Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) of $541 million, an increase of 123% over the same
period in 2021
- Free Cash Flow ("FCF")(1) of $315 million, or $1.17 per share, an increase of 303% on a
per-share basis from the same period in 2021
- Earnings before income taxes of $7
million, an improvement of $39
million from the same period in 2021
- Cash flow from operating activities of $351 million, an increase of 550% from the same
period in 2021
Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) of $1.63 billion, an increase of 27% from the same
period in 2021
- FCF(1) of $961 million
or $3.55 per share, an increase of
64% on a per-share basis from the same period in 2021
- Earnings before income taxes of $353
million, an increase of $733
million from 2021
- Cash flow from operating activities of $877 million, a decrease of 12% from the same
period in 2021
Other Business and ESG Highlights
- Announced over 200 MW of renewable growth projects, including
the Horizon Hill wind facility and Mount Keith 132kV transmission
expansion, securing 40% of our 5-year 2 GW Clean Electricity Growth
Plan target
- Completed and executed contract renewals with our customers at
the Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Plant ("Sarnia"), including the
Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator ("IESO")
- Announced a 10-year contract extension at the Kent Hills wind
facility with New Brunswick Power Corporation ("NB Power") and
advanced rehabilitation efforts, with the facility expected to
fully return to service in the second half of 2023. The parties
have also agreed to evaluate the installation of a battery energy
storage system and potential repowering at the facilities end of
life in 2045
- Announced agreement to acquire a 50% interest in a 320 MW
early-stage pumped hydro development project
- Reduced annual carbon emissions by 2.3 million tonnes, an 18%
reduction compared to 2021
- Accelerated our business transformation to become net-zero by
2045
- Received ESG ratings of 'A-' with CDP (formerly known as the
Carbon Disclosure Project) and 'A' with MSCI (Morgan Stanley
Capital International)
- Achieved a strong safety performance, including a record Total
Recordable Injury Frequency of 0.39
- Increased the common share dividend by 10% to an annualized
dividend of $0.22 per share
- Returned $54 million of capital
to common shareholders during the year through share buybacks of
4.3 million common shares
CALGARY,
AB, Feb. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - TransAlta
Corporation ("TransAlta" or the "Company") (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC)
today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and
full year ended Dec. 31, 2022.
"2022 was a remarkable year for TransAlta, with results that
exceeded the top end of our adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
guidance. We achieved exceptional financial performance from all
our generation segments, as well as our Energy Marketing segment.
On the growth front, we secured over 200 MW of renewables growth
projects bringing the total under our Clean Electricity Growth Plan
to 800 MW or 40 per cent of our 2 GW target. During the year,
we also added 1,980 MW of development opportunities to our
pipeline and currently have 374 MW of projects in an advanced stage
of development," said John
Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our
evolution is on track, and the cash flows from our legacy fleet are
positioning us well to transition our business towards contracted
renewables," added Mr. Kousinioris.
Key Business Developments
Early-Stage Pumped Hydro Development Project
On Feb. 16, 2023, the Company
announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire a 50 per cent interest in the Tent Mountain Renewable
Energy Complex ("Tent Mountain"), an early-stage 320 MW pumped
hydro energy storage development project, located in southwest
Alberta, currently owned by Montem
Resources Limited ("Montem"). The acquisition includes the land
rights, fixed assets and intellectual property associated with the
pumped hydro development project. The Company will pay Montem
approximately $8 million upon closing
the transaction with additional contingent payments of up to
$17 million (approximately
$25 million total) based on the
achievement of specific development and commercial milestones. The
Company and Montem will form a partnership and jointly manage the
project, with the Company acting as project developer. The
partnership will actively seek an offtake agreement over the
development period for the energy and environmental attributes
generated by the facility. The acquisition also includes the
intellectual property associated with a 100 MW offsite green
hydrogen electrolyser and a 100 MW offsite wind development
project. The closing of the transaction remains subject to
customary closing conditions, including receipt of shareholder
approval by Montem which is expected to occur in March 2023.
TransAlta and Lafarge Canada Advance Low-Carbon Fly Ash
Repurposing Project
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company entered into an
agreement with Lafarge Canada that will advance low-carbon concrete
projects in Alberta. The project
will repurpose landfilled fly ash, a waste product from the
Company's Canadian coal-fired electricity facilities, which ceased
operating on coal at the end of 2021. The ash will be used to
replace cement in concrete manufacturing.
Changes to the Board of Directors
On Dec. 15, 2022, the Company
announced the appointment of Ms. Manjit
Sharma to the board of directors (the "Board" or the "Board
of Directors") effective Jan. 1,
2023. Ms. Sharma brings over 30 years of experience that
spans a variety of industries, most recently serving as Chief
Financial Officer of WSP Canada Inc.
On Sept. 30, 2022, Ms.
Beverlee Park retired from the 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 May 2022. The Company recognizes the many
contributions made by Ms. Park to TransAlta, and thanks her for the
many years of service.
Public Offering of Senior Green Bonds and Release of
Inaugural Green Bond Framework
On Nov. 17, 2022, the Company
issued US$400 million senior notes
("US$400 million Senior Green
Bonds"), which have a coupon rate of 7.75 per cent per annum and
mature on Nov. 15, 2029. Including
the effects of settled interest rate swaps, the notes have an
effective yield of approximately 5.98 per cent. The notes are an
unsecured obligation, rank equally in right of payment with all of
our existing and future senior indebtedness, and are senior in
right of payment to all of our future subordinated indebtedness.
