 

2,111

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

€” 

22

(122)

27

(26)

€” 

(99)

€” 

99 

€” 

Realized loss on closed exchange positions

€” 

€” 

1

€” 

49 

€” 

50

€” 

(50)

€” 

Decrease in finance lease receivable

€” 

€” 

30 

€” 

€” 

€” 

30 

€” 

(30)

€” 

Finance lease income

€” 

€” 

19

€” 

€” 

€” 

19

€” 

(19)

€” 

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity

€”

€”

(3)

€”

€”

€”

(3)

€”

3

€”

Adjusted revenues

299

247

862

498

208

6

2,120

(12)

3

2,111

Fuel and purchased power(4)

13

11

347

411

€”

6

788

€”

€”

788

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Australian interest income

€”

€”

(3)

€”

€”

€”

(3)

€”

3

€”

Mine depreciation

€”

€”

(79)

(100)

€”

€”

(179)

€”

179

€”

Coal inventory write-down

€”

€”

€”

(16)

€”

€”

(16)

€”

16

€”

Adjusted fuel and purchased

power

13

11

265

295

€”

6

590

€”

198

788

Carbon compliance

€”

€”

104

35

€”

€”

139

€”

€”

139

Gross margin

286

236

493

168

208

€”

1,391

(12)

(195)

1,184

OM&A(4)

29

42

129

97

31

55

383

(2)

€”

381

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Parts and materials write-down

€”

€”

(2)

(28)

€”

€”

(30)

€”

30

€”

Adjusted OM&A

29

42

127

69

31

55

353

(2)

30

381

Taxes, other than income taxes

2

8

11

5

€”

1

27

(1)

€”

26

Net other operating (income) loss

€”

€”

(30)

56

€”

€”

26

€”

€”

26

Reclassifications and adjustments:

               

Royalty onerous contract and contract termination penalties

€”

€”

€”

(58)

€”

€”

(58)

€”

58

€”

Adjusted net other operating

income

€”

€”

(30)

(2)

€”

€”

(32)

€”

58

26

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

255

186

385

96

177

(56)

1,043

     

Equity income

                 

5

Finance lease income

                 

19

Depreciation and amortization

                 

(395)

Asset impairment charges

                 

(620)

Net interest expense

                 

(186)

Foreign exchange gain

                 

22

Gain on sale of assets and other

                 

56

Loss before income taxes

                 

(348)

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) During the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2021, $6 million related to station service costs for the Hydro segment was reclassified from OM&A to fuel and purchased power for comparative purposes. This did not impact previously reported net earnings.

(5) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A.

Reconciliation of Cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF  

The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

 

3 months ended

9 months ended

$ millions unless otherwise stated

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Cash flow from operating activities

204

610

526

947 

Change in non-cash operating working capital balances

276

(378)

252

(322)

Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital

480

232

778

625

Adjustments

       

Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture(1)

2

3

7

7

Decrease in finance lease receivable

12

10

34

30

Clean energy transition provisions and adjustments(2)(4)

27

49

35

85

Realized (gain) loss on closed exchange positions

(42)

21

16

50

Other(3)

9

3

17

11

FFO(5)

488

318

887

808

Deduct:

       

Sustaining capital(1)

(27)

(44)

(75)

(144)

Productivity capital

(1)

(1)

(3)

(2)

Dividends paid on preferred shares

(11)

(9)

(31)

(29)

Distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests

(54)

(52)

(126)

(121)

Principal payments on lease liabilities and other(1)

(2)

(2)

(6)

(6)

FCF(5)

393

210

646

506

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period

271

271

271

271

FFO per share(5)

1.80

1.17 

3.27

2.98 

FCF per share(5)

1.45

0.77

2.38

1.87 

1) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity accounted joint venture.

(2) Includes a write-down on parts and material inventory, and coal inventory for our coal operations in 2021 to net realizable value, amounts due to contractors for not proceeding with the Sundance Unit 5 repowering project and impairment of a previously recognized deferred asset, as it is no longer likely that we will incur sufficient capital or operating expenditures to utilize the remaining credit.

(3) Other consists of production tax credits which is a reduction to tax equity debt.

(4) During the third quarter of 2022, to support the employees affected by the closure of the Highvale mine and our transition off coal to cleaner sources, the Company made a voluntary special contribution of $35 million.

(5) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A.

The table below bridges our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2021:

 

3 months ended

9 Months Ended

 

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2021

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

555

402

1,093

1,043 

Provisions

(5)

(20)

5

(25)

Interest expense

(47)

(50)

(151)

(149)

Current income tax expense

(11)

(23)

(36)

(58)

Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)

3

5

18

2

Decommissioning and restoration costs settled

(9)

(5)

(23)

(13)

Other non-cash items

2

9

(19)

8

FFO(3)

488

318

887

808

Deduct:

       

Sustaining capital(2)

(27)

(44)

(75)

(144)

Productivity capital

(1)

(1)

(3)

(2)

Dividends paid on preferred shares

(11)

(9)

(31)

(29)

Distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests

(54)

(52)

(126)

(121)

Principal payments on lease liabilities and other(2)

(2)

(2)

(6)

(6)

 FCF(3)

393

210

646

506

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above.

(2) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity accounted joint venture.

(3) FFO and FCF are defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.

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. 8, 2022 on the Investor Centre of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information”, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements). 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, without limitation, statements pertaining to: 2022 annual financial guidance; the Company’s strategy of developing contracted renewables; the Company’s growth projects; the Company’s expansion of its development pipeline; execution towards targets associated with the Clean Electricity Growth Plan; and guidance ranges for Alberta spot price, Mid-C spot price, AECO gas price, and sustaining capital. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on TransAlta’s belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made, including, but not limited to, the current political and regulatory environment, the price of power in Alberta and the condition of the financial markets. 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: operational risks involving our facilities; changes in market power and gas prices where we operate; unplanned outages at generating facilities and the capital investments required; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost effective and timely manner, including the Kent Hills remediation; the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises; global supply chain disruptions impacting major maintenance and growth projects; disruptions in the source of thermal fuels, water, solar or wind required to operate our facilities, including the necessary natural gas supply; energy trading risks; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; inability to satisfy all conditions and requirements associated with announced growth projects; negative impact to our credit ratings; legislative or regulatory developments and their impacts; increasingly stringent environmental requirements and their impacts; increased competition; global capital markets activity (including our ability to access financing at a reasonable cost); changes in prevailing interest rates; currency exchange rates; inflation levels and commodity prices; armed hostilities, including an escalation of the war in Ukraine; general economic conditions in the geographic areas where TransAlta operates; disputes or claims involving TransAlta or TransAlta Renewables; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in the Company’s MD&A and Annual Information Form for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021. Readers 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. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained in this news release are to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes and is given 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 unless otherwise indicated.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

TransAlta Declares Dividends

TransAlta Declares Dividends

The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.055 per common share payable on January 1, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2022.

