UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 40-F

 

 [Check one]

 

o

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES

 

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

 

x

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended

 

December 31, 2006

 

Commission file number

 

001-15214

 

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Not applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English (if applicable))

 

 

Canada

(Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

 

4911

(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable))

 

 

Not Applicable

(I.R.S Employer Identification Number (if applicable))

 

 

110-12th Avenue S.W., Box 1900, Station “M”,

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 2M1,

(403) 267-7110

(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

CT Corporation System, 111 8th Avenue, 13th Floor,

New York, New York, 10011, (212) 894-8400

(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code)

of agent for service in the United States)

 



 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange

 

 

on which registered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, no par value

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

 

 

Common Share Purchase Rights

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this form:

 

S

 

Annual information form

S

 

Audited annual financial statements

 



 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

 

At December 31, 2006, 202,425,079 common shares were issued and outstanding.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). If “Yes” is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.

 

Yes  o    82-______      No  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes x

No o

 

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

The documents (or portions thereof) forming part of this Form 40-F are incorporated by reference into the following registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

Form

 

Registration No.

S-8

 

333-72454

S-8

 

333-101470

F-10

 

333-87762

 

 

CONSOLIDATED AUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

A.                       Consolidated Audited Annual Financial Statements

 

For consolidated audited annual financial statements, including the report of independent chartered accountants with respect thereto, see pages 64 through 101 of the TransAlta Corporation 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders included herein. See Exhibit 13.4 for the related supplementary note entitled “United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” for a reconciliation of the important differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 



 

B.                       Management’s Discussion & Analysis

 

For management’s discussion & analysis, see pages 31 through 63 of the TransAlta Corporation 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders included herein under the heading “Management’s Discussion & Analysis.”

 

For the purposes of this Form 40-F, only pages 64 through 101 and 31 through 63 of the TransAlta Corporation 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders as referred to above shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference and filed, and the balance of such 2006 Annual Report, except as otherwise specifically incorporated by reference in the TransAlta Corporation Annual Information Form filed as Exhibit 13.1 hereto, shall not be deemed to be filed under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 40-F.

 

 

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

TransAlta Corporation (the “Company”) has designed disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, on a regular basis, and in particular during the period in which its Annual Report on Form 40-F relating to financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 is being prepared. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of that evaluation date, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, was made known to them by others within those entities during the period in which this report was being prepared.

 

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL

OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.

 

Internal control over financial reporting refers to a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

                  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

                  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and members of our board of directors; and

 

                  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

 



 

Management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 using the framework set forth in the report of the Treadway Commission’s Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO), “Internal Control — Integrated Framework.”  Management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006. Certain matters relating to the scope of Management’s evaluation and limitations of management’s conclusions are described below. See “Limitations and Scope of Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an audit report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, expressing an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment and expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. For Ernst & Young LLP’s report see page 67 of the TransAlta Corporation 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders under the heading “Independent Auditors’ Report on Internal Controls under Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)”.

 

There has been no change in the internal control over financial reporting during the year covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF MANAGEMENT’S

REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process, and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

 

Management has not evaluated the internal controls of the Sheerness, CE Generation and Genesee 3 joint ventures (collectively, the “Excluded Entities”), in accordance with Frequently Asked Question No. 1, “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports,” of the Office of the Chief Accountant of the Division of Corporation Finance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (revised Oct. 6, 2004). Accordingly, management’s evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting did not include an evaluation of the internal controls of any of the Excluded Entities, and management’s conclusion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not extend to the internal controls of any of the Excluded Entities.

 

Proportionate consolidation of the Excluded Entities contributes to the Company’s financial statements in the amount of $1,749.5 million of the Company’s total assets, $839.8 million of net assets, $498.7 million of revenues and $96.6 million of operating income. The Company’s financial statements include the accounts of the Excluded Entities, accounted for via proportionate consolidation, in accordance with EITF 00-1, but management has been unable to assess the effectiveness of internal control at the Excluded Entities because the Company does not have the ability to dictate or modify the controls of the Excluded Entities and does not have the ability, in practice, to assess those controls.

 



 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The Registrant’s board of directors has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit and Risk Committee (the “ARC”). Mr. William D. Anderson has been determined to be an audit committee financial expert, within the meaning of Section 407 of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), and is independent, as that term is defined by the New York Stock Exchange’s (“NYSE”) listing standards applicable to the Registrant. Mr. Gordon S. Lackenbauer has also been determined to be an audit committee financial expert for purposes of Section 407 of Sarbanes-Oxley and independent under the applicable NYSE listing standards. Under Securities and Exchange Commission rules the designation of persons as audit committee financial experts does not make them “experts” for any other purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on them that are greater than those imposed on members of their committee and the board of directors who do not carry this designation or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of their committee.

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics as part of its “Corporate Code of Conduct” that applies to all employees and officers which has been filed with the SEC. In addition, the Registrant has adopted a code of conduct applicable to all directors of the Company and a separate financial code of conduct which applies to all financial management employees. The Registrant’s Corporate Codes of Conduct are available on its Internet website at www.transalta.com. There has been no waiver of the codes granted during the 2006 fiscal year.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, Ernst & Young LLP and its affiliates were paid approximately $3,596,689 and $2,012,754, respectively, as detailed below:

 

 

 

Year-ended December 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

$

 

3,286,212

 

$

 

2,006,504

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

300,892

 

$

 

 

 

Tax Fees

 

$

 

9,585

 

$

 

6,250

 

All Other Fees

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

3,596,689

 

$

 

2,012,754

 

 

No other audit firms provided audit services in 2006 or 2005.

 

The nature of each category of fees is described below.

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit fees were paid for professional services rendered by the auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements or services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including the translation from English into French of the Company’s financial statements and other documents. Total audit fees paid include payments related to 2005 in the amount of

 



 

$2,092,000 and for 2006 in the amount of $1,194,000. The increase in audit fees is mainly attributable to additional work required for SOX certification.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

The audit-related fees in 2006 were primarily for work performed by Ernst & Young LLP in relation to the Corporation’s financings.

 

Tax Fees

 

The majority of tax fees for 2006 related to the finalization of tax credit recoveries for which work had commenced in prior years.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The ARC has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence. The ARC has adopted a policy that prohibits the Company from engaging the auditors for “prohibited” categories of non-audit services and requires pre-approval of the ARC for other permissible categories of non-audit services, such categories as determined under Sarbanes-Oxley.

 

Percentage of Services Approved by the ARC

 

For the year ended December 31, 2006, none of the services described above were approved by the ARC pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

See page 49 of Exhibit 13.2.

 

TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

See page 86 of Exhibit 13.3 and pages 47 and 48, under the heading “Financing Arrangements” of Exhibit 13.2.

 

IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Registrant has a separately-designated standing ARC. The members of the ARC are:

 

William D. Anderson (Chair)

Stanley J. Bright

Michael M. Kanovsky

Timothy W. Faithfull

Gordon S. Lackenbauer

Donna S. Kaufman   (ex-officio member)

 



 

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This document, documents incorporated herein by reference, and other reports and filings made with the securities regulatory authorities, include forward-looking statements. All forward looking statements are based on TransAlta’s beliefs as well as assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, believe, “expect”, “potential”, “enable”, “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of TransAlta’s future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause TransAlta’s actual performance to be materially different from those projected. Some of the risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to electricity demand and electrical generation capacity, cost and availability of fuel necessary for the production of electricity, legislative and regulatory developments, competition, global capital markets activity, changes in prevailing interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation levels and general economic conditions in geographic areas where TransAlta operates, results of financing efforts, changes in counterparty risk and the impact of accounting policies issued by Canadian and U.S. standard setters. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof or otherwise, and TransAlta undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

UNDERTAKING

 

TransAlta Corporation undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquires made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, Canada.

 

 

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Brian Burden

 

 

 

Brian Burden

 

 

Executive Vice-President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer

Dated:  March 15, 2007

 



 

EXHIBITS

 

 

13.1

 

TransAlta Corporation Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

 

13.2

 

Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 (included on pages 67 through 101 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

13.3

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (included on pages 31 through 63 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

13.4

 

U.S. GAAP reconciliation of the 2006 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements (included on pages 97 through 101 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Ernst and Young LLP Chartered Accountants.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

13.1

 

TransAlta Corporation Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

 

13.2

 

Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 (included on pages 64 through 101 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

13.3

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (included on pages 31 through 63 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

13.4

 

U.S. GAAP reconciliation of the 2006 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements (included on pages 97 through 101 of the 2006 TransAlta Annual Report to Shareholders).