The interest payments on the bonds are made semi-annually, on
November 15 and May 15, with the first payment commencing
May 15, 2023.
The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the notes
to repay $100 million drawn on its
credit facility and replaced the balance sheet cash used to fund
the repayment in full of the Company's US$400 million 4.50 per cent unsecured senior
notes.
The Company will allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds
from this offering to finance or refinance new and/or existing
eligible green projects in accordance with its Green Bond Framework
(the "Framework"). The Framework received a second-party opinion
from Sustainalytics, which verified that it aligned with the Green
Bond Principles from the International Capital Market
Association.
Announced a 10% Common Share Dividend Increase
On Nov. 7, 2022, the Company
announced that the Board of Directors approved a 10 per cent
increase in its common share dividend and declared a dividend of
$0.055 per common share that was paid
on Jan. 1, 2023. The quarterly
dividend of $0.055 per common share
represents an annualized dividend of $0.22 per common share.
New Term Facility
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company closed a two-year
$400 million floating-rate term facility ("Term Facility")
with its banking syndicate with a maturity date of Sept. 7, 2024. As at Dec.
31, 2022, the full amount was drawn on the Term
Facility.
Executed Contract Renewals with the IESO at Sarnia and Melancthon 1 Wind
Facilities
During the third quarter of 2022, TransAlta Renewables Inc., a
subsidiary of the Company, announced that it was awarded capacity
contracts for Sarnia 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 for these two facilities run from May 1, 2026, to Apr. 30,
2031, and the existing contracts will be extended from
Dec. 31, 2025 and March 3, 2026, respectively, to Apr. 30, 2026.
Executed Industrial Contract Extensions at Sarnia
During the second and fourth quarters of 2022, the Company
executed contracts for the supply of electricity and steam from
Sarnia with three of its legacy
industrial customers, and with three new customers, who had
previously been resold utilities as part of a legacy customer's
contract. Following the contracting efforts in 2021 and 2022,
Sarnia has been fully recontracted
without interruption to the industrial customers' delivery terms.
The contracts extend to Apr. 30, 2031
for four customers and to Dec. 31,
2032 for the other three customers.
Kent Hills Wind Facilities Update
On June 2, 2022, TransAlta
Renewables announced the rehabilitation plan for the Kent Hills 1
and 2 wind facilities together with the execution of amended and
extended power purchase agreements ("PPAs") with NB Power. The
amended agreements for the Kent Hills 1, 2 and 3 wind facilities
provide for an additional 10-year contract term 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 its life in 2045.
A waiver for the Kent Hills non-recourse bonds was also obtained
from the project bondholders and a supplemental indenture was
entered into with the bondholders that facilitates the
rehabilitation of the Kent Hills 1 and 2 wind facilities.
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 which will
support the Northern Goldfields-based operations of BHP Nickel West
("BHP"). The project is being developed under the existing PPA with
BHP, which has a term of 15 years.
Executed Long-term PPA for the 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 for 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 commercial operation expected in the
first half of 2023.
Energy Impact Partners Investment
On May 5, 2022, the Company
entered into a commitment to invest US$25
million over the next four years in Energy Impact Partners
Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund 1 (the "Frontier Fund"). During
2022, the Company invested $10
million (US$8 million). The
investment in the Frontier Fund provides the Company with a
portfolio approach to investing in emerging technologies and the
opportunity to identify, pilot, commercialize and bring to market
emerging technologies that will facilitate the transition to
net-zero emissions.
MSCI Environmental, Social and Governance Rating
Upgrade
During the second quarter of 2022, TransAlta's MSCI
Environmental Social and Governance Rating was upgraded to 'A' from
'BBB'. The upgrade reflects the Company's strong renewable energy
growth compared to its peers. In 2021, the Company grew its
installed renewable energy capacity by 15 per cent through the
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.
Horizon Hill Wind Project and Fully Executed Corporate PPA
with Meta
On April 5, 2022, TransAlta
announced 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. Construction commenced in the fall of 2022 with a target
commercial operation date in the second half of 2023. TransAlta
will construct, operate and own the facility.
Alberta Electricity Portfolio
The Alberta Electricity Portfolio generated gross margin of
$1,177 million, an increase of
$319 million compared to the same period in 2021. Higher
merchant margins were realized through dispatch optimization and
the increase in realized power prices which more than offset higher
fuel costs from increased natural gas prices in 2022 as compared to
the prior year. Periods of strong weather-driven demand and
unplanned outages resulted in opportunities for each of our fuel
types in the Alberta Electricity Portfolio throughout the year.
Alberta's annual demand for
electricity expanded by approximately 1.7% from 2021 to 2022 due to
the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, higher
residential cooling demand in summer and stronger market conditions
for energy commodities supporting power demand. The average pool
price increased from $102 per MWh in
2021 to $162 per MWh in 2022. Pool
prices were higher in the second through fourth quarters of 2022,
compared to 2021 as a result of higher demand in the province,
higher natural gas and carbon prices and stronger prices in an
adjacent power market. August and December, specifically, were
months with significant weather-driven demand in the province.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2022,
the Alberta Electricity Portfolio achieved a realized merchant
power price of $126 per MWh, compared
to the Alberta electricity price,
which averaged $162 per MWh. The
Company was able to benefit during higher-priced periods by
optimizing dispatch of each of the Alberta Hydro, and Gas fleet,
ensuring high availability during peak demand, while hedged
positions at Alberta Gas minimized unfavourable market pricing
during lower-priced hours in the quarter.