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, 2022 up to but excluding December 31, 2022:

Preferred SharesTSX Stock SymbolDividend RateDividend Per ShareRecord
Date
Payment
Date
Series ATA.PR.D2.877%$0.17981December 1, 2022December 31, 2022
Series B*TA.PR.E5.348%$0.33700December 1, 2022December 31, 2022
Series CTA.PR.F5.854%$0.36588December 1, 2022December 31, 2022
Series D*TA.PR.G6.418%$0.40442December 1, 2022December 31, 2022
Series ETA.PR.H6.894%$0.43088December 1, 2022December 31, 2022
Series GTA.PR.J4.988%$0.31175December 1, 2022December 31, 2022

*Please note the quarterly floating rate on the Series B and Series D 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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

Media Advisory: TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables Third Quarter 2022 Results and Conference Call

Media Advisory: TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables Third Quarter 2022 Results and Conference Call

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will release its third quarter 2022 results before markets open on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. 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.

TransAlta Renewables Inc. (TransAlta Renewables) (TSX:RNW) will release its third quarter 2022 results before markets on Friday, November 4, 2022. Any questions regarding TransAlta Renewables may be asked on the TransAlta conference call.

Third Quarter 2022 Conference Call:
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-664-6392
 Webcast link:
https://app.webinar.net/nr859wn1RkL

Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 828706 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

About TransAlta Renewables Inc.:

TransAlta Renewables is among the largest of any publicly traded renewable independent power producers (IPP) in Canada. Our asset platform and economic interests are diversified in terms of geography, generation and counterparties and consist of interests in 26 wind facilities, 13 hydroelectric facilities, eight natural gas generation facilities, two solar facilities, one natural gas pipeline, and one battery storage project, representing an ownership interest of 2,968 megawatts of owned generating capacity, located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, the States of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington and the State of Western Australia.

For more information about TransAlta Renewables, visit its web site at transaltarenewables.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

TransAlta Corporation Announces Conversion Results for Series E and F Preferred Shares 

TransAlta Announces Public Offering of U.S. Senior Green Bonds and releases inaugural Green Bond Framework

Further to TransAlta Corporation’s (“TransAlta” or the “Company”) (TSX: TA)(NYSE: TAC) press release dated August 31, 2022, the Company announced today that after taking into account all election notices received for the conversion of the Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series E (the €œSeries E Shares) into Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate Preferred Shares, Series F (the €œSeries F Shares), there were only 89,945 Series E Shares tendered for conversion, which is less than the one million shares required to give effect to conversions into Series F Shares. As a result, none of the Series E Shares will be converted into Series F Shares on September 30, 2022.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

TransAlta Corporation Provides Notice of Series E Preferred Shares Conversion Right and Announces Reset Dividend Rates

TransAlta Corporation Provides Notice of Series E Preferred Shares Conversion Right and Announces Reset Dividend Rates

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA; NYSE: TAC) announced today that it does not intend to exercise its right to redeem all or any part of the currently outstanding cumulative redeemable rate reset first preferred shares Series E (Series E Shares) (TSX: TA.PR.H) on September 30, 2022 (the €œConversion Date).

As a result and subject to certain conditions set out in the prospectus supplement dated August 3, 2012 relating to the issuance of the Series E Shares, the holders of the Series E Shares will have the right to convert all or any of their Series E Shares into cumulative redeemable floating rate first preferred shares Series F of the Company (Series F Shares) on the basis of one Series F Share for each Series E Share on the Conversion Date.

With respect to any Series E Shares that remain outstanding after September 30, 2022, holders thereof will be entitled to receive quarterly fixed cumulative preferential cash dividends, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of TransAlta.  The annual dividend rate for the Series E Shares for the five-year period from and including September 30, 2022 to but excluding September 30, 2027, will be 6.89400%, being equal to the five-year Government of Canada bond yield of 3.24400% determined as of today plus 3.65000%, in accordance with the terms of the Series E Shares.

With respect to any Series F Shares that may be issued on September 30, 2022, holders thereof will be entitled to receive quarterly floating rate cumulative preferential cash dividends, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of TransAlta. The annual dividend rate for the 3-month floating rate period from and including September 30, 2022 to but excluding December 31, 2022 will be 6.96800%, being equal to the annual rate for the most recent auction of 90-day Government of Canada Treasury Bills of 3.31800% plus 3.65000%, in accordance with the terms of the Series E Shares (the €œFloating Quarterly Dividend Rate).  The Floating Quarterly Dividend Rate will be reset every quarter.

As provided in the terms of the Series E Shares, if TransAlta determines after reviewing all Series E Shares tendered for conversion into Series F Shares that: (i) there would remain outstanding on September 30, 2022, less than 1,000,000 Series E Shares, all remaining Series E Shares shall be converted automatically into Series F Shares on a one-for one basis effective September 30, 2022; or (ii) there would remain outstanding after September 30, 2022, less than 1,000,000 Series F Shares, the holders of Series E Shares shall not be entitled to convert their shares into Series F Shares effective September 30, 2022.  There are currently 9,000,000 Series E Shares outstanding.

The Series E Shares are issued in €œbook entry only€ form and must be purchased or transferred through a participant in the CDS depository service (CDS Participant). All rights of holders of Series E Shares must be exercised through CDS or the CDS Participant through which the Series E Shares are held. The deadline for the registered shareholder to provide notice of exercise of the right to convert Series E Shares into Series F Shares is 3:00 p.m. (MST) / 5:00 p.m. (EST) on September 15, 2022.  Any notices received after this deadline will not be valid. As such, holders of Series E Shares who wish to exercise their right to convert their shares should contact their broker or other intermediary for more information and it is recommended that this be done well in advance of the deadline in order to provide the broker or other intermediary with time to complete the necessary steps.

If TransAlta does not receive an election notice from a holder of Series E Shares during the time fixed therefor, then the Series E Shares shall be deemed not to have been converted (except in the case of an automatic conversion). Holders of the Series E Shares and the Series F Shares will have the opportunity to convert their shares again on September 30, 2027, and every five years thereafter as long as the shares remain outstanding.

As previously announced on July 27, 2022, holders of Series E shares as of the record date of September 1, 2022 will receive a dividend of $0.32463 payable on September 30, 2022, in respect of the period starting from and including June 30, 2022 up to but excluding September 30, 2022, regardless of whether the holder elects to convert their Series E Shares into Series F Shares on the Conversion Date.