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Ernst and Young LLP Chartered Accountants.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 



 

 

 

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION

 

2007 RENEWAL ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

MARCH 14, 2007

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Presentation of Information

1

 

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

1

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

1

 

 

Corporate Structure

1

 

 

Overview

2

 

 

General Development of the Business

3

 

 

Business of TransAlta

6

 

 

Generation Business Segment

6

Corporate Development and Marketing Segment

14

 

 

Environmental Risk Management

17

 

 

Risk Factors

18

 

 

Employees

18

 

 

Capital Structure

18

 

 

Credit Ratings

19

 

 

Dividends

20

 

 

Market for Securities

21

 

 

Directors and Officers

21

 

 

Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions

26

 

 

Indebtedness of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers

26

 

 

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions

26

 

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

26

 

 

Interests of Experts

26

 

 

Additional Information

27

 

 

Audit and Risk Committee

27

 

 

Appendix “A” – Audit and Risk Committee Charter

A-1

 

 

Appendix “B” – Glossary of Terms

B-1

 

(i)



 

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

 

Unless otherwise noted, the information contained in this annual information form (“Annual Information Form”) is given at or for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.  Financial information is presented in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Information Form, the documents incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form, and other reports and filings made with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States include forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements are based on TransAlta Corporation’s (“TransAlta” or the “Corporation”) beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘enable’, ‘continue’ or other comparable terminology.  Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding the anticipated business prospects and financial performance of TransAlta.  These statements are not guarantees of TransAlta’s future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause TransAlta’s actual performance to be materially different from those projected, including those material risks discussed in this Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”, and in TransAlta’s Management’s Discussion & Analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2006 under the heading “Risk Factors and Risk Management”.  The material assumptions in making these forward-looking statements are disclosed in the MD&A under “Outlook”, “Risk Factors and Risk Management” and “Critical Accounting Policies and Statements”, and in this Annual Information Form under “Competitive Environment”, and “Competitive Strengths”.  Given these uncertainties, the reader should not place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this Annual Information Form or otherwise, and TransAlta undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

TransAlta’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2006 and TransAlta’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form.  Copies of these documents are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

 

Name and Incorporation

 

TransAlta was formed by Certificate of Amalgamation issued under the Canada Business Corporations Act on October 8, 1992.  On December 31, 1992 a Certificate of Amendment was issued in connection with a plan of arrangement involving the Corporation and TransAlta Utilities Corporation (“TransAlta Utilities”) under the Canada Business Corporations Act.  The plan of arrangement, which was approved by shareholders on November 26, 1992, resulted in common shareholders of TransAlta Utilities exchanging their common shares for shares of the Corporation on a one-for-one basis.  Upon completion of the arrangement, TransAlta Utilities became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransAlta.  The registered office and principal place of business of TransAlta are at 110 - 12th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0G7.

 

The significant dates and events relating to TransAlta Utilities are set forth in TransAlta Utilities’ Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2006, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

- 1 -



 

Intercorporate Relationships

 

The principal subsidiaries of the Corporation and their respective jurisdictions of formation are set out below.

 

 

Notes:

 

(1)

The limited partnership interests in TransAlta Power, L.P. (“TransAlta Power”) are held by the public, other than a 0.01 per cent interest held by TransAlta Power Ltd., the general partner of TransAlta Power.

(2)

Indirectly held.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the “Corporation” and to “TransAlta” herein refer to TransAlta Corporation and its subsidiaries, including TransAlta Utilities and TransAlta Energy Corporation (“TransAlta Energy”).

 

OVERVIEW

 

TransAlta and its predecessors have been engaged in the production and sale of electric energy since 1911.  The Corporation is among Canada’s largest non-regulated electric generation and energy marketing companies with an aggregate net ownership interest of approximately 8,473 megawatts (“MW”) of electrical generating capacity (1) in facilities having approximately 10,181 MW of aggregate electrical generating capacity.  The Corporation is focused on generating electricity in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Australia through its diversified portfolio of facilities fuelled by coal, gas, hydro, wind and geothermal resources.  The following is a brief overview of the Corporation’s principal facilities.

 

(1)

 

TransAlta measures capacity as net maximum capacity (see glossary for definition of this and other key terms) which is consistent with industry standards. Capacity figures represent capacity owned and in operation unless otherwise stated.

 

- 2 -



 

In Canada, the Corporation holds a net ownership interest of approximately 5,579 MW of electrical generating capacity in coal-fired, gas-fired, wind-powered and hydroelectric facilities, including 4,882 MW in Alberta and 697 MW in Ontario.

 

In the United States, the Corporation’s principal facilities include a 1,404 MW coal-fired facility and a 248 MW gas-fired facility, both located in Centralia, Washington, which supply electricity to the Pacific Northwest.  The Corporation holds a 50 per cent interest in CE Generation, LLC (“CE Generation”), resulting in an aggregate net ownership interest of approximately 378 MW of geothermal and gas fired electrical generating capacity in facilities in California, Texas, Arizona and New York.  The Corporation also has 53 MW of electrical generating capacity through gas-fired and hydroelectric facilities located in New York, Washington and Hawaii.

 

In Mexico, the Corporation owns two facilities with a combined capacity of 511 MW.

 

The Corporation also has 300 MW of net electrical generating capacity in Australia.

 

The Corporation is organized into two business segments: Generation and Corporate Development and Marketing. The Generation group is responsible for constructing, operating and maintaining power generation facilities.  The Corporate Development and Marketing group is responsible for managing the sale of production, purchases of natural gas, transmission capacity and market risks associated with the Corporation’s generation assets and for non-asset backed trading activities.  Both segments are supported by a corporate group which includes finance, treasury, legal, human resources and other administrative functions.  The corporate group is also responsible for the Corporation’s sustainable development initiatives, including investments in renewable energy resources.

 

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS

 

The significant events and conditions affecting TransAlta’s business during the last three financial years are summarized below.  Certain of these events and conditions are discussed in greater detail under the heading “Business of TransAlta” in this Annual Information Form.

 

Recent Developments

 

                 On February 26, 2007, the Corporation and EPCOR Power Development Corporation (“EPCOR”) announced that they were proceeding with building the 450 MW Keephills 3 power project located approximately 70 kilometres west of Edmonton, Alberta.  The capital cost for the project, including mine capital, is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion.  Through the Keephills 3 Limited Partnership (“K3LP”), an affiliate of the Corporation, TransAlta and EPCOR will be equal partners in the ownership of Keephills 3, with EPCOR responsible for the construction.  Upon completion, which is expected at the end of the first quarter in 2011, the Corporation will operate the facility and EPCOR and TransAlta will independently dispatch and market their share of the unit’s electrical output.  The project has received approval from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment.

 

                 On January 19, 2007, the Corporation announced that it had been awarded a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) to provide 75 MW of wind power to New Brunswick Power Distribution and Customer Service Corporation.  Under the agreement, TransAlta will construct, own and operate a wind power facility in New Brunswick.  The capital cost of the project is estimated to be $130 million.  The project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals and is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of 2008. Natural Forces Technologies Inc., an Atlantic Canada based wind developer is TransAlta’s co-development partner in this project.

 

                 On January 2, 2007, the Corporation redeemed, at par, all of its outstanding 7.75 per cent preferred securities, with an outstanding principal amount of $175 million.

 

- 3 -



 

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

         On December 18, 2006, TransAlta Utilities assigned its rights in the development agreement it held with EPCOR, governing the joint development of the Keephills 3 power project, to K3LP.  K3LP subsequently sold a 50% undivided interest in the Keephills 3 power project to the EPCOR Power Development (K3) Limited Partnership and has entered into a joint venture agreement governing the continued development of the Keephills 3 power project.  In the event the Keephills 3 power project proceeds to operation, TransAlta Utilities will be the operator of the project pursuant to an operations and maintenance agreement and coal supply agreement respectively.

 

         On November 27, 2006, TransAlta Corporation announced it would immediately stop mining operations at its Centralia, Washington coal mine.  TransAlta also announced that it had entered into agreements to purchase and transport coal from the Powder River Basin to fuel TransAlta’s Centralia coal-fired facility.