Hedged volume for the 2022 fiscal year was 7,228 GWh at an
average price of $86 per MWh compared
to 6,992 GWh at an average price of $72 per MWh in 2021.
Liquidity and Financial Position
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in
part due to long-term contracts and hedged positions. As at
Dec. 31, 2022, TransAlta had access
to $2.1 billion in liquidity,
including $1.1 billion in cash and
cash equivalents.
Fourth Quarter and Year Ended 2022 Highlights
$ millions,
unless otherwise stated
|
|
3 Months
Ended
|
|
Year
Ended
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
Adjusted availability
(%)
|
|
89.5
|
|
83.8
|
|
90
|
|
86.6
|
Production
(GWh)
|
|
6,005
|
|
5,823
|
|
21,258
|
|
22,105
|
Revenues
|
|
854
|
|
610
|
|
2,976
|
|
2,721
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(1),(2)
|
|
541
|
|
243
|
|
1,634
|
|
1,286
|
FFO(1),(2)
|
|
459
|
|
186
|
|
1,346
|
|
994
|
FCF(1),(2)
|
|
315
|
|
79
|
|
961
|
|
585
|
Earnings (loss) before
income taxes
|
|
7
|
|
(32)
|
|
353
|
|
(380)
|
Net earnings (loss)
attributable to common
shareholders
|
|
(163)
|
|
(78)
|
|
4
|
|
(576)
|
Cash flow from
operating activities
|
|
351
|
|
54
|
|
877
|
|
1,001
|
Net earnings (loss) per
share attributable to
common shareholders, basic and diluted
|
$
|
(0.61)
|
$
|
(0.29)
|
$
|
0.01
|
$
|
(2.13)
|
FFO per
share(1),(4)
|
$
|
1.71
|
$
|
0.69
|
$
|
4.97
|
$
|
3.67
|
FCF per
share(1),(4)
|
$
|
1.17
|
$
|
0.29
|
$
|
3.55
|
$
|
2.16
|
Dividends declared per
common share(3)
|
$
|
0.11
|
$
|
0.10
|
$
|
0.21
|
$
|
0.19
|
Dividends declared per
preferred share(3)
|
$
|
0.34
|
$
|
0.25
|
$
|
1.20
|
$
|
1.02
|
Fourth Quarter Financial Results Summary
Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the three months ended
Dec. 31, 2022 was $541 million, an increase of $298 million, or 123 per cent compared to the
same period in 2021, largely due to higher adjusted EBITDA in our
Hydro and Gas segments, which was driven by higher realized prices
in the Alberta market, higher
adjusted EBITDA in the Wind and Solar segment from higher wind
resources in Eastern Canada and
higher gross margin from our Energy Marketing segment. This was
partially offset by lower adjusted EBITDA in the Energy Transition
segment from the retirement of Keephills Unit 1 and Sundance Unit
4, partially offset by higher realized merchant prices and
production at Centralia Unit 2.
FCF(1) for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022 was $315
million compared to $79
million in the same period of 2021, as a result of higher
adjusted EBITDA due to Alberta Electricity Portfolio performance
and favourable changes in provisions from 2021, partially offset by
higher current tax expense, higher distributions paid to
subsidiaries' non-controlling interests, higher realized foreign
exchange losses, and higher sustaining capital expenditures.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three
months ended Dec. 31, 2022, was
$163 million compared to a net loss
of $78 million in the same period of
2021, an increase of $85 million. The
net loss in 2022 was impacted by higher depreciation and
amortization expense due to the acceleration of useful lives on
certain facilities in our Gas segment, higher OM&A expenses and
higher income tax expense due to higher earnings before tax and
current and prior period tax adjustments in the US to mitigate cash
tax. These unfavourable impacts were partially offset by lower
asset impairments, higher gains on sale of assets and other due to
the timing of asset sales and higher adjusted EBITDA.
Cash flow from operating activities for the three months
ended Dec. 31, 2022, was $351 million, an increase of $297 million compared with the same period in
2021, mainly due to higher revenues net of unrealized gains and
losses from risk management activities and favourable changes in
working capital from movements in the collateral accounts related
to high commodity prices and volatility in the markets, partially
offset by higher fuel and purchased power costs and higher current
income tax expense.
Full Year 2022 Financial Results Summary
Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the full year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, was $1.634 billion, an increase of $348 million compared to 2021. The increase in
adjusted EBITDA is largely due to strong performance from our
Alberta Electricity Portfolio, driven primarily by the hydro, gas
and wind facilities as a result of higher merchant prices and
dispatch optimization. Adjusted EBITDA was further improved by
incremental production from new facilities, higher ancillary
service revenues, liquidated damages recoverable due to turbine
availability being below the contractual target at the Windrise
wind facility, higher environmental attribute revenues in the Wind
and Solar segment and lower carbon compliance costs in both the Gas
and Energy Transition segments. This was partially offset by lower
adjusted EBITDA from the retirement of Alberta coal units in the Energy Transition
segment, higher natural gas fuel costs, lower production from the
extended outage at the Kent Hills wind facilities, higher OM&A
expenses related to the Company's performance-related incentive
accruals and increased general operating expenses.