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has conditionally approved the listing of the Series F Shares effective upon conversion.  Listing of the Series F Shares is subject to TransAlta fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

Forward Looking Information:

This news release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as €œmay€, €œwill€, €œshould€, €œestimate€, €œintend€ or other similar words). Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking information with respect to the Company, the Series E Shares and the Series F Shares, including but not limited to future conversions, redemptions and dividends. All forward-looking information reflect the Company’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. 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 press release. TransAlta 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, and the risks set out in the prospectus supplement dated August 3, 2012 relating to the issuance of the Series E Shares, 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.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

TransAlta Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

TransAlta Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

  • Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) of $279 million, in line with expectations, a decrease of 13% over the same period in 2021
  • Free Cash Flow (“FCF”)(1) of $145 million, or $0.54 per share, a decrease of $0.03 on a per-share basis compared to the same period in 2021
  • Loss before income taxes of $22 million, a decrease of $94 million from the same period in 2021
  • Net loss attributable to common shareholders of $80 million or $0.30 per share, compared to a loss of $0.04 per share for the same period in 2021
  • Cash flow used in operating activities of $129 million, an increase of $209 million from same period in 2021

Other Business Highlights

  • Announced a 10-year contract extension, receipt of waiver from bondholders and commencement of rehabilitation plan at Kent Hills wind facilities
  • Announced the 200 MW Horizon Hill wind project supplying Meta with renewable power under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
  • Secured capacity commitment extensions for three of the large industrial customers at the Sarnia cogeneration facility (one to 2031 and two to 2032)
  • Reached agreement with BHP Nickel West to expand the Mount Keith 132kV transmission system in Western Australia
  • Executed a long-term PPA for the remaining 30 MW of capacity at the Garden Plain wind project
  • Added 325 MW to our renewable development pipeline in Canada and the United States
  • Received an upgraded MSCI ESG Rating of ‘A’ from ‘BBB’
  • Announced a US$25 million investment in Energy Impact Partners Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund 1
  • Received a decision from the Court of Appeal upholding TransAlta’s favourable force majeure arbitration decision
  • In the year-to-date returned $18 million of capital to common shareholders through share buybacks of 1.4 million common shares
  • Launched our new visual identity and “Energizing the Future” campaign
  • Completed the conversion of elected Series C to Series D Preferred Shares which began trading on the TSX on June 30, 2022 under the symbol TA.PR.G

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.

“TransAlta delivered solid second quarter results for 2022. Our Alberta Electricity Portfolio performed as anticipated, despite higher natural gas prices and compressed market heat rates, demonstrating the value of our strategically diversified fleet in Alberta and its ability to generate cash flow under dynamic market conditions. Our Alberta Wind and Hydro segments led our results, benefiting from the higher pricing environment and stronger production. Our Alberta Gas segment had limited opportunity to benefit from higher power prices realized in the market as it was highly hedged during the quarter,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The contributions from our new contracted assets at Windrise and North Carolina Solar and the exceptional results in our Energy Marketing segment further supported our financial results for the quarter as we continue to track towards the midpoint of our 2022 guidance.”

Set out below are additional highlights from the quarter on TransAlta’s business activities, including the Company’s progress on advancing its Clean Electricity Growth Plan as well as details regarding the Company’s financial performance and liquidity.

Key Business Developments

Kent Hills Wind Facility Outage Update

On June 2, 2022, TransAlta Renewables announced its rehabilitation plan for the Kent Hills wind facilities together with the execution of amended and extended contracts with New Brunswick Power Corporation (“NB Power”) in respect of each of the Kent Hills 1, 2 and 3 wind facilities providing for an additional 10-year period to December 2045 and an effective 10 per cent reduction to the original contract prices from January 2023 through December 2033. In addition, both parties have agreed to work in good faith to evaluate the installation of a battery energy storage system at Kent Hills and to consider a potential repowering of Kent Hills at the end of life in 2045. The Company also obtained a waiver for the Kent Hills wind non-recourse bonds (“KH Bonds”) from the project bond holders and entered into a supplemental indenture with the bond holders that facilitates the rehabilitation of the Kent Hills 1 and 2 wind facilities. 

Horizon Hill Wind Project and Fully Executed Corporate PPA with Meta

On April 5, 2022, TransAlta executed a long-term renewable energy PPA with a subsidiary of Meta Platforms Inc. (“Meta”), formerly known as Facebook, Inc., for 100 per cent of the generation from its 200 MW Horizon Hill wind project to be located in Logan County, Oklahoma. Under this agreement, Meta will receive both renewable electricity and environmental attributes from the Horizon Hill facility. The facility will consist of a total of 34 Vestas turbines with construction expected to begin in late 2022 and a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2023. TransAlta will construct, operate and own the facility. Total construction capital is estimated between US$290 million and US$310 million and is expected to be financed with a combination of existing liquidity and tax equity financing. Over 90 per cent of project costs are fixed under executed turbine supply agreements and engineering, procurement and construction agreements. The project is expected to generate average annual EBITDA between US$27 million and US$30 million, inclusive of production tax credits.

Sarnia Cogeneration Facility Contract Extensions

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company executed contract extensions for the supply of electricity and/or steam with the remaining three of its industrial customers at the Sarnia cogeneration facility. These agreements will extend the delivery term for electricity and/or steam from Dec. 31, 2022 to April 30, 2031, in one case, and to Dec. 31, 2032, for the other two, with all agreements being subject to certain conditions, including the Company entering into a new contract with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (the €œIESO). The current contract with the IESO, in respect of the Sarnia cogeneration facility expires on Dec. 31, 2025. On July 19, 2021, the IESO released its Annual Acquisition Report, which included draft details for medium- and long-term procurement mechanisms for capacity for 2026 and beyond for existing and new generation. The Company has bid into the procurement process developed by the IESO and is seeking to secure a contract extension for the Sarnia cogeneration facility following the end of the current contract term. The Company expects the IESO to announce the successful bids in the third quarter of 2022.

Mount Keith 132kV Transmission Expansion

On May 3, 2022, TransAlta Renewables exercised its option to acquire an economic interest in the expansion of the Mount Keith 132kV transmission system in Western Australia, to support the Northern Goldfields-based operations of BHP Nickel West (“BHP”). Total construction capital is estimated at between AU$50 million and AU$53 million. Southern Cross Energy, a subsidiary of the Company, has entered into an engineering, procurement and construction agreement for the expansion. The project is being developed under the existing PPA with BHP, which has a term of 15 years. It is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023 and will generate annual EBITDA in the range of AU$6 million to AU$7 million. The project will facilitate the connection of additional generating capacity to our network to support BHP’s operations and increase their competitiveness as a supplier of low-carbon nickel.