 

         On November 17, 2006, TransAlta Utilities, a subsidiary of the Corporation, entered into a settlement agreement with the Canadian National Railway Company for a portion of outstanding claims for lost margin and incremental expenses relating to the train derailment and resulting oil spill into Lake Wabamun in 2005.  The terms of the settlement are subject to a confidentiality agreement and cannot be disclosed.

 

         On February 17, 2006, a subsidiary of TransAlta, together with a subsidiary of Mid-American Energy Company (“Mid-American”), entered into an agreement to purchase a 10 MW hydro facility in Hawaii to be held directly by the Wailuku Holding Company LLC, a company jointly and equally owned by TransAlta and Mid-American.

 

         On February 15, 2006, TransAlta announced it had signed a five-year agreement with the Ontario Power Authority (“OPA”) for the supply of electricity from TransAlta’s Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Power Plant.  Under the terms of the agreement, Transalta will be available to supply an average of 400 MW of electricity to the Ontario electricity market.  The supply contract is effective until December 31, 2010.

 

         On February 1, 2006, TransAlta Utilities entered into a development agreement with EPCOR to jointly pursue the Keephills 3 power project.  Keephills 3, formerly referred to as Centennial 1, is a proposed 450 MW facility adjacent to TransAlta’s existing Keephills facility, approximately 70 kilometres west of Edmonton, Alberta.

 

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

         On December 9, 2005, the Corporation announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, TransAlta Energy Marketing (U.S.) Inc. had entered into an agreement for the sale of generation from the Corporation’s Centralia generating facility for the period from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010.  The agreement has a value of approximately US $450 million.

 

         On September 12, 2005, the Corporation announced that its 279 MW Wabamun Unit 4 generating facility had resumed full operations on September 11, 2005 following the successful implementation of its return to service plan.  TransAlta was forced to shut down the Wabamun facility on August 3, 2005 due to a train derailment and resulting oil spill into Lake Wabamun, Alberta.  The Wabamun unit was on standby until an appropriate return to service plan was developed and reviewed with regulators and the Canadian National Railway Company.  The Corporation estimates operating income was impacted by $15 to $18 million as a result of the Wabamun shutdown.  The Corporation is seeking recovery for all losses.

 

         On March 1, 2005, the Corporation announced the completion of the 450 MW Genesee 3 generating facility, a joint venture between the Corporation and EPCOR Utilities Inc.  See “Generation Business Segment –Alberta - Coal-fired facilities”.

 

         On February 15, 2005, the Corporation redeemed, at par, all of its outstanding 7.5 per cent and 8.15 per cent preferred securities, with an outstanding principal amount of $175 million and $125 million, respectively.

 

- 4 -



 

                      On January 3, 2005, the Corporation announced that it had shut down and retired Units 1 (62 MW) and 2 (57 MW) of its Wabamun facility, effective December 31, 2004.  See “Generation Business Segment - Alberta - Coal-fired facilities”.

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

                      On December 10, 2004, the Corporation announced that it had applied to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (“AEUB”) to amend its 900 MW Keephills (Centennial) permit to allow for the construction of a smaller 450 MW facility using improved technology. See “Generation Business Segment – Alberta – Coal-fired facilities”.

 

                      On December 3, 2004, the Corporation announced the sale by TransAlta Energy of an aggregate of 7.114 million limited partnership units of TransAlta Power at a net price of $9.00 per unit for net proceeds of $64.0 million. The units sold by TransAlta represented the remaining limited partnership units of TransAlta Power held by TransAlta Energy following the expiration on August 3, 2004 of the unit purchase warrants issued to the public on July 31, 2003 in connection with the acquisition by TransAlta Power of a 25 per cent interest in the Sheerness facility.  TransAlta recorded a gain of $13.4 million after-tax ($0.07 per common share) as a result of the sale of the units.

 

                      On December 1, 2004, TransAlta announced the completion of the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the 220 MW gas-fired Meridian power plant to TransAlta Cogeneration, LP (“TA Cogen”), for $110 million.  The purchase price for the Meridian facility was funded by TA Cogen through the issuance to each of TransAlta Power and TransAlta Energy of $30.0 million of limited partnership units of TA Cogen, the payment of $50.0 million in cash and the issue of a promissory note to TransAlta Energy for $30.0 million.  The subscription by TransAlta Energy for limited partnership units of TA Cogen enabled the Corporation to retain its 50 per cent interest therein.  TransAlta recorded an after-tax gain of approximately $11.5 million ($0.06 per common share) as a result of the sale.  See “TA Cogen and TransAlta Power”.

 

                      On October 13, 2004, TransAlta announced the commencement of commercial operations of the $100 million 68 MW Summerview wind farm located approximately 200 kilometres southwest of Calgary, Alberta. The Summerview facility consists of 38 1.8 MW Vestas V80 wind turbines which brings TransAlta’s total operated wind generation capacity to 187 MW, including approximately 150 MW of wind energy owned, all of which is operated through Vision Quest Windelectric. The Summerview wind farm is a merchant facility and TransAlta receives the Government of Canada’s 10-year Wind Power Production Incentive (“WPPI”) on the output.   See “Generation Business Segment — Alberta — Wind Generation Facilities”.

 

                      On October 5, 2004, TransAlta completed the acquisition of a dam, a 1 MW hydroelectric generating facility and related assets on the Skookumchuk River near Centralia, Washington, for approximately US $7.5 million.  These facilities are used in connection with TransAlta’s generation facilities at Centralia, Washington.

 

       At December 31, 2004, TransAlta had a US $51.4 million receivable relating to energy sales in California.  At December 31, 2000, TransAlta had made a provision of US $28.8 million to account for potential refund liabilities relating to those energy sales in California.  On March 17, 2004, the California Independent System Operator released its preliminary adjusted prices indicating that TransAlta’s refund liability was US $46.0 million.  Based on those preliminary refund estimates, in the first quarter of 2004 TransAlta increased its provision for potential refund liabilities by US $17.2 million (Cdn. $22.9 million) to US $46.0 million.  The final adjusted prices were released in October 2004 and were substantially the same as those released in March 2004.  TransAlta has prepared a petition for relief from the refund obligation that may be filed once the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides stakeholders with a direction on the filing of such positions.

 

- 5 -



 

BUSINESS OF TRANSALTA

 

Generation Business Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s generation facilities which are operating, under construction or under development, as at December 31, 2006: 

 

Region

 

Facility

 

Capacity
(MW)

 

Ownership
(%)

 

Net Capacity
Ownership
Interest

 

Fuel

 

Revenue
Source

 

Contract
Expiry Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

Keephills

 

766

 

 

100

 

 

766

 

 

Coal

 

Alberta PPA

 

2020

Alberta

 

Sheerness

 

770

 

 

25

 

 

193

 

 

Coal

 

Alberta PPA

 

2020

(25 facilities)

 

Sundance (1)

 

2,073

 

 

100

 

 

2,073

 

 

Coal

 

Alberta PPA

 

2017, 2020

 

 

Wabamun

 

279

 

 

100

 

 

279

 

 

Coal

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Fort Saskatchewan

 

118

 

 

30

 

 

35

 

 

Gas

 

Long-term contract
(“LTC”)

 

2019

 

 

Meridian

 

220

 

 

25

 

 

55

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2024

 

 

Poplar Creek

 

356

 

 

100

 

 

356

 

 

Gas

 

LTC/Merchant(2)

 

2024

 

 

Genesee 3

 

450

 

 

50

 

 

225

 

 

Coal

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Keephills 3 (3)

 

450

 

 

50

 

 

225

 

 

Coal

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Hydro assets (4)

 

801

 

 

100

 

 

801

 

 

Hydro

 

Alberta PPA

 

2013-2020

 

 

Summerview

 

68

 

 

100

 

 

68

 

 

Wind

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Castle River (5)

 

46

 

 

100

 

 

46

 

 

Wind

 

LTC/Merchant

 

2011

 

 

McBride Lake

 

75

 

 

50

 

 

38

 

 

Wind

 

LTC

 

2022

 

 

Total Alberta

 

6,472

 

 

 

 

 

5,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern

 

Mississauga

 

108

 

 

50

 

 

54

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2017

Canada

 

Ottawa

 

68

 

 

50

 

 

34

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2012

(5 facilities)

 

Sarnia

 

575

 