FCF(1) for the full year ended Dec. 31, 2022, was $961
million, an increase of $376
million compared to $585
million for 2021, driven primarily by higher adjusted
EBITDA, favourable changes in provisions from 2021 and a decrease
in sustaining capital spending related to fewer planned maintenance
turnarounds. This was partially offset by higher current income tax
expense, higher distributions paid to subsidiaries' non-controlling
interests and higher decommissioning and restoration costs
settled.
Earnings before income taxes for the full year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, was $353 million, compared to a loss of $380 million for 2021, an increase of
$733 million. Net earnings
attributable to common shareholders for 2022 was $4 million compared to a loss of $576 million in 2021. In 2022, the Company
benefited from higher revenues net of realized and unrealized
losses from hedging and derivative positions 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, higher interest expense due to increased
costs to support trading and hedging activities and higher
accretion of provisions, partially offset by higher interest income
and higher income tax expense due to higher earnings before tax and
current and prior period tax adjustments in the US to mitigate cash
tax. In addition, during 2022, the Company recognized liquidated
damages recoverable due to turbine availability being below the
contractual target at the Windrise wind facility. Net earnings
attributable to common shareholders in 2021 were significantly
impacted by higher 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.
Cash flow from operating activities for the full year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, was $877 million, compared to $1,001 million for 2021, a decrease of
$124 million, primarily due to unfavourable changes in working
capital and higher fuel and purchased power costs. This was
partially offset by higher revenues from risk management
activities, higher net other operating (income) loss and lower
carbon compliance costs.
Segmented Financial Performance
($
millions)
|
3 months
ended
|
|
12 months
ended
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
Hydro
|
133
|
|
67
|
|
527
|
|
322
|
Wind and
Solar
|
92
|
|
76
|
|
311
|
|
262
|
Gas
|
264
|
|
103
|
|
629
|
|
488
|
Energy
Transition
|
19
|
|
37
|
|
86
|
|
133
|
Energy
Marketing
|
63
|
|
(11)
|
|
183
|
|
166
|
Corporate
|
(30)
|
|
(29)
|
|
(102)
|
|
(85)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(1),(2)
|
541
|
|
243
|
|
1,634
|
|
1,286
|
Earnings (loss)
before income taxes
|
7
|
|
(32)
|
|
353
|
|
(380)
|
Hydro:
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, increased by
$205 million compared to 2021,
primarily due to higher merchant prices, higher production and
higher ancillary service prices and volumes in the Alberta market. This was partially offset by
higher OM&A costs for the year related to increased insurance
premiums for updated replacement value coverage.
Wind and Solar:
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, increased by
$49 million compared to 2021,
primarily due to higher production, higher realized merchant
pricing in Alberta, higher
environmental attribute revenues and the recognition of liquidated
damages recoverable from turbine availability being below the
contractual target at the Windrise wind facility. This was
partially offset by lower production from the extended outage at
Kent Hills, 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 2021.
Gas:
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, increased by
$141 million compared to 2021, mainly
due to capturing higher realized energy prices through dispatch
optimization of our Alberta
assets, net of hedging, higher Ontario merchant pricing, steam generation and
lower carbon compliance costs. This was partially offset by
increased natural gas consumption on recently converted units,
higher natural gas prices and higher OM&A due to the Company's
performance-related incentive accruals and increased general
operating expenses. Carbon
compliance costs were lower due to reductions in GHG emissions and
utilization of compliance credits to settle a portion of the GHG
obligation, partially offset by an increase in the carbon price per
tonne and higher production. Lower GHG emissions were a direct
result of operating exclusively on natural gas in Alberta rather than coal. Adjusted EBITDA for
2021 was also impacted by the unplanned short-term steam supply
outages at the Sarnia cogeneration
facility in 2021.
Energy Transition:
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, decreased by
$47 million compared to 2021,
primarily due to the retirement of the Alberta coal assets and higher purchased power
costs during outages at Centralia
in 2022, partially offset by higher merchant and contract prices
and higher production at Centralia, lower carbon costs in Alberta related to utilization of our
compliance credits to settle the 2021 GHG obligation and lower
OM&A as a result of the retirements on the coal fleet in
2021.
Energy Marketing:
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2022, increased by
$17 million compared to 2021. Results
exceeded segment expectations due to short-term trading of both
physical and financial power and gas products across all North
American deregulated markets. 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:
- Our Corporate costs for the year ended Dec. 31, 2022, increased by $17 million compared to 2021, primarily due to
higher incentive accruals reflecting the Company's performance. The
2021 adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the receipt of CEWS
proceeds and gains on the total return swap.
Conference call
TransAlta will hold a conference call and webcast at
9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, February 23, 2023, to discuss our fourth quarter
and full year 2022 results. The call will begin with a short
address by John Kousinioris,
President and Chief Executive Officer, 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 - Fourth Quarter and Full Year
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 499174
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
Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings release for further
discussion of these items, including, where applicable,
reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with
IFRS.
|
(2) During 2022, our
adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to include the impact of
closed exchange positions that are effectively settled by
offsetting positions with the same counterparty to reflect the
performance of the assets and the Energy Marketing segment in the
period in which the transactions occur. Therefore, the Company has
applied this composition to all previously reported
periods.
|
(3) Weighted average
of the Series A, B, C, D, E, and G preferred share dividends
declared. Dividends declared vary year over year due to timing of
dividend declarations and quarterly floating rates.
|
(4) Funds from
operations per share and free cash flow per share are calculated
using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. The weighted average number of common shares
outstanding at Dec. 31, 2022 was 271 million shares (2021 - 271
million shares). Please refer to the Non-IFRS 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 consolidated
financial statements 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, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, our
IFRS results.