Executed Long Term PPA for Remaining 30 MW at Garden Plain

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company entered into a long-term PPA for the remaining 30 MW of renewable electricity and environmental attributes at the Garden Plain wind project in Alberta with a new investment-grade globally recognized customer. The 130 MW Garden Plain wind project, which was announced in May 2021 with a 100 MW PPA contracted to Pembina Pipeline Corporation (“Pembina”), is now fully contracted with a weighted average contract life of approximately 17 years. Construction is underway with a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2022.

Customer Update at White Rock Wind Facilities

During the second quarter of 2022, TransAlta identified Amazon Energy LLC (Amazon) as the customer for the 300 MW White Rock Wind projects, to be located in Caddo County, Oklahoma. On Dec. 22, 2021, Amazon and TransAlta entered into two long-term PPAs for the supply of 100 per cent of the generation from the projects. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2022 with a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2023.

Energy Impact Partners (“EIP”) Investment

During the second quarter of 2022, The Company has entered into a commitment to invest US$25 million over the next four years in EIP’s Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund 1 (the “Frontier Fund”) that will invest in early-stage, innovative technology companies that will accelerate the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. TransAlta’s investment in the Frontier Fund provides the Company with the opportunity to identify, pilot, commercialize and bring to market emerging technologies that will support its decarbonization goals.

MSCI Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Rating Upgrade

During the second quarter of 2022, TransAlta’s MSCI ESG Rating was upgraded to ‘A’ from ‘BBB’. The upgrade reflects the Company’s strong renewable energy growth compared to peers. In 2021, the Company grew its installed renewable energy capacity by 15 per cent through acquisition and construction of solar and wind facilities and secured 600 MW in additional renewable energy projects. In line with its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 75 per cent from 2015 emissions levels by 2026, TransAlta also completed coal-to-gas conversions of its Canadian coal-fired facilities in 2021, nine years ahead of Alberta’s coal phase-out plan.

Court of Appeal Upholds TransAlta’s Favourable Force Majeure Arbitration Decision

On June 9, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal released a unanimous decision dismissing ENMAX Energy Corporation’s and the Balancing Pool’s application seeking to set aside an arbitration decision in favour of the Company. The Court of Appeal upheld the Company’s claim of force majeure that arose when its Keephills 1 generating unit tripped offline in 2013. As a result of the decision, the Company’s claim of force majeure remains valid and the associated costs of the force majeure event will not be reassessed against TransAlta.

TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid

On May 24, 2022, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) accepted the notice filed by the Company to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for a portion of its common shares. Pursuant to the NCIB, TransAlta may repurchase up to a maximum of 14,000,000 common shares, representing approximately 7.16 per cent of its public float of common shares as at May 17, 2022. 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. The period during which TransAlta is authorized to make purchases under the NCIB commenced on May 31, 2022 and ends on May 30, 2023, 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.

The NCIB provides the Company with a capital allocation alternative with a view to ensuring long-term shareholder value. TransAlta’s Board of Directors and Management believe that, from time to time, the market price of the common shares does not reflect their underlying value and purchases of common shares for cancellation under the NCIB may provide an opportunity to enhance shareholder value.

During the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 1.4 million common shares at an average price of $12.50 per common share, for a total cost of $18 million.   

Conversion Results for Series C and D Preferred Shares

On June 16, 2022, the Company announced that 1,044,299 of its 11,000,000 currently outstanding Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series C (Series C Shares) were tendered for conversion, on a one-for-one basis, into Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate First Preferred Shares, Series D (Series D Shares) after having taken into account all election notices following the June 15, 2022 conversion deadline.

TransAlta Debuts New Brand Reiterating Commitment to a Clean Energy Future

On June 20, 2022, the Company announced a new visual identity including logo and tagline “Energizing the Future”. The new visual identity encapsulates the TransAlta of today while reinforcing the Company’s focus as a leader in creating a carbon-neutral future for our customers.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in part due to long-term contracts and hedged positions. At the end of the second quarter, TransAlta had access to $1.9 billion in liquidity, including $0.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

Accelerated Clean Electricity Growth Plan

On Sept 28, 2021, the Company announced the strategic targets associated with its Clean Electricity Growth Plan.

As of August 4, 2022, the Company has made significant progress in achieving the targets of the Clean Electricity Growth Plan. Refer to Strategy and Capability to Deliver Results in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for further details.

Clean Electricity Growth Plan TargetsTarget% of Target Achieved
Renewable Energy Capacity2 GW40%
Capital Investment$3 Billion48%
Incremental EBITDA$250 Million54%

During the second quarter, the Company added 325 MW to its renewable development pipeline across Canada and the United States.

Second Quarter 2022 Highlights

 $ millions, unless otherwise stated

3 months ended

6 months ended

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

Adjusted availability (%)

87.3

84.8

88.2

86.7 

Production (GWh)

4,461

4,688 

9,820

10,229

Revenues

458

619

1,193

1,261 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

279

319

538

641

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

(22)

72

220

93

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders

(80)

(12)

106

(42)

Cash flow (used in) from operating activities

(129)

80

322

337 

FFO(1)

220

267

399

490

FCF(1)

145

155

253

296

Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted

(0.30)

(0.04)

0.39

(0.16)

FFO per share(1),(2)

0.81

0.99 

1.47

1.81 

FCF per share(1),(2)

0.54

0.57 

0.93

1.09 

Second Quarter Financial Results Summary

Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $40 million and $103 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decrease in second quarter financial performance relative to the prior year was driven by changes in market conditions and the positioning of the Company’s Alberta Electricity Portfolio. This was partly offset by exceptional performance in the Energy Marketing segment from short-term trading of both physical and financial power and gas products.

Earnings before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2022 decreased $94 million compared to the same period in 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 earnings before income taxes increased by $127 million compared to the same period in 2021.

Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30 2022 was $80 million compared to a net loss of $12 million in the same period of 2021. Loss before income taxes and net loss attributable to common shareholders in the three months ended June 30, 2022, increased primarily due to lower revenues and higher fuel and purchased power costs, partially offset by lower carbon compliance costs, reversal of asset impairment charges impacted by the increase in discount rates, lower OM&A, recognition of insurance related to the replacement costs for a tower at the Kent Hills facility and liquidated damages recognized related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility. The previous period was impacted by higher gains on sales with the sale of Pioneer Pipeline in the second quarter of 2021. 