 

100

 

 

575

 

 

Gas

 

LTC/Merchant(6)

 

2022

 

 

Windsor

 

68

 

 

50

 

 

34

 

 

Gas

 

LTC/Merchant(7)

 

2016

 

 

Kent Hills (3)

 

75

 

 

100

 

 

75

 

 

Wind

 

PPA

 

2033

 

 

Total Eastern Canada

 

894

 

 

 

 

 

772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

Centralia, WA

 

1,404

 

 

100

 

 

1,404

 

 

Coal

 

Merchant

 

-

(18 facilities)

 

Centralia Gas (8)

 

248

 

 

100

 

 

248

 

 

Gas

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Binghamton, NY

 

47

 

 

100

 

 

47

 

 

Gas

 

Merchant

 

-

 

 

Skookumchuk, WA

 

1

 

 

100

 

 

1

 

 

Hydro

 

-

 

-

 

 

Power Resources, TX

 

200

 

 

50

 

 

100

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

-

 

 

Saranac, NY

 

240

 

 

37.5

 

 

90

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2009

 

 

Yuma, AZ

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

25

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2024

 

 

Imperial Valley Geothermal
Facilities
(9)

 

327

 

 

50

 

 

163

 

 

Geothermal

 

LTC /Merchant

 

2016-2035

 

 

Wailuku

 

10

 

 

50

 

 

5

 

 

Hydro

 

LTC/PPA

 

2023

 

 

Total US

 

2,527

 

 

 

 

 

2,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

Campeche

 

252

 

 

100

 

 

252

 

 

Gas/Diesel

 

LTC

 

2028

(2 facilities)

 

Chihuahua

 

259

 

 

100

 

 

259

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2028

 

 

Total Mexico

 

511

 

 

 

 

 

511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

Parkeston

 

110

 

 

50

 

 

55

 

 

Gas

 

LTC

 

2016

(5 facilities)

 

Southern Cross (10)

 

245

 

 

100

 

 

245

 

 

Gas/Diesel

 

LTC

 

2016

 

 

Total Australia

 

355

 

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

10,759

 

 

 

 

 

8,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 6 -



 

Notes:

 

 

(1)

53 MW currently under development

 

(2)

Approximately 200 MW of the total 356 MW are contracted under a LTC.

 

(3)

These facilities are currently under development, (Keephills 3 formerly referred to as Centennial 1).

 

(4)

Comprised of 13 facilities.

 

(5)

Includes eight individual turbines at other locations, one of which moved from testing to production.

 

(6)

Approximately 150 MW of the total 575 MW capacity are contracted under LTCs.

 

(7)

Approximately 50 MW of the total 68 MW capacity are contracted under a LTC.

 

(8)

Formerly referred to as Big Hanaford.

 

(9)

Comprises 10 facilities.

 

(10)

Comprises 4 facilities.

 

Canada:  Alberta

 

Coal-fired facilities

 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s Alberta coal-fired generation facilities:

 

Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Ownership (%)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wabamun (1)

 

Wabamun Unit No. 4

 

279

 

 

100

 

 

1968

 

 

Sundance

 

Sundance Unit No. 1

 

280

 

 

100

 

 

1970

 

 

 

 

Sundance Unit No. 2

 

280

 

 

100

 

 

1973

 

 

 

 

Sundance Unit No. 3

 

353

 

 

100

 

 

1976

 

 

 

 

Sundance Unit No. 4 (2)

 

406

 

 

100

 

 

1977

 

 

 

 

Sundance Unit No. 5

 

353

 

 

100

 

 

1978

 

 

 

 

Sundance Unit No. 6

 

401

 

 

100

 

 

1980

 

 

Keephills

 

Keephills Unit No. 1

 

383

 

 

100

 

 

1983

 

 

 

 

Keephills Unit No. 2

 

383

 

 

100

 

 

1984

 

 

 

 

Keephills Unit No. 3 (3)

 

450

 

 

50

 

 

-   

 

 

Sheerness

 

Sheerness Unit No. 1

 

385

 

 

25

 

 

1986

 

 

 

 

Sheerness Unit No. 2

 

385

 

 

25

 

 

1990

 

 

Genesee

 

Genesee 3

 

450

 

 

50

 

 

2005

 

 

Total

 

 

 

4,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

Wabamun unit 4 is expected to be removed from service upon the expiry of its license in 2010.

(2)

 

53 MW currently under development

(3)

 

Facility under development.

 

The Keephills, Sundance and Wabamun facilities (the “Alberta thermal plants”) are located approximately 70 kilometres west of Edmonton, Alberta.  The Sheerness facility is located northeast of Calgary, Alberta and is jointly owned by TA Cogen and ATCO Power (2000) Ltd. (“ATCO Power”). The Genesee facility is located southwest of Edmonton and is jointly owned by the Corporation and EPCOR.  The Corporation completed the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the Sheerness facility to TA Cogen on July 30, 2003.  The Corporation’s coal-fired plants are generally all base load plants, meaning that they are expected to operate for long periods of time at or near their rated capacity.  Availability is an important measure of the economic success of a coal-fired plant. The weighted equivalent availability factor for the coal-fired Alberta thermal plants in 2006 was 88.7 per cent, compared with 87.6 per cent in 2005 and 86.5 per cent in 2004.  For the Sheerness facility, the weighted equivalent availability factor was 92.2 percent in 2006 compared to 91.0 per cent in 2005 and 90.2 per cent in 2004.  For the Genesee 3 facility, the weighted equivalent availability factor was 96.9 per cent in 2006 compared to 91.8 per cent in 2005.

 

Fuel requirements for TransAlta’s coal-fired power facilities are supplied by surface strip coal mines located in close proximity to the facilities.  TransAlta owns two surface mines in Alberta that supply coal to its Wabamun, Sundance and Keephills facilities.  The Whitewood mine supplies the Wabamun plant and the Highvale mine supplies the Sundance and Keephills facilities.  TransAlta estimates that the recoverable coal reserves contained in these mines are sufficient to supply the anticipated requirements for the life of these facilities including potential life extension and plant expansion.

 

- 7 -



 

Coal for the Sheerness facility is provided from the adjacent Sheerness mine.  The coal reserves of the mine are owned, leased or controlled jointly by TA Cogen, ATCO Power and Prairie Mines & Royalties Limited (“PMRL”).  TA Cogen and ATCO Power have entered into coal supply agreements with PMRL, which operates the mine, to supply coal until 2026.

 

Coal for the Genesee 3 facility is provided from the adjacent Genesee mine.  The coal reserves of the mine are owned, leased or controlled jointly by PMRL and EPCOR.  The Corporation has entered into coal supply agreements with PMRL, which operates the mine, to supply coal for the life of the facility.

 

In February 2001, the Corporation announced a proposal for a 900 MW expansion at its Keephills facility.  In February 2002, the Corporation received regulatory approval to proceed with the expansion, which contemplated the facilities being operational in 2003.  In January 2003, the Corporation announced that it had granted to EPCOR an option, exercisable until December 31, 2005, to purchase a 50 per cent interest in the Corporation’s Keephills 3 project (formerly referred to as Centennial 1) at a price of 50 per cent of expenditures to the date of the option exercise, plus 50 per cent of future project development costs.  On December 10, 2004, the Corporation applied to the AEUB to amend its 900 MW permit to allow for the construction of a smaller 450 MW facility using improved technology.

 

On February 1, 2006, the Corporation entered into a development agreement with EPCOR to jointly pursue the Keephills 3 power project.  On December 18, 2006, the Corporation assigned its rights in the development agreement it held with EPCOR governing the joint development of the Keephills 3 power project to K3LP.  K3LP subsequently sold a 50% undivided interest in the Keephills 3 power project to the EPCOR Power Development (K3) Limited Partnership and has entered into a joint venture agreement governing the continued development of the Keephills 3 power project.

 

On February 26, 2007, the Corporation and EPCOR announced they were proceeding with building the net 450 MW Keephills 3 power project.  The capital cost for the project, including mine capital, is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion.  Through K3LP, TransAlta and EPCOR will be equal partners in the ownership of Keephills 3, with EPCOR responsible for construction.  Upon completion, which is expected at the end of the first quarter in 2011, TransAlta will operate the facility and EPCOR and TransAlta will independently dispatch and market their share of the unit’s electrical output.  Through a subsidiary, the Corporation will also provide coal to the facility through the Highvale mine.  The project has received approval from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment.