Adjusted EBITDA
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 the
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.
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.
Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and
FCF and Key Non-IFRS Financial 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 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 table reflects adjusted EBITDA and provides
reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the year
ended Dec. 31, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2021:
Year ended Dec.
31, 2022
$
millions
|
Hydro
|
Wind &
Solar(1)
|
Gas
|
Energy
Transition
|
Energy
Marketing
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
Equity
accounted
investments(1)
|
Reclass
Adjustments
|
IFRS
Financials
|
Revenues
|
606
|
303
|
1,209
|
714
|
160
|
(2)
|
2,990
|
(14)
|
—
|
2,976
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
mark-to-market
loss
|
1
|
104
|
251
|
10
|
12
|
—
|
378
|
—
|
(378)
|
—
|
Realized (gain) loss
on
closed exchange
positions
|
—
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
47
|
—
|
43
|
—
|
(43)
|
—
|
Decrease in finance
lease
receivable
|
—
|
—
|
46
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
46
|
—
|
(46)
|
—
|
Finance lease
income
|
—
|
—
|
19
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
19
|
—
|
(19)
|
—
|
Unrealized foreign
exchange
gain on
commodity
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
1
|
—
|
Adjusted
revenues
|
607
|
407
|
1,521
|
724
|
218
|
(2)
|
3,475
|
(14)
|
(485)
|
2,976
|
Fuel and purchased
power
|
22
|
31
|
641
|
566
|
—
|
3
|
1,263
|
—
|
—
|
1,263
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian interest
income
|
—
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
4
|
—
|
Adjusted fuel and
purchased
power
|
22
|
31
|
637
|
566
|
—
|
3
|
1,259
|
—
|
4
|
1,263
|
Carbon
compliance
|
—
|
1
|
83
|
(1)
|
—
|
(5)
|
78
|
—
|
—
|
78
|
Gross margin
|
585
|
375
|
801
|
159
|
218
|
—
|
2,138
|
(14)
|
(489)
|
1,635
|
OM&A
|
55
|
68
|
195
|
69
|
35
|
101
|
523
|
(2)
|
—
|
521
|
Taxes, other than
income
taxes
|
3
|
12
|
15
|
4
|
—
|
1
|
35
|
(2)
|
—
|
33
|
Net other operating
(income)
loss
|
—
|
(23)
|
(38)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(61)
|
3
|
—
|
(58)
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance
recovery
|
—
|
7
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
7
|
—
|
(7)
|
—
|
Adjusted net other
operating
(income)
loss
|
—
|
(16)
|
(38)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(54)
|
3
|
(7)
|
(58)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(2)
|
527
|
311
|
629
|
86
|
183
|
(102)
|
1,634
|
|
|
|
Equity
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
Finance lease
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(599)
|
Asset impairment
charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9)
|
Net interest
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(262)
|
Foreign exchange
gain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Gain on sale of assets
and
other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
Earnings before income
taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
(1) The Skookumchuck
wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the
Wind and Solar segment.
|
(2) Adjusted
EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS.
Refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings
release.
|
Year ended Dec. 31,
2021
$ millions
|
Hydro
|
Wind &
Solar(1)
|
Gas
|
Energy
Transition
|
Energy
Marketing
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
Equity
accounted
investments(1)
|
Reclass
Adjustments
|
IFRS
Financials
|
Revenues
|
383
|
323
|
1,109
|
709
|
211
|
4
|
2,739
|
(18)
|
—
|
2,721
|
Reclassifications
and adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
mark-to-market (gain) loss
|
—
|
25
|
(40)
|
19
|
(38)
|
—
|
(34)
|
—
|
34
|
—
|
Realized (gain) loss on
closed exchange positions(2)
|
—
|
—
|
(6)
|
—
|
29
|
—
|
23
|
—
|
(23)
|
—
|
Decrease in finance
lease receivable
|
—
|
—
|
41
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
41
|
—
|
(41)
|
—
|
Finance lease
income
|
—
|
—
|
25
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
25
|
—
|
(25)
|
—
|
Unrealized foreign
exchange gain on commodity
|
—
|
—
|
(3)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(3)
|
—
|
3
|
—
|
Adjusted
revenues
|
383
|
348
|
1,126
|
728
|
202
|
4
|
2,791
|
(18)
|
(52)
|
2,721
|
Fuel and purchased
power
|
16
|
17
|
457
|
560
|
—
|
4
|
1,054
|
—
|
—
|
1,054
|
Reclassifications
and adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian interest
income
|
—
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
4
|
—
|
Mine
depreciation
|
—
|
—
|
(79)
|
(111)
|
—
|
—
|
(190)
|
—
|
190
|
—
|
Coal inventory
write-down
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(17)
|
—
|
—
|
(17)
|
—
|
17
|
—
|
Adjusted fuel and
purchased power
|
16
|
17
|
374
|
432
|
—
|
4
|
843
|
—
|
211
|
1,054
|
Carbon
compliance
|
—
|
—
|
118
|
60
|
—
|
—
|
178
|
—
|
—
|
178
|
Gross margin
|
367
|
331
|
634
|
236
|
202
|
—
|
1,770
|
(18)
|
(263)
|
1,489
|
OM&A
|
42
|
59
|
175
|
117
|
36
|
84
|
513
|
(2)
|
—
|
511
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parts and materials
writedown
|
—
|
—
|
(2)
|
(26)
|
—
|
—
|
(28)
|
—
|
28
|
—
|
Curtailment
gain
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
(6)
|
—
|
Adjusted
OM&A
|
42
|
59
|
173
|
97
|
36
|
84
|
491
|
(2)
|
22
|
511
|
Taxes, other than
income taxes
|
3
|
10
|
13
|
6
|
—
|
1
|
33
|
(1)
|
—
|
32
|
Net other operating
loss (income)
|
—
|
—
|
(40)
|
48
|
—
|
—
|
8
|
—
|
—
|
8
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royalty onerous
contract and contract termination penalties
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(48)
|
—
|
—
|
(48)
|
—
|
48
|
—
|
Adjusted net other
operating loss (income)
|
—
|
—
|
(40)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(40)
|
—
|
48
|
8
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(2)
|
322
|
262
|
488
|
133
|
166
|
(85)
|
1,286
|
|
|
|
Equity
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
Finance lease
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(529)
|
Asset impairment
charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(648)
|
Net interest
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(245)
|
Foreign exchange
gain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
Gain on sale of assets
and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
Loss before income
taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(380)
|
|
(1) The Skookumchuck
wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the
Wind and Solar segment.