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2022, increased by $148 million to net earnings of $106 million compared to a net loss of $42 million in the same period in 2021. Earnings before income tax and net earnings attributable to common shareholders in the six month period ended June 30, 2022, increased primarily due to reversal of asset impairment charges impacted by the increase in discount rates, lower carbon compliance costs, lower depreciation, lower OM&A and recognition of insurance related to the replacement costs for a tower at the Kent Hills facility and the liquidated damages recognized related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility partially offset by lower revenue and higher fuel and purchased power costs. The previous period also was impacted by higher gains on sales with the sale of Pioneer Pipeline in the second quarter of 2021.

Cash flow from operating activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $209 million and $15 million respectively compared with the same periods in 2021, primarily due to lower cash flows resulting from lower production and lower revenues within all segments except for the Wind and Solar segment. In addition, for the three months ended June 30, 2022, operating cash flows decreased with an unfavourable change in working capital; whereas, for the six month period ended June 30, 2022, operating cash flow increased as a result of favourable working capital changes. The change in working capital for the three and six months ended, June 30, 2022 is primarily due to movements in our collateral accounts related to high commodity prices and volatility in the markets.

FCF(1) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $10 and $43 million respectively compared with the same periods in 2021, driven primarily by lower adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by higher realized foreign exchange gains and a decrease in sustaining capital spending related to fewer planned maintenance turnarounds.

Alberta Electricity Portfolio

The spot power price increased to $122/MWh and $106/MWh for the three and six months ending June 30, 2022, respectively, from $105/MWh and $100/MWh compared to the same periods in 2021, mainly as a result of a higher natural gas prices. However, the power price per MWh of production realized by the Company decreased by $9 and $3 per MWh, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2021.

The Alberta Electricity Portfolio generated gross margin of $168 million and $332 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $73 million and $89 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. Gross margin was negatively impacted by lower weather-driven demand and a better supplied market in 2022. Ancillary services revenue from the Hydro segment was lower in both periods as a result of lower ancillary prices driven by increasing competition in the ancillary services market. In addition, the Gas and Energy Transition segment results were impacted by lower production due to unit retirements and higher dispatch optimization in response to lower market heat rates. A significant portion of the portfolio was hedged below spot prices, which was partially offset by our favourable gas hedge positions and lower carbon costs. The decrease in gross margins were partially offset by higher gross margins in the Wind and Solar segment mainly due to higher production and higher realized prices.

Hedged production for the balance of 2022 is 3,063 GWh at an average price of $76 per MWh.

Segment Results

($ millions)

3 months ended

6 months ended

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

Hydro

                         88

                   96

                       149 

                  173 

Wind and Solar

                         88

                    55

                        177 

                  131

Gas

                         65 

                  124

                       170 

                 230

Energy Transition

                           11 

                    25

                          16 

                    41

Energy Marketing

                         50 

                   43

                         67 

                   98

Corporate

                        (23)

                  (24)

                        (41)

                  (32)

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

                       279 

                  319

                      538 

                  641

Hydro:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $8 million and $24 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021, primarily due to weaker ancillary service realized prices in the Alberta market driven by increased participants and supply into the ancillary services market as a result of higher gas prices, as well as higher OM&A costs due to increased insurance premiums. 

Wind and Solar:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, increased by $33 million and $46 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to higher production, higher realized merchant pricing in Alberta, higher environmental attribute revenues and recognition of liquidated damages related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility, partially offset by an increase in transmission rates. The three and six month periods in 2021 included a one-time reimbursement as a result of the AESO transmission line loss ruling.

Gas:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $59 million and $60 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decreases were primarily due to lower production, higher natural gas prices and increased natural gas consumption, partially offset by lower carbon costs. The three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were additionally impacted by the unplanned short-term steam supply outages at the Sarnia cogeneration facility. Carbon costs in the period were lower as the facilities in the segment no longer operate on coal. The Company utilized 0.7 million tonnes of emission credits to settle the 2021 carbon compliance obligation, reducing our carbon compliance costs by $7 million in the period. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2022, adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by lower realized prices in Alberta resulting from hedging activities. Finally, for the six month period ended June 30, 2022, we realized lower legal fees related to the South Hedland PPA dispute settlement.

Energy Transition:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, decreased by $14 million and $25 million compared to the same periods in 2021. The decrease is primarily due to the retirements of Keephills Unit 1 and Sundance Unit 4 and higher purchased power costs incurred due to higher power prices during the planned outage at Centralia in 2022, partially offset by higher production at Centralia and lower carbon costs in Alberta. Carbon costs were lower as the Alberta facilities in the segment no longer operated on coal and have now been retired. The Company utilized 0.5 million tonnes of emission credits to settle the 2021 carbon compliance obligation, reducing our carbon compliance costs by $5 million in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.

Energy Marketing:

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $7 million and decreased by $31 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021. The higher gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2022, was due to short-term trading of both physical and financial power and gas products across all North American markets. The Energy Marketing team was able to capitalize on short-term volatility in the markets in which we trade without materially changing the risk profile of the business unit. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, results exceeded expectations due to favourable trading of both physical and financial power and gas products across all North American markets. The higher revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were due to exceptional short-term volatility in the market.

Corporate:

  • Our Corporate overhead costs for the three months ended were in line with expectations and consistent with the prior period. Corporate overhead costs for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $9 million compared to the same period in 2021. The increase was the result of the total return swap on our share-based payment plans partially offset by the receipt of CEWS funding in the first quarter 2021.

Conference call

TransAlta will hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, August 5, 2022, to discuss our second quarter 2022 results. The call will begin with a short address by John Kousinioris, President and CEO, and Todd Stack, EVP Finance and 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.

Dial-in numbers – Second Quarter 2022 Results:

Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-664-6392

A link to the live webcast will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 715647 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

Notes

(1) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods results. Please refer to the Segmented Financial Performance and Operating Results section of the MD&A for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. See also the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings release.

(2) Funds from operations (“FFO”) per share and free cash flow (“FCF”) per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 was 271 million shares (June 30, 2021 – 270 million shares, respectively). Please refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section in this earnings release for the purpose of these non-IFRS ratios.

Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures

We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our audited annual 2021 consolidated financial statements and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of earnings (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, or as an alternative for, or more meaningful than our IFRS results.

Adjusted EBITDA

In the fourth quarter of 2021, comparable EBITDA was relabeled as adjusted EBITDA to align with industry standard terminology. Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured to adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core business profitability. In the second quarter of 2022, our reported EBITDA composition was adjusted to include the impact of closed positions that are effectively settled by offsetting positions with the same counterparty to reflect the performance of the assets and Energy Marketing segment in the period in which the transactions occur. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatments may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers analysis of trends. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure.

Average Annual EBITDA

Average annual EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure that is forward-looking, used to show the average annual EBITDA that the project currently under construction is expected to generate upon completion.