 

Gas-fired Facilities

 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s Saskatchewan and Alberta gas-fired generation facilities:

 

 Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Ownership (%)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lloydminster, SK

 

Meridian

 

220

 

 

25

 

 

1999

 

 

 Fort McMurray, AB

 

Poplar Creek

 

356

 

 

100

 

 

2001

 

 

 Fort Saskatchewan, AB

 

Fort Saskatchewan

 

118

 

 

30

 

 

1999

 

 

 Total

 

 

 

694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Meridian plant sells electricity to Saskatchewan Power Corporation, a crown corporation owned by the Province of Saskatchewan, and steam to a heavy oil upgrader in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.  The Corporation completed the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the Meridian facility to TA Cogen on December 1, 2004.  The remaining 50 per cent interest in the Meridian facility is held by Husky Oil Operations Limited.

 

The Poplar Creek plant provides electricity and steam to Suncor Energy Inc.’s oil sands project.  This 356 MW cogeneration plant became fully operational in the first quarter of 2001 and delivers approximately 200 MW of electricity and steam to Suncor Energy Inc. (“Suncor”).  Any surplus power not used by Suncor is available for sale by the Corporation to other parties, in which case Suncor is entitled to a share of that revenue, under certain conditions.

 

The Corporation also holds an indirect interest in the 118 MW Fort Saskatchewan gas-fired combined cycle cogeneration plant in Alberta, which provides electricity and steam to Dow Chemical Canada Inc.

 

- 8 -



 

The Corporation’s interests in the Meridian and Fort Saskatchewan facilities are held through TA Cogen.  See “TA Cogen and TransAlta Power”.

 

Hydroelectric facilities

 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s 100% ownership in Alberta hydroelectric facilities: 

 

 Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bow River System

 

Horseshoe

 

14

 

 

1911

 

 

 

Kananaskis

 

19

 

 

1913, 1951

 

 

 

Ghost

 

51

 

 

1929, 1954

 

 

 

Cascade

 

36

 

 

1942, 1957

 

 

 

Barrier

 

13

 

 

1947

 

 

 

Bearspaw

 

17

 

 

1953, 1954

 

 

 

Pocaterra

 

15

 

 

1955

 

 

 

Interlakes

 

5

 

 

1955

 

 

 

Spray

 

103

 

 

1951, 1960

 

 

 

Three Sisters

 

3

 

 

1951

 

 

 

Rundle

 

50

 

 

1951, 1960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 North Saskatchewan River System

 

Brazeau

 

355

 

 

1965, 1967

 

 

 

Bighorn

 

120

 

 

1972

 

 Total

 

 

 

801

 

 

 

 

 

The Corporation’s hydroelectric facilities are primarily peaking plants, meaning they are generally only operated during times of peak demand.

 

Wind Generation Facilities

 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s wind generation facilities:

 

 Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Ownership (%)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fort Macleod

 

McBride Lake

 

75

 

 

50

 

 

2003

 

 Pincher Creek

 

Castle River and Other

 

46

 

 

100

 

 

1997 – 2001

 

 Pincher Creek

 

Summerview

 

68

 

 

100

 

 

2004

 

 New Brunswick (1)

 

Kent Hills

 

75

 

 

100

 

 

2008

 

 Total

 

 

 

264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)       Facility under development, reflects expected capacity and commissioning date.

 

The Corporation owns and operates approximately 152 MW of net capacity (excluding facilities under development) and operates approximately 189 MW of capacity primarily in three wind farms in Southwestern Alberta.

 

Castle River is a 40 MW facility comprised of 59 Vestas V47 (660 kW) turbines and 1 Vestas V44 (600 kW) turbine located at Pincher Creek, Alberta.  The facility is 71 per cent contracted primarily to ENMAX Energy Corp. and is the sole Green Energy® provider to the City of Calgary’s “Ride the Wind” Light Rail Transit program.  The Corporation also owns and operates eight additional turbines totalling 6 MW primarily located in the Pincher Creek and Waterton areas of Southwestern Alberta.

 

McBride Lake, one of Canada’s largest wind generation facilities, is a 75 MW facility comprised of 114 Vestas V47 (660 kW) turbines located at Fort Macleod, Alberta.  It was constructed by the Corporation and was completed and producing power in the third quarter of 2003.  McBride Lake is operated by the Corporation and is jointly owned with ENMAX Green Power Inc., with

 

- 9 -



 

each partner owning a 50 per cent interest.  The output from the facility is 100 per cent contracted in the form of a 20-year PPA with Enmax.  The Corporation is also entitled to receive WPPI payments from the Federal Government at $12/MWh in respect of the McBride Lake facility until 2013.

 

On October 13, 2004, TransAlta announced the commencement of commercial operations at its $100 million Summerview 68 MW wind farm located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Pincher Creek, Alberta.  The Summerview facility, comprised of 38 1.8 MW turbines, brought the total owned wind generation capacity to approximately 152 MW and total operated capacity to approximately 189 MW.  The Summerview wind farm is a merchant facility but is entitled to receive WPPI payments from the Federal Government at $10/MWh until 2014.

 

On January 19, 2007 the Corporation announced that it had been awarded a 25-year PPA to deliver 75 MWs of wind power to New Brunswick Power Distribution and Customer Service Corporation.  Under the agreement, TransAlta will construct, own and operate a wind power facility in New Brunswick. The capital cost of the project is estimated to be $130 million. The project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals and is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of 2008. Natural Forces Technologies Inc., an Atlantic Canada based wind developer is TransAlta’s co-development partner in this project. The single-site, 25-turbine wind farm will be located in the Kent Hills area of New Brunswick. TransAlta expects construction to commence by early 2008.  TransAlta will work with local firms for the construction and ongoing operation of the Kent Hills wind farm providing long-term economic benefits to the region. Once complete, the Kent Hills wind farm will provide an estimated 220,000 MWh per year, enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 13,600 homes. The facility will use 3.0 MW wind turbines purchased from Vestas-Canada Wind Technology Inc.

 

All of the power generated and sold by the Corporation’s wind division is from generation facilities that are EcoLogo-certified.  The Corporation is an EcoLogo-certified distributor of Alternative Source Electricity through Environment Canada’s Environmental Choice program.  EcoLogo certification is granted to products with environmental performance that meet or exceed all government, industrial safety and performance standards.  The Corporation’s wind facilities constructed after April 2001, also qualify for the Green E and Green Leaf certifications.

 

Alberta PPAs

 

All of the Corporation’s Alberta coal-fired and hydroelectric facilities, other than the Wabamun and Genesee 3 facilities, operate under Alberta PPAs.  The PPA for the Wabamun plant expired on December 31, 2003.  The Alberta PPAs establish committed capacity and electrical energy generation requirements and availability targets to be achieved by each coal-fired plant, energy and ancillary services obligations for the hydroelectric plants, and the price at which power is to be supplied.  The Corporation bears the risk or retains the benefit of volume variances (except for those arising from events considered to be force majeure, in the case of the coal-fired plants) and any change in costs required to maintain and operate the facilities.

 

Under the Alberta PPAs, for the formerly regulated coal-fired facilities, the Corporation is exposed to electricity price risk if production declines below contracted levels (other than as a result of outages caused by an event of force majeure).  In such circumstances, the Corporation must pay a penalty for the lost production based upon a price equal to the 30-day trailing average of Alberta’s market electricity prices.  This trailing average provision attempts to mitigate price spikes that can occur as a result of sudden outages.  The Corporation attempts to further mitigate this exposure by maintaining contracted and uncontracted capacity in the market, through operating and maintenance practices, and through hedging activities.

 

The Corporation’s hydroelectric facilities are not contracted on a facility-by-facility basis; rather, facilities are aggregated in a single Alberta PPA which provides for financial obligations for energy and ancillary services obligations based on hourly targets.  These targeted amounts are met by the Corporation through physical delivery or third party purchases.

 

The Corporation’s compensation under the Alberta PPAs is based on a pricing formula which replaced the cost of service regime which applied previously under utility regulation.  Key elements of the pricing formula are the amount of common equity deemed to form part of the capital structure, the amount of risk premium attributable to deemed common equity and a recovery of fixed and variable costs.  Common equity is deemed to be 45 per cent of total capital and the return on equity is set annually at a 4.5 per cent premium over the rate on a 10-year Government of Canada Bond.