|
(2) In 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 the Energy Marketing segment in the period in which
the transactions occur.
|
(3) Adjusted EBITDA
is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to
the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings
release.
|
The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and
provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for
the three months ended Dec. 31,
2022:
|
Hydro
|
Wind &
Solar(1)
|
Gas
|
Energy
Transition
|
Energy
Marketing
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
Equity
accounted
investments(1)
|
Reclass
Adjustments
|
IFRS
Financials
|
Revenues
|
159
|
98
|
276
|
281
|
44
|
—
|
858
|
(4)
|
—
|
854
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
mark-to-market (gain) loss
|
1
|
23
|
238
|
(7)
|
12
|
—
|
267
|
—
|
(267)
|
—
|
Realized loss on closed
exchange positions
|
—
|
—
|
7
|
—
|
20
|
—
|
27
|
—
|
(27)
|
—
|
Decrease in finance
lease receivable
|
—
|
—
|
12
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
12
|
—
|
(12)
|
—
|
Finance lease
income
|
—
|
—
|
4
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
4
|
—
|
(4)
|
—
|
Unrealized foreign
exchange gain on commodity
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
1
|
—
|
Adjusted
revenues
|
160
|
121
|
537
|
274
|
75
|
—
|
1,167
|
(4)
|
(309)
|
854
|
Fuel and purchased
power
|
5
|
11
|
196
|
234
|
—
|
—
|
446
|
—
|
—
|
446
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian interest
income
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
1
|
—
|
Adjusted fuel and
purchased power
|
5
|
11
|
195
|
234
|
—
|
—
|
445
|
—
|
1
|
446
|
Carbon
compliance
|
—
|
—
|
27
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
27
|
—
|
—
|
27
|
Gross margin
|
155
|
110
|
315
|
40
|
75
|
—
|
695
|
(4)
|
(310)
|
381
|
OM&A
|
22
|
18
|
57
|
19
|
12
|
30
|
158
|
(1)
|
—
|
157
|
Taxes, other than
income taxes
|
—
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
—
|
—
|
9
|
(1)
|
—
|
8
|
Net other operating
(income) loss
|
—
|
(5)
|
(8)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(13)
|
3
|
—
|
(10)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(2)
|
133
|
92
|
264
|
19
|
63
|
(30)
|
541
|
|
|
|
Equity
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Finance lease
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(188)
|
Asset impairment
charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5)
|
Net interest
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(67)
|
Foreign exchange
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13)
|
Gain on sale of assets
and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
Earnings before income
taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
(1) The Skookumchuck
wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the
Wind and Solar segment.
|
(2) Adjusted
EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS.
Refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings
release.
|
The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and
provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for
the three months ended Dec. 31,
2021:
|
Hydro
|
Wind &
Solar(1)
|
Gas
|
Energy
Transition
|
Energy
Marketing
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
Equity
accounted
investments(1)
|
Reclass
Adjustments
|
IFRS
Financials
|
Revenues
|
84
|
98
|
172
|
238
|
26
|
(2)
|
616
|
(6)
|
—
|
610
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
mark-to-market (gain) loss
|
—
|
3
|
82
|
(8)
|
(12)
|
—
|
65
|
—
|
(65)
|
—
|
Realized gain on closed
exchange positions(2)
|
—
|
—
|
(7)
|
—
|
(20)
|
—
|
(27)
|
—
|
27
|
—
|
Decrease in finance
lease receivable
|
—
|
—
|
11
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
11
|
—
|
(11)
|
—
|
Finance lease
income
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
(6)
|
—
|
Adjusted
revenues
|
84
|
101
|
264
|
230
|
(6)
|
(2)
|
671
|
(6)
|
(55)
|
610
|
Fuel and purchased
power(3)
|
3
|
6
|
110
|
149
|
—
|
(2)
|
266
|
—
|
—
|
266
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian interest
income
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
1
|
—
|
Mine
depreciation
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(11)
|
—
|
—
|
(11)
|
—
|
11
|
—
|
Coal inventory
write-down
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
—
|
(1)
|
—
|
1
|
—
|
Adjusted fuel and
purchased power
|
3
|
6
|
109
|
137
|
—
|
(2)
|
253
|
—
|
13
|
266
|
Carbon
compliance
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
25
|
—
|
—
|
39
|
—
|
—
|
39
|
Gross margin
|
81
|
95
|
141
|
68
|
(6)
|
—
|
379
|
(6)
|
(68)
|
305
|
OM&A(3)
|
13
|
17
|
46
|
20
|
5
|
29
|
130
|
—
|
—
|
130
|
Reclassifications and
adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parts and materials
write-down
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
3
|
—
|
—
|
3
|
—
|
(3)
|
—
|
Curtailment
gain
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
(6)
|
—
|
Adjusted
OM&A
|
13
|
17
|
46
|
29
|
5
|
29
|
139
|
—
|
(9)
|
130
|
Taxes, other than
income taxes
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
Net other operating
income
|
—
|
—
|
(10)
|
(8)
|
—
|
—
|
(18)
|
—
|
—
|
(18)
|
Reclassifications
and adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royalty onerous
contract and contract termination penalties
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
9
|
—
|
—
|
9
|
—
|
(9)
|
—
|
Adjusted net other
operating (income) loss
|
—
|
—
|
(10)
|
1
|
—
|
—
|
(9)
|
—
|
(9)
|
(18)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(4)
|
67
|
76
|
103
|
37
|
(11)
|
(29)
|
243
|
|
|
|
Equity
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Finance lease
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(134)
|
Asset impairment
charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28)
|
Net interest
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59)
|
Foreign exchange
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6)
|
Loss on sale of assets
and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
Loss before income
taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32)
|
|
(1) The Skookumchuck
wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the
Wind and Solar segment.