Funds From Operations (“FFO”)

FFO is an important metric as it provides a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is a non-IFRS measure.

Free Cash Flow (“FCF”)

FCF is an important metric as it represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal repayments on debt, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares. Changes in working capital are excluded so FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments. FCF is a non-IFRS measure.

Non-IFRS Ratios

FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. See the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Financial Non-IFRS Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

FFO per share and FCF per share

FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share is a non-IFRS ratio.

Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis 

The following tables reflects adjusted EBITDA and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021

3 months ended June 30, 2022HydroWind & Solar(1)Gas(2)Energy Transition(3)Energy MarketingCorporateTotalEquity accounted investments(1)Reclass AdjustmentsIFRS Financials
Revenues       105           96         127                   96                  36                    1          461                         (3)                     €”                 458 
Reclassifications and adjustments:          
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss          €”             15        128                     €”                (56)                 €”            87                         €”                    (87)                    €” 
Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions          €”             €”         (10)                    €”                  75                  €”            65                         €”                    (65)                    €” 
Decrease in finance lease receivable          €”             €”            11                    €”                   €”                  €”             11                        €”                     (11)                    €” 
Finance lease income          €”             €”             6                     €”                   €”                  €”              6                         €”                      (6)                    €” 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on commodity          €”             €”           €”                     €”                    2                  €”              2                         €”                      (2)                    €” 
Adjusted revenues       105           111       262                    96                  57                    1         632                         (3)                 (171)                458 
Fuel and purchased power            6               6        147                     71                  €”                    1          231                         €”                      €”                  231 
Reclassifications and adjustments:          
Australian interest income          €”             €”            (1)                    €”                   €”                  €”             (1)                        €”                        1                     €” 
Adjusted fuel and purchased power            6               6        146                     71                  €”                    1         230                        €”                        1                  231 
Carbon compliance          €”               1           12                     (4)                  €”                  €”              9                         €”                      €”                      9 
Gross margin         99          104       104                   29                  57                  €”         393                         (3)                 (172)                 218 
OM&A          10            15          45                     17                    7                23           117                        €”                      €”                   117
Taxes, other than income taxes            1               4             4                       1                   €”                  €”            10                         (1)                     €”                      9 
Net other operating income          €”           (10)        (10)                    €”                   €”                  €”          (20)                        €”                      €”                  (20)
Reclassifications and adjustments:          
Insurance recovery          €”               7          €”                     €”                   €”                  €”               7                        €”                      (7)                    €” 
Adjusted net other operating income          €”             (3)        (10)                    €”                   €”                  €”           (13)                        €”                      (7)                 (20)
Adjusted EBITDA(4)         88            88          65                      11                 50              (23)        279    
Equity income                              2 
Finance lease income                              6 
Depreciation and amortization                         (115)
Asset impairment reversal                            24 
Net interest expense                          (62)
Foreign exchange gain                              9 
Gain on sale of assets and other                              2 
Loss before income taxes                          (22)

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS.

 

Attributable to common shareholders

     

3 months ended June 30, 2021

Hydro

Wind &
Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy
Transition(3)

Energy
Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

          114

           79

        287

             101

               38

               4

     623

                  (4)

                 €”

         619

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

               €”

               (4)

          (28)

                  23

                   (4)

                 €”

         (13)

                       €”

                    13

           €”

Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions

               €”

               €”

               1

                   €”

                  16

                 €”

          17

                       €”

              (17)

           €”

Decrease in finance lease receivable

               €”

               €”

            10

                   €”

                   €”

                 €”

          10

                       €”

                  (10)

           €”

Finance lease income

               €”

               €”

              6

                   €”

                   €”

                 €”

            6

                       €”

                    (6)

           €”

Adjusted revenues

            114

              75

         276

                124

                  50

                  4

       643 

                       (4)

              (20)

         619

Fuel and purchased power(4)

                6

                3

          110

                  92

                   €”

                  4

        215

                       €”

                    €”

         215

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Australian interest income

               €”

               €”

             (1)

                   €”

                   €”

                 €”

           (1)

                       €”

                      1

           €”

Mine depreciation

               €”

               €”

          (26)

                (24)

                   €”

                 €”

        (50)

                       €”

                   50

           €”

Coal inventory write-down

               €”

               €”

             €”

                   (3)

                   €”

                 €”

           (3)

                       €”

                   3

           €”

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

                6

                3

            83

                  65

                   €”

                  4

        161

                       €”

                 54

         215

Carbon compliance

               €”

               €”

            32

                  10

                   €”

                 €”

          42

                       €”

                 €”

           42

Gross margin

            108

              72

          161

                  49

                  50

                 €”

       440 

                       (4)

              (74)

         362

OM&A(4)

               11

              15

            45

                  46

                    7

                24

        148

                       €”

                 €”

         148

Reclassifications and adjustments:

                   

Parts and materials write-down

               €”

               €”

             (2)

                (23)

                   €”

                 €”

        (25)

                       €”

                 25

           €”

Adjusted OM&A

               11

              15

           43 

                  23

                    7

                24

        123

                       €”

                 25

         148

Taxes, other than income taxes

                 1

                2

              4

                    2

                   €”

                 €”

            9

                       (1)

                 €”

             8

Net other operating income

               €”

               €”

           (10)

                   (1)

                   €”

                 €”

         (11)

                       €”

                 €”

         (11)

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

              96

              55

          124

                  25

                 43 

              (24)

        319

     

Equity income

                 

             2

Finance lease income

                 

             6

Depreciation and amortization

                 

       (123)

Asset impairment charge

                 

         (16)

Net interest expense

                 

         (60)

Foreign exchange gain

                 

           14

Gain on sale of assets and other

                 

           32

Earnings before income taxes

                 

           72

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) During the three months ended June 30, 2021, $3 million related to station service costs for the Hydro segment were reclassified from OM&A to fuel and purchased power for comparative purposes. This did not impact previously reported net earnings.

5) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS.