 

The pricing formula includes a provision for site restoration costs of the coal-fired generating plants.  Restoration and reclamation costs incurred in excess of those previously recovered through the pricing formula may also be recovered, upon

 

- 10 -



 

successful application to the AEUB.  The Alberta PPAs do not provide compensation for site restoration costs related to the Corporation’s hydroelectric facilities.  The Corporation does not anticipate that its hydroelectric structures will be dismantled because of the water supply, irrigation, flood control and recreation related purposes they serve.  Provisions have been made for the removal of the hydroelectric generating equipment.

 

The expiry dates for the Corporation’s Alberta PPAs, range from 2013 to 2020.  With the expiry of the PPA at the Wabamun facility, the Corporation procured an extension of the license to operate Unit four of the Wabamun facility until March 31, 2010.  The Corporation holds various licenses from Alberta Environment and the AEUB to operate its other facilities.  The Corporation intends to procure extensions of the licenses for the other facilities upon the expiry of each respective Alberta PPA.  Upon the expiry of the Alberta PPAs and subject to procuring extension of the licenses, the Corporation will then be able to sell its power output to the Alberta Power Pool and to third party purchasers through direct sales agreements.  The Corporation is currently selling all of the power output from the Wabamun facility under such direct sales agreements.

 

The Alberta PPAs (together with legislation which applies thereto) permit the Balancing Pool, an entity established by the Government of Alberta, directly or indirectly as successor to the power purchaser under the Alberta PPAs, to terminate the Alberta PPAs in certain circumstances.  These termination provisions are similar to those found in some PPAs entered into by government-related power purchasers.  The Corporation will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in connection with any such termination, other than a termination resulting from the Corporation’s default and will thereafter be able to sell the output from any affected facilities for its own account.

 

Canada:  Ontario

 

The Corporation’s Ontario generating facilities are summarized in the following table:

 

 Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Ownership (%)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sarnia

 

Sarnia

 

575

 

 

100

 

 

2003

 

 Ottawa

 

Ottawa

 

68

 

 

50

 

 

1992

 

 Mississauga

 

Mississauga

 

108

 

 

50

 

 

1992

 

 Windsor

 

Windsor

 

68

 

 

50

 

 

1996

 

 Total

 

 

 

819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sarnia facility is comprised of a 440 MW facility which commenced commercial operations in March, 2003 and an additional 135 MW of electric generation capacity acquired by the Corporation in 2002.  The combined 575 MW facility provides steam and electricity to nearby facilities owned by Dow Chemical Canada Inc., Lanxess (formerly Bayer Inc.), Nova Chemicals (Canada) Ltd. and Suncor Energy Products Inc.  Approximately 150 MW of Sarnia’s capacity is currently contracted under long term contracts.  On February 15, 2006, TransAlta announced that it had signed a five-year agreement with the OPA for production at its Sarnia facility.  Under the terms of the contract, TransAlta will be available to supply an average of 400 MW of electricity to the Ontario electricity market.  The supply contract is effective until December 31, 2010.

 

The Ottawa plant is a combined cycle cogeneration facility designed to produce 68 MW of electrical energy.  This capacity is sold under a long-term contract with the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation (“OEFC”), an agency of the Province of Ontario.  This agreement expires in 2012.  The Ottawa plant also provides thermal energy to the member hospitals and treatment centers of the Ottawa Health Sciences Centre, National Defence Medical Centre and the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre.

 

The Mississauga plant is a combined cycle cogeneration facility designed to produce 108 MW of electrical energy.  This capacity is contracted under a long-term contract with the OEFC which expires in 2017.  The Mississauga Plant provided cogeneration services to Boeing Canada Inc. (“Boeing”) until July 2005 at which time Boeing exercised its right under the cogeneration services agreement to no longer take and pay for cogeneration services due to the recent closure of its manufacturing facility.  Boeing remains entitled to any steam credit based on the total plant electricity generation revenue.  On or prior to each of January 1, 2013, 2018 and 2023, Boeing may give notice to purchase the Mississauga Plant at fair market value.  On January 1, 2028, all provisions under the cogeneration services agreement will terminate and Boeing will have the

 

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option at that time to either require the removal of the Mississauga Plant from the leased lands or purchase the Mississauga Plant at its net salvage value.

 

The Windsor plant is a combined cycle cogeneration facility designed to produce 68 MW of electrical energy.  Currently, 50 MW of the capacity is sold under a long-term contract to the OEFC.  This agreement expires in 2016.  The Windsor plant also provides thermal energy to DaimlerChrysler Canada Ltd.’s minivan assembly facility in Windsor.  In 2003, an agreement was reached with the OEFC to sell the remaining 18 MW to the Ontario power market when it is economic to do so.

 

The Corporation’s interests in the Mississauga, Ottawa and Windsor facilities in Ontario are held through TA Cogen.  See “TA Cogen and TransAlta Power”.

 

United States

 

The Corporation’s generation facilities in the United States are summarized in the following table:

 

 Location

 

Plant

 

Capacity (MW)

 

Ownership (%)

 

Commissioning Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Washington

 

Centralia Coal No. 1

 

702

 

 

100

 

 

1971

 

 

 

Centralia Coal No. 2

 

702

 

 

100

 

 

1971

 

 

 

Centralia Gas

 

248

 

 

100

 

 

2002

 

 

 

Skookumchuk

 

1

 

 

100

 

 

1970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 New York

 

Binghamton

 

47

 

 

100

 

 

1992

 

 

 

Saranac

 

240

 

 

37.5

 

 

1994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 California

 

Vulcan

 

34

 

 

50

 

 

1986

 

 

 

Del Ranch

 

38

 

 

50

 

 

1989

 

 

 

Elmore

 

38

 

 

50

 

 

1989

 

 

 

Leathers

 

38

 

 

50

 

 

1990

 

 

 

CE Turbo

 

10

 

 

50

 

 

2000

 

 

 

Salton Sea I

 

10

 

 

50

 

 

1987

 

 

 

Salton Sea II

 

20

 

 

50

 

 

1990

 

 

 

Salton Sea III

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

1989

 

 

 

Salton Sea IV

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

1996

 

 

 

Salton Sea V

 

49

 

 

50

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Texas

 

Power Resources

 

200

 

 

50

 

 

1988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Arizona

 

Yuma

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

1994

 

 Hawaii

 

Wailuku

 

10

 

 

50

 

 

1993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

 

 

 

2,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centralia

 

The Corporation owns a two-unit 1,404 MW coal-fired facility, an adjacent coal mine and a 248 MW gas-fired facility in Centralia, Washington, located south of Seattle.  On November 27, 2006, the Corporation stopped all mining operations at the Centralia coal mine.  The Corporation also owns a 1 MW hydro-electric generating facility and related assets on the Skookumchuk River near Centralia, which facilities are used to provide reliable water supply to TransAlta’s other generation facilities at Centralia.

 

The Corporation has entered into a number of medium to long-term energy sales agreements from the Centralia facility.  The Corporation also sells power from the Centralia facility into the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and, in particular, the U.S. Pacific Northwest energy market, on the spot market.  The Corporation’s strategy is to balance contracted and non-contracted sales of electricity to manage production and price risk.

 

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The Corporation stopped mining operations at its Centralia coal mine on November 27, 2006.  Prior to that date, the Centralia mine produced approximately five to six million tons of coal annually, or approximately 70 to 85 per cent of the Centralia plant’s annual coal requirements.  Although the Corporation estimates that certain coal reserves remain to be extracted, the Corporation has not yet received permits for or developed the new area from which this coal could be produced.  The Corporation has entered into contracts to purchase and transport coal from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming to fuel its facility until it is economic to pursue the extraction of coal at its Centralia mine.

 

Binghamton

 

The Corporation owns a 47 MW gas-fired peaking facility in Binghamton, New York.  This facility was commissioned in 1992 and is located near the Pennsylvania and New York State border.  The Binghamton facility provides electricity to the New York Power Pool during periods of high demand.

 

CE Generation

 

On January 29, 2003, TransAlta announced the completion of the acquisition from El Paso of a 50 per cent interest in CE Generation, for total consideration of approximately US $240 million, which included approximately US $35 million for working capital.  The CE Generation acquisition included the right to a 50 per cent interest in a geothermal project in the Imperial Valley, California. If TransAlta elects to retain an economic interest and participate in a future phase of this project, Salton Sea VI, TransAlta is required to pay to El Paso certain milestone payments of up to US $10 million.