|
(2) In 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 the Energy Marketing segment in the period in which
the transactions occur.
|
(3) In 2021, $6
million was reclassified from OM&A to fuel and purchased power
for station service costs in the Hydro segment.
|
(4) Adjusted EBITDA
is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to
the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings
release.
|
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
|
|
Year
Ended
|
|
$ millions unless
otherwise stated
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Cash flow from
operating activities(1)
|
351
|
|
54
|
|
877
|
|
1,001
|
|
Change in non-cash
operating working capital balances
|
64
|
|
148
|
|
316
|
|
(174)
|
|
Cash flow from
operations before changes in working capital
|
415
|
|
202
|
|
1,193
|
|
827
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of adjusted FFO
from joint venture(1)
|
1
|
|
6
|
|
8
|
|
13
|
|
Decrease in finance
lease receivable
|
12
|
|
11
|
|
46
|
|
41
|
|
Clean energy
transition provisions and adjustments(2)(3)
|
7
|
|
(6)
|
|
42
|
|
79
|
|
Realized (gain) loss
on closed exchanged positions
|
21
|
|
(27)
|
|
37
|
|
23
|
|
Other(4)
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
20
|
|
11
|
|
FFO(5)
|
459
|
|
186
|
|
1,346
|
|
994
|
|
Deduct:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustaining
capital(1)
|
(67)
|
|
(55)
|
|
(142)
|
|
(199)
|
|
Productivity
capital
|
(1)
|
|
(2)
|
|
(4)
|
|
(4)
|
|
Dividends paid on
preferred shares
|
(12)
|
|
(10)
|
|
(43)
|
|
(39)
|
|
Distributions paid to
subsidiaries' non-controlling interests
|
(61)
|
|
(38)
|
|
(187)
|
|
(159)
|
|
Principal payments on
lease liabilities
|
(3)
|
|
(2)
|
|
(9)
|
|
(8)
|
|
FCF(5)
|
315
|
|
79
|
|
961
|
|
585
|
|
Weighted average number
of common shares outstanding in the period
|
269
|
|
271
|
|
271
|
|
271
|
|
FFO per
share(5)
|
1.71
|
|
0.69
|
|
4.97
|
|
3.67
|
|
FCF per
share(5)
|
1.17
|
|
0.29
|
|
3.55
|
|
2.16
|
|
|
(1) Includes our
share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity
accounted joint venture.
|
(2) 2022 includes
amounts related to onerous contracts recognized in 2021. 2021
includes a write-down on parts and material inventory and
coal inventory for our coal operations and amounts related to
onerous contracts and contract termination
penalties.
|
(3) 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 to the Highvale mine pension plan. 2022 also includes
amounts related to onerous contracts recognized in
2021.
|
(4) Other consists
of production tax credits, which is a reduction to tax equity debt,
less distributions from equity accounted joint
venture.
|
(5) These items are
not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to
the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings
release.
|
The table below bridges our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF
for the three months and year ended Dec. 31,
2022 and 2021:
|
3 Months
Ended
|
|
Year
Ended
|
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Dec. 31,
2022
|
|
Dec. 31,
2021
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(1)
|
541
|
|
243
|
|
1,634
|
|
1,286
|
|
Provisions
|
20
|
|
(18)
|
|
25
|
|
(43)
|
|
Interest
expense
|
(49)
|
|
(51)
|
|
(200)
|
|
(200)
|
|
Current income tax
(expense) recovery
|
(29)
|
|
2
|
|
(65)
|
|
(56)
|
|
Realized foreign
exchange loss
|
(18)
|
|
(4)
|
|
—
|
|
(2)
|
|
Decommissioning and
restoration costs settled
|
(12)
|
|
(5)
|
|
(35)
|
|
(18)
|
|
Other non-cash
items
|
6
|
|
19
|
|
(13)
|
|
27
|
|
FFO(2)
|
459
|
|
186
|
|
1,346
|
|
994
|
|
Deduct:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustaining
capital(3)
|
(67)
|
|
(55)
|
|
(142)
|
|
(199)
|
|
Productivity
capital
|
(1)
|
|
(2)
|
|
(4)
|
|
(4)
|
|
Dividends paid on
preferred shares
|
(12)
|
|
(10)
|
|
(43)
|
|
(39)
|
|
Distributions paid to
subsidiaries' non-controlling interests
|
(61)
|
|
(38)
|
|
(187)
|
|
(159)
|
|
Principal payments on
lease liabilities
|
(3)
|
|
(2)
|
|
(9)
|
|
(8)
|
|
FCF(2)
|
315
|
|
79
|
|
961
|
|
585
|
|
|
(1) Adjusted EBITDA
is defined in the Non-IFRS Measures section and reconciled to
earnings (loss) before income taxes above.