6 months ended June 30, 2022

Attributable to common shareholders

$ millions

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

         182 

            191 

        561 

                 202

                  62 

                    2 

      1,200

                        (7)

                        €” 

             1,193 

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

            €” 

              28 

        (34)

                     11

                (46)

                   €” 

           (41)

                        €” 

                        41 

                   €” 

Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions

            €” 

               €” 

           (7)

                    €” 

                  65 

                   €” 

            58 

                        €” 

                      (58)

                   €” 

Decrease in finance lease receivable

            €” 

               €” 

          22 

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

            22 

                        €” 

                      (22)

                   €” 

Finance lease income

            €” 

               €” 

           11

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

             11

                       (11)

                   €” 

Adjusted revenues

         182 

            219 

       553 

                 213 

                  81 

                    2 

      1,250 

                        (7)

                     (50)

             1,193 

Fuel and purchased power

           10

              14 

       278 

                 165 

                   €” 

                    2 

         469 

                        €” 

                        €” 

               469 

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Australian interest income

            €” 

               €” 

           (2)

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

             (2)

                        €” 

                          2 

                   €” 

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

           10

              14 

       276 

                 165 

                   €” 

                    2 

         467 

                        €” 

                          2 

               469 

Carbon compliance

            €” 

                 1 

          30

                    (3)

                   €” 

                   €” 

            28 

                        €” 

                        €” 

                  28 

Gross margin

         172

           204 

       247 

                    51 

                  81 

                   €” 

         755 

                        (7)

                      (52)

               696 

OM&A

           21 

              31 

          89 

                   33 

                  14 

                  41 

         229 

                        €” 

                        €” 

               229 

Taxes, other than income taxes

             2 

                6 

            8 

                      2 

                   €” 

                   €” 

            18 

                        (1)

                        €” 

                   17

Net other operating income

            €” 

             (17)

        (20)

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

          (37)

                        €” 

                        €” 

                (37)

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Insurance recovery

            €” 

                 7

           €” 

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

               7

                        €” 

                        (7)

                   €” 

Adjusted net other operating income

            €” 

             (10)

        (20)

                    €” 

                   €” 

                   €” 

          (30)

                        €” 

                        (7)

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

         149 

            177

        170

                    16 

                  67 

                 (41)

         538 

Equity income

                    4 

Finance lease income

                   11

Depreciation and amortization

              (232)

Asset impairment reversal

                  66 

Net interest expense

              (129)

Foreign exchange gain

                   11

Gain on sale of assets and other

                    2 

Earnings before income taxes

               220

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal. 

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS.

6 months ended June 30, 2021

Attributable to common shareholders

$ millions

Hydro

Wind & Solar(1)

Gas(2)

Energy Transition(3)

Energy

Marketing

Corporate

Total

Equity accounted investments(1)

Reclass Adjustments

IFRS Financials

Revenues

       203

           170

       553

                 240

                   99

                      5

      1,270

                        (9)

                           €”

             1,261

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss

          €”

                1

        (51)

                   29

                  (12)

                    €”

          (33)

                        €”

                          33

                   €”

Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions

          €”

              €”

            1

                    €”

                   28

                    €”

           29

                        €”

                        (29)

                   €”

Decrease in finance lease receivable

          €”

              €”

         20

                    €”

                    €”

                    €”

           20

                        €”

                        (20)

                   €”

Finance lease income

          €”

              €”

          13

                    €”

                    €”

                    €”

            13

                        €”

                         (13)

                   €”

Adjusted revenues

       203

            171

       536

                 269

                  115

                      5

      1,299

                        (9)

                        (29)

             1,261

Fuel and purchased power(4)

            9

                7

       218

                 221

                    €”

                      5

         460

                        €”

                           €”

                460

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Australian interest income

          €”

              €”

          (2)

                    €”

                    €”

                    €”

            (2)

                        €”

                            2

                   €”

Mine depreciation

          €”

              €”

        (53)

                  (52)

                    €”

                    €”

        (105)

                        €”

                        105

                   €”

Coal inventory write-down

          €”

              €”

          €”

                   (11)

                    €”

                    €”

           (11)

                        €”

                           11

                   €”

Adjusted fuel and purchased power

            9

                7

       163

                 158

                    €”

                      5

         342

                        €”

                        118

                460

Carbon compliance

          71

                    21

                    €”

                    €”

           92

                        €”

                           €”

                  92

Gross margin

       194

           164

       302

                   90

                  115

                    €”

         865

                        (9)

                      (147)

                709

OM&A(4)

          19

             28

         87

                   69

                    17

                   32

         252

                         (1)

                           €”

                251

Reclassifications and adjustments:

Parts and materials write-down

          €”

              €”

          (2)

                  (23)

                    €”

                    €”

          (25)

                        €”

                          25

                   €”

Adjusted OM&A

          19

             28

         85

                   46

                    17

                   32

         227

                         (1)

                          25

                251

Taxes, other than income taxes

            2

                5

            7

                      4

                    €”

                    €”

            18

                         (1)

                           €”

                   17

Net other operating income

          €”

              €”

        (20)

                     (1)

                    €”

                    €”

          (21)

                        €”

                           €”

                 (21)

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

       173

            131

       230

                    41

                   98

                  (32)

         641

Equity income

                     4

Finance lease income

                   13

Depreciation and amortization

               (272)

Asset impairment charge

                 (45)

Net interest expense

               (123)

Foreign exchange gain

                   21

Gain on sale of assets and other

                  33

Earnings before income taxes

                  93

(1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.

(2) Includes the segments previously known as Australian Gas and North American Gas and the gas generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(3) Includes the segment previously known as Centralia and the coal generation assets from the segment previously known as Alberta Thermal.

(4) During the six months ended June 30, 2021, $5 million related to station service costs for the Hydro segment was reclassified from OM&A to fuel and purchased power for comparative purposes. This did not impact previously reported net earnings.

(5) Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS.

Reconciliation of Cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF  

The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

3 months ended

6 months ended

$ millions unless otherwise stated

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

Cash flow from operating activities

           (129)

              80

            322 

            337 

Change in non-cash operating working capital balances

            260 

            128

            (24)

              56

Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital

             131 

            208

            298 

           393 

Adjustments

Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture(1)

                2 

              €”

               5 

                4

Decrease in finance lease receivable

               11 

              10

              22 

              20

Clean energy transition provisions and adjustments(2)

                8 

              28

                8 

              36

Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions

              65 

              17

              58 

              29

Other(3)

                3 

                4

                8 

                8

FFO(4)

            220 

            267

             399

            490

Deduct:

Sustaining capital(1)

             (31)

            (66)

            (48)

          (100)

Productivity capital

               (1)

             (1)

               (2)

              (1)

Dividends paid on preferred shares

             (10)

            (10)

             (20)

            (20)

Distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests

             (30)

            (32)

             (72)

            (69)

Principal payments on lease liabilities and other(1)

              (3)

              (3)

               (4)

              (4)

FCF(4)

            145 

            155

            253 

            296

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period

            271 

            270

             271 

            271

FFO per share(4)

           0.81 

           0.99 

            1.47 

           1.81 

FCF per share(4)

           0.54 

           0.57 

           0.93 

           1.09 

(1) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity accounted joint venture.

(2) Includes a write-down on parts and material inventory for our coal operations in 2021 to net realizable value.

(3)  Other consists of production tax credits which is a reduction to tax equity debt.