 

CE Generation, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in the development, ownership and operation of independent power production facilities in the United States using geothermal and natural gas resources.  CE Generation holds a net ownership interest of approximately 378 MW in 13 facilities, having an aggregate operating capacity of 817 MW, including 327 MW of geothermal generation in California and 490 MW of gas-fired cogeneration in New York, Texas and Arizona.

 

CE Generation affiliates currently operate 10 geothermal facilities in Imperial Valley, California.  Each of the geothermal facilities, excluding CE Turbo and Salton Sea V, sells electricity pursuant to independent, long-term contracts which provide for energy payments, capacity payments and capacity bonus payments.  Salton Sea V is currently a merchant facility; however, it has a PPA to sell approximately 20 MW of its net output.  The balance of available capacity from Salton Sea V and CE Turbo is sold through market transactions.

 

CE Generation affiliates currently operate three natural gas-fired facilities in Texas, Arizona and New York State, having an aggregate generation capacity of 490 MW.  The New York and Arizona facilities sell their output pursuant to long term contracts while the Texas facility has contracted a tolling agreement for capacity.

 

Wailuku

 

On February 17, 2006, a subsidiary of TransAlta, together with a subsidiary of Mid-American entered into an arrangement to purchase a 10 MW hydro facility in Hawaii to be held directly by the Wailuku Holding Company LLC, each of TransAlta and Mid American hold a 50 per cent interest in the facility.  The facility sells electricity pursuant to the terms of a 30 year PPA with the Hawaii Electricity Light Company.

 

Mexico

 

Campeche

 

In May 2003, the Corporation announced the commencement of commercial operations at its 252 MW combined cycle gas/diesel fuelled facility located in the Mexican state of Campeche in the Yucatan Peninsula.  The Corporation and Mexico’s state owned Comisión Federal de Electricidad (“CFE”) have entered into a 25 year long term contract for all of the output of this plant, commencing on the date commercial operations began.  The Corporation has also entered into a related gas transportation agreement with CFE.  In addition to the long term contract and gas transportation agreement, the Corporation has entered into a corresponding 25 year fuel supply agreement with Pemex Gas y Petro Quimica Basica.  CFE bears the price risk on fuel up to the guaranteed heat rate under the long term contract.

 

- 13 -



 

Chihuahua

 

In September 2003, the Corporation announced the commencement of commercial operations at its 259 MW Chihuahua combined-cycle gas-fired facility located near Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico, located approximately 40 kilometres south of the United States/Mexico border.  The Corporation has entered into a 25 year long-term contract with CFE for all of the output of this plant, commencing on the date commercial operations began.  The Corporation has also entered into a related 25 year gas transportation agreement with CFE and a 5 year gas supply contract with Cynergy Marketing and Trading, LP.  CFE bears the price risk on fuel up to the guaranteed heat rate under the long term contract.

 

Australia

 

The Corporation holds interests in Western Australia consisting of the 110 MW Parkeston generation facility through a 50/50 joint venture with NP Kalgoorlie Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Newmount Australia Limited, and the 245 MW Southern Cross gas and diesel generation facilities.  In 2005, Southern Cross installed a 20 MW gas turbine, which was commissioned effective January 6, 2006, resulting in additional capacity at this facility of 20 MW from the previous year.

 

TA Cogen and TransAlta Power

 

The Corporation’s interest in the 220 MW Meridian gas-fired generation facility in Saskatchewan, the 770 MW Sheerness coal-fired generation facility, the 118 MW Fort Saskatchewan gas-fired cogeneration facility in Alberta, and the Mississauga, Ottawa and Windsor-Essex facilities in Ontario, are held through TA Cogen, an Ontario limited partnership owned 50.01 per cent by subsidiaries of TransAlta and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, a publicly held Ontario limited partnership.  The Corporation formed TA Cogen in 1998 to directly or indirectly hold interests in generation facilities capable of producing stable cash flows that would be distributed to TransAlta Power’s unitholders.  The partnership units of TransAlta Power are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

 

Corporate Development and Marketing Segment

 

The Corporate Development and Marketing group provides a number of strategic functions to the Corporation, including the following:

 

 

 

Gathering and assessing market intelligence, enabling management to more effectively engage in strategic planning and decision-making for the Corporation. This includes identifying and ranking markets which are the most attractive to enter, developing strategies and plans to effectively compete in each market where the Corporation operates, and identifying specific opportunities to develop or acquire assets that will capture value or mitigate risks in the electric generation business;

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiating and entering into contractual agreements with customers for the sale of output from the Corporation’s generating assets, including electricity, steam or other energy related commodities;

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduling physical deliveries of natural gas supplies used to generate electricity and the electrical generation outputs from each asset to meet contractual obligations while managing the physical and financial risks associated with the generation and transmission of electrical energy, including during those periods of unplanned outages;

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increasing the value of electricity output and fuel inputs from each generating asset through a variety of regional portfolio optimization strategies in both the current year and over the long term; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommending optimum maintenance schedules and operating levels according to current and anticipated market conditions that will maximize earnings from each of the generation assets.

 

Beyond these functions, the Corporate Development and Marketing group derives additional revenue and earnings from the wholesale trading of electricity and other energy related commodities and derivatives.

 

- 14 -



 

The group seeks to manage and limit risk exposures from both financial and physical positions, as well as counterparty risks.  The key risk control activities of the Corporate Development and Marketing group, in conjunction with other functions of the Corporation, include credit review approval and reporting, risk measurement monitoring and reporting, validation of transactions, and trading portfolio valuation monitoring and reporting.

 

The Corporation uses mark-to-market valuation and the application of a value at risk (“VAR”) determination for risk control practices for its trading portfolios.  This approach is a measure of assessing the potential trading losses that the Corporation could experience over a given time, due to fluctuations in energy prices in each market.  The Corporation’s policy is to actively manage and limit the group’s aggregate VAR exposure within board approved limits.

 

Competitive Environment

 

As the largest generator of electricity in Alberta, measured by capacity, and with generation assets in Ontario, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, California, Arizona, Texas and New York, Mexico and Australia, the Corporation believes it is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in these regions.  Alberta is Canada’s fourth largest province by population with approximately 3.2 million residents representing approximately 10 per cent of Canada’s total population.  Alberta consumed approximately 69,400 GWh of electricity in 2006.  As at December 31, 2006, the aggregate installed capacity of generating facilities in Alberta was approximately 11,500 MW.

 

Ontario is Canada’s largest province with approximately 12.5 million residents representing approximately 39 per cent of Canada’s total population.  Ontario consumed approximately 151,000 GWh of electricity in 2006.  Ontario Power Generation Inc., the successor to the generation business of Ontario’s former integrated electric utility, controls over two-thirds of Ontario’s approximately 30,600 MW of installed capacity, the balance of which is owned by municipal electric utilities and private independent power producers or industrial consumers.

 

Electrical utilities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are organized into the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (“WECC”).  The WECC is the largest geographically of the 10 regions in the North American Electric Reliability Council and is divided into four sub-regions, of which Region 1 includes British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, western Wyoming and northern Nevada.  This sub-region is referred to as the Northwest Power Pool (“NWPP”).  The WECC estimates that approximately 423,900 GWh of electricity was consumed in the NWPP in 2006.  The WECC also reported an estimated aggregate electrical generating capacity of approximately 83,800 MW in the NWPP for the year ending 2006.

 

The Corporation expects that the demand for electricity will continue to grow in its target markets.  In addition to increased demand, the market for electricity in some of these regions has undergone deregulation.  Legislation in Alberta and Ontario and many states in the United States mandated the unbundling of generation, transmission and distribution services traditionally provided by vertically integrated utilities to promote competition in the market for generation, which caused some integrated utilities to sell all or parts of their generation assets.  While the pace of this process has changed, the Corporation believes that the combination of increased demand for electricity, deregulation and the increased availability of generation assets may provide it with an opportunity to increase its generation capacity and leverage its Corporate Development and Marketing capabilities, provided that in doing so, the financial position of the Corporation is not compromised.

 

The Corporation believes that the demand for electricity in Mexico will continue to grow in the next several years due to increased commercial and residential consumption.  For the period 2006 to 2016, the CFE is projecting a growth in demand for electricity of 4.8 per cent per year.  It is expected that independent power plants will contribute up to 30 per cent of the installed capacity and contribute approximately 40 per cent of the total energy produced.  At the end of December 2006, the national electrical system had approximately 49,200 MWs.  The system is expected to have approximately 69,000 MWs by the end of December 2016.  As a result, the CFE has indicated that it is planning to offer for tender the construction of more independent power plants that may be similar to the Corporation’s plants in Campeche and Chihuahua.  Over the next 10 years increased fuel diversity will be sought with natural gas fuelled generating stations making up no more than 55% of the installed capacity by 2016.

 

Although significant hydro capacity exists in Mexico, the bulk of generation is currently oil fired and gas fired. Demand requirements are affected to a large degree by the differential in gas prices relative to oil prices.  Demand tends to be lower in Northern Mexico in the colder months of December and January and further reduced during the period from December 15 to

 

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January 2, as several assembly plants shutdown or limit shifts for the holiday period. The demand for electricity produced at  the Campeche facility is relatively stable due to transmission constraints in the area.

 

Several factors influence power demand in Mexico ranging from fuel prices, plant major maintenance in the CFE fleet and IPP’s fleet, to the recently commissioned plants during the previous year, as well as the geographical location of power plants and various efficiencies and availabilities.

 

Australia is heavily dependent on coal for electricity, more so than any other developed country except Denmark and Greece. About 80% of power produced is derived from coal.  Australia’s electricity is low-cost by world standards.  Natural gas is increasingly used for electricity, especially in South Australia and Western Australia.  In 2006, Australia’s power stations produced 255,000 (GWh) of electricity growing at 3.2% pa.  The reform of the Australian electricity industry commenced in the early 1990s. Separate commercial structures have been developed for the monopoly transmission and distribution (‘wires’) functions and the competitive generation and retailing functions of the industry.  The major reform in the Australian electricity industry involved the establishment in southern and eastern Australia of the National Electricity Market (NEM).  The NEM operates in the States of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania and in the Australian Capital Territory.

 

In Western Australia, where TransAlta’s power assets are located, a new Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) was introduced in late 2006. Although most of TransAlta’s generation is used to supply two large mining companies through long term capacity contracts, a small amount of surplus energy and capacity is sold into the WEM.  Total installed capacity in the WEM is about 3800MW’s, while TransAlta’s capacity in the region is approximately 350MW’s.  TransAlta enjoys a solid competitive advantage in power supply to mining operations, especially remote mining operations, and has built up significant knowledge and expertise in this field.

 

Competitive Strengths

 

The Corporation believes it is well positioned to achieve its business strategy due to its competitive strengths, which include the following:

 

Stable cash flow base In 2006, approximately 95 per cent of the Corporation’s expected production was sold under contracts with original durations of at least 12 months, with the remaining production subject to market pricing.  Revenues received under contractual arrangements are not subject to short-term fluctuations in the spot price for electricity.

 

Geographic diversity The Corporation has a geographically diverse asset base with assets in Alberta and Ontario, Canada, in certain parts of the United States, Mexico and Australia.

 

Fuel diversity The Corporation has a diverse mix of fuels used for the generation of electricity, including coal, natural gas, hydro, geothermal and wind.  The Corporation believes that this mix reduces the impact on corporate performance in the event of external events affecting one fuel source.

 

Management team The Corporation’s management team has substantial industry, international and local market experience.

 

Corporate Development and Marketing expertise The Corporation believes that it’s Corporate Development and Marketing group has enhanced returns from the Corporation’s existing generation base and has allowed the Corporation to obtain more favourable pricing for uncommitted electricity, secure fuel supply on a cost-effective basis and fulfill electricity delivery obligations in the event of an outage.

 

Financial strength The Corporation has investment grade ratings from Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) and Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”).

 

Ownership or control of coal supply The Corporation owns, controls or leases extensive coal reserves in Alberta that provide a long-term and stable source of fuel for all of its coal-fired generation capacity in Alberta.  The Corporation’s mines in Alberta contain some of the lowest sulphur coal in North America, averaging 0.25 per cent sulphur at the Whitewood mine and 0.25 per cent at the Highvale mine.  Coal with lower sulphur content emits less sulphur dioxide when it is burned.

 

- 16 -



 

Wind Generation The Corporation is one of the largest owners and operators of wind generation in Canada.  The Wind management team has developed key relationships with customers, suppliers and policy makers that provide a competitive advantage in the development, operations and marketing of wind generation.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures for property and investments (including acquisitions) by TransAlta for the past five years were:

 

2006

$224.9 million

 

 

 

2003

$757.8 million

 

2005

$325.5 million

 

 

 

2002

$985.9 million

 

2004

$345.7 million

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT

 

TransAlta is subject to federal, provincial, state and local environmental laws, regulations and guidelines concerning the generation and transmission of electrical and thermal energy and surface mining.  TransAlta is committed to complying with legislative and regulatory requirements and to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.  TransAlta works with governments and the public to develop appropriate frameworks to protect the environment and, at the same time, to promote sustainable development.

 

TransAlta’s approach to managing its environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) risk has three elements:

 

Compliance-based activities, such as permitting and reporting;

 

ISO-based EHS Management systems and programs, such as safety programs and auditing; and

 

Longer-term strategic initiatives, including climate change and government policy development.

 

These elements are integrated into TransAlta’s corporate-wide operations and management systems.  They are designed to mitigate risks of TransAlta’s activities to employees, the public and the environment, and to address potential competitive risks from future changes in environmental policy.  They are also supportive of TransAlta’s corporate commitment to sustainability.

 

To meet regulatory requirements and improve environmental performance, TransAlta made environmental operating and capital expenditures in fiscal year 2006 of approximately $49.8 million.  Environmental expenditures are generally defined as expenditures incurred to comply with Canadian or international environmental regulations, conventions or voluntary agreements.

 

Environmental risk at the plants operated by TransAlta, has been reduced by actions in several areas:

 

Continued investment in mercury control technology evaluation leading to installation of mercury capture equipment at our Alberta coal plants in 2010;

 

Uprate improvements delivering higher efficiency generation at the Sundance plant;

 

The planned decommissioning of the older Wabamun coal-fired plant in 2010; and

 

Continued expansion of the wind energy business, with minimal emissions footprint.

 

On a longer time horizon, TransAlta anticipates future environmental regulatory developments in areas such as climate change, air quality and water.  Regulatory changes and policy developments are tracked in all relevant jurisdictions.

 

On October 19, 2006, the Canadian Government introduced its Clean Air Act, designed to regulate greenhouse gases and air pollutants from industries and other sources.  While uncertainty still exists as to the ultimate form and specific detail of

 

- 17 -



 

Canada’s climate change regulations, TransAlta’s climate change strategy addresses the potential competitive risks to its fossil generation plants.  The strategy includes, increased use of less carbon-intensive fuels such as natural gas and renewable resources, continued investment in international emission offsets and internal efficiency improvements and development of clean coal technology.  TransAlta continues to be an active participant with federal and provincial governments in the development of climate change policy in the international, national and provincial arenas.

 

Mercury standards are expected to be implemented in both the United States and Alberta by 2010.  Requirements for capital control equipment are clear in Alberta, and work is on schedule to select and install the necessary control technology.  Mercury control requirements in the United States at TransAlta’s Centralia plant are not yet defined.

 

TransAlta is a member of the Canadian Clean Power Coalition, which is committed to developing and implementing a clean coal technology project in Canada before 2010.

 

Environmental issues concerning water use are managed within the ISO 14001 framework.  TransAlta continues to work with regulators in each jurisdiction in which it operates, to ensure water is used wisely on site and that all regulations pertaining to water and wetlands management, both on and off site, are met at all times.

 

TransAlta’s environmental efforts have been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight years in a row.  The Index represents the best environmental performance leaders worldwide.

 

To date, TransAlta does not believe that its competitive position in the wholesale generation business has been adversely affected by environmental concerns.  Increasing use of natural gas and renewable generation means typically lower environmental compliance costs.  Emissions of oxide of nitrogen (“NOx”) and SO2 from coal-fired operations at Centralia are significantly below national average levels due to installed pollution controls, including scrubbers and low-NOx burners for both units.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Regulatory and political risks exist in all jurisdictions in which TransAlta operates.  TransAlta seeks to manage these risks by working with regulators and other stakeholders