|
(2) These items are
not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. FFO and
FCF are defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS
Measures section of this earnings release and reconciled to cash
flow from operating activities above.
|
(3) Includes our
share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity
accounted joint venture.
|
TransAlta is in the process of filing its Annual Information
Form, Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying
notes, as well as the associated Management's Discussion &
Analysis ("MD&A"). These documents will be available today on
the Investors section of TransAlta's website at www.transalta.com
or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
TransAlta will also be filing its Form 40-F with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission. The form will be available
through their website at www.sec.gov. Paper copies of all documents
are available to shareholders free of charge upon request.
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 68 per
cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22 million tonnes since 2015 and
has received scores of A- from CDP and A from MSCI.
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 rehabilitation of the Kent
Hills 1 and 2 wind facilities, including the expected date that the
facilities will fully return to service; the evaluation of a
battery energy storage system at the Kent Hills site and the
potential repowering at the end of life of the Kent Hills wind
facilities; achieving net-zero by 2045; the Tent Mountain
pumped hydro development project; the Mount Keith transmission
project; the Garden Plain wind project, including the expected
timing of commercial operation; the ability to leverage our
investment in EIP to identify, pilot and commercialize emerging
technologies; and the Horizon Hill wind farm, including the
expected timing of commercial operation.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news
release are based on many assumptions including, but not limited
to, the following material assumptions: merchant power prices in
Alberta and the Pacific Northwest;
our proportionate ownership of TransAlta Renewables not changing
materially; and no material decline in the dividends expected to be
received from TransAlta Renewables. Forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of significant risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that could cause actual plans, performance, results or
outcomes to differ materially from current expectations. Factors
that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by
forward-looking statements contained in this news release include,
but are not limited to: fluctuations in merchant power prices,
including lower pricing in Alberta, Ontario and Mid-Columbia; changes in demand
for electricity and capacity; our ability to contract our
electricity generation for prices that will provide expected
returns; risks relating to our growth projects, including the Tent
Mountain pumped hydro project and risks relating to
interconnection, offtake contracts and geotechnical and
environmental conditions of such project; our ability to replace or
renew contracts as they expire; risks associated with our projects
under construction and projects in development, namely as it
pertains to capital costs, permitting, land rights, engineering
risks, and delays in the construction or commissioning of such
projects; any difficulty raising needed capital in the future,
including debt, equity and tax equity, as applicable, on reasonable
terms or at all; changes to the legislative, regulatory and
political environments in the jurisdictions in which we operate;
environmental requirements and changes in, or liabilities under,
these requirements; operational risks involving our facilities,
including unplanned outages; disruptions in the transmission and
distribution of electricity, including congestion and basis risk;
restricted access to capital and increased borrowing costs; changes
in short-term and/or long-term electricity supply and demand;
reductions in production; increased costs; a higher rate of losses
on our accounts receivables due to credit defaults; impairments
and/or write-downs of assets; adverse impacts on our information
technology systems and our internal control systems, including
increased cybersecurity threats; commodity risk management and
energy trading risks, including the effectiveness of the Company's
risk management tools associated with hedging and trading
procedures to protect against significant losses; reduced labour
availability and ability to continue to staff our operations and
facilities; disruptions to our supply chains, including our ability
to secure necessary equipment on the expected timelines or at all;
the effects of weather, including man made or natural disasters, as
well as climate-change related risks; unexpected increases in cost
structure; reductions to our generating units' relative efficiency
or capacity factors; disruptions in the source of fuels, including
natural gas and coal, as well as the extent of water, solar or wind
resources required to operate our facilities; general economic
risks, including deterioration of equity markets, increasing
interest rates or rising inflation; failure to meet financial
expectations; general domestic and international economic and
political developments, including armed hostilities, the threat of
terrorism, diplomatic developments or other similar events;
equipment failure and our ability to carry out or have completed
the repairs in a cost-effective manner timely manner or at all,
including if the rehabilitation at the Kent Hills wind facilities
is more costly than expected; industry risk and competition; public
health crises and the impacts of any restrictive directives of
government and public health authorities; fluctuations in the value
of foreign currencies; structural subordination of securities;
counterparty credit risk; changes to our relationship with, or
ownership of, TransAlta Renewables; changes in the payment or
receipt of future dividends, including from TransAlta Renewables;
inadequacy or unavailability of insurance coverage; our provision
for income taxes; legal, regulatory and contractual disputes and
proceedings involving the Company; reliance on key personnel;
labour relations matters 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, 2022. 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. 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.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transalta-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2022-results-and-commits-to-net-zero-by-2045-301754375.html
SOURCE TransAlta Corporation