(4) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section of this earnings release

The table below bridges our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021:

3 months ended

6 Months Ended

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2021

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

            279 

            319

            538 

            641

Provisions

              €” 

              €”

               10 

               (5)

Interest expense

            (50)

            (48)

           (104)

            (99)

Current income tax expense

             (13)

             (12)

             (25)

            (35)

Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)

              13 

              (2)

               15 

              (3)

Decommissioning and restoration costs settled

              (7)

              (5)

             (14)

               (8)

Other non-cash items

              (2)

              15

             (21)

               (1)

FFO(3)

           220 

            267

             399

            490

Deduct:

Sustaining capital(2)

             (31)

            (66)

           (48)

          (100)

Productivity capital

               (1)

              (1)

               (2)

               (1)

Dividends paid on preferred shares

             (10)

            (10)

             (20)

            (20)

Distributions paid to subsidiaries non-controlling interests

            (30)

            (32)

             (72)

            (69)

Principal payments on lease liabilities and other(2)

              (3)

              (3)

               (4)

              (4)

 FCF(3)

            145 

            155

            253 

            296

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above.

(2) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity accounted joint venture.

(3) FFO and FCF are defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.

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 August 5, 2022 on the Investor Centre of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information”, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements). 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, without limitation, statements pertaining to: the Company’s growth projects, including the Horizon Hill wind project, the Garden Plain wind project and the White Rock wind projects, including expected commercial operation dates thereof; the benefits of the EIP investment; securing contract extensions with the IESO (defined above) and the satisfaction of conditions to the Sarnia cogeneration facility capacity supply commitments with the large industrial customers; the Mount Keith 132 kV transmission expansion project, including the estimated capital, EBITDA and planned completion date; the Kent Hills wind facilities rehabilitation, the timeline to return the turbines to service and the potential installation for a battery storage system at Kent Hills wind facility; the targets associated with the Clean Electricity Growth Plan.  These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on TransAlta’s belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made, including, but not limited to, the current political and regulatory environment, the price of power in Alberta and the condition of the financial markets. 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: operational risks involving our facilities; inability to satisfy conditions precedent to the capacity supply commitments with the large industrial customers at Sarnia; inability to secure a successful bid with IESO for a contract extension at the Sarnia cogeneration facility; changes in market prices where we operate; unplanned outages at generating facilities and the capital investments required; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost effective and timely manner; the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises; global supply chain disruptions impacting major maintenance and growth projects; disruptions in the source of thermal fuels, water, solar or wind required to operate our facilities, including the necessary natural gas supply; energy trading risks; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; inability to satisfy all conditions and requirements associated with announced growth projects; negative impact to our credit ratings; legislative or regulatory developments and their impacts; increasingly stringent environmental requirements and their impacts; increased competition; global capital markets activity (including our ability to access financing at a reasonable cost); changes in prevailing interest rates; currency exchange rates; inflation levels and commodity prices; armed hostilities, including an escalation of the war in Ukraine; general economic conditions in the geographic areas where TransAlta operates; disputes or claims involving TransAlta or TransAlta Renewables; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in the Company’s MD&A and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021. Readers 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. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained in this news release are to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes and is given 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 unless otherwise indicated.

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@

TransAlta Declares Dividends

TransAlta Declares Dividends

The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share payable on October 1, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2022.

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, 2022 up to but excluding September 30, 2022:

Preferred SharesTSX Stock SymbolDividend RateDividend Per ShareRecord DatePayment Date
Series ATA.PR.D2.877%$0.17981September 1, 2022September 30, 2022
Series B*TA.PR.E3.507%$0.22099September 1, 2022September 30, 2022
Series CTA.PR.F5.854%$0.36588September 1, 2022September 30, 2022
Series D*TA.PR.G4.577%$0.28841September 1, 2022September 30, 2022
Series ETA.PR.H5.194%$0.32463September 1, 2022September 30, 2022
Series GTA.PR.J4.988%$0.31175September 1, 2022September 30, 2022

*Please note the quarterly floating rate on the Series B and Series D 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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

Correction Notice to Media Advisory Regarding Release Date of TransAlta Renewables Second Quarter 2022 Results

Correction Notice to Media Advisory Regarding Release Date of TransAlta Renewables Second Quarter 2022 Results

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) announced today a correction to its media advisory issued July 6, 2022 in respect to the release date of TransAlta Renewables Inc. (TransAlta Renewables) (TSX:RNW) second quarter 2022 results. The correct date for the release of TransAlta Renewables second quarter 2022 results is before markets open on Thursday, August 4, 2022. TransAlta’s second quarter 2022 results will be released before markets open on Friday, August 5, 2022.

Any questions regarding TransAlta Renewables may be asked on the TransAlta conference call beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. ET) on Friday, August 5, 2022. Details for the TransAlta second quarter 2022 conference call are available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

About TransAlta Renewables Inc.:

TransAlta Renewables is among the largest of any publicly traded renewable independent power producers (IPP) in Canada. Our asset platform and economic interests are diversified in terms of geography, generation and counterparties and consist of interests in 26 wind facilities, 13 hydroelectric facilities, eight natural gas generation facilities, two solar facilities, one natural gas pipeline, and one battery storage project, representing an ownership interest of 2,968 megawatts of owned generating capacity, located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, the States of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington and the State of Western Australia.

For more information about TransAlta Renewables, visit its web site at transaltarenewables.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

Media Advisory: TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables Second Quarter 2022 Results and Conference Call

Media Advisory: TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables Second Quarter 2022 Results and Conference Call

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will release its second quarter 2022 results before markets open on Friday, August 5, 2022. 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.

TransAlta Renewables Inc. (TransAlta Renewables) (TSX:RNW) will release its second quarter 2022 results before markets on Friday, August 5, 2022. Any questions regarding TransAlta Renewables may be asked on the TransAlta conference call.

Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call:Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-664-6392
 Webcast link:
https://app.webinar.net/V5LmNByb3Ya

Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 715647 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

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 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.

For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

About TransAlta Renewables Inc.:

TransAlta Renewables is among the largest of any publicly traded renewable independent power producers (IPP) in Canada. Our asset platform and economic interests are diversified in terms of geography, generation and counterparties and consist of interests in 26 wind facilities, 13 hydroelectric facilities, eight natural gas generation facilities, two solar facilities, one natural gas pipeline, and one battery storage project, representing an ownership interest of 2,968 megawatts of owned generating capacity, located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, the States of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington and the State of Western Australia.

For more information about TransAlta Renewables, visit its web site at transaltarenewables.com.

For more information:

Investor Inquiries:Media Inquiries:
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.comEmail: ta_media_relations@transalta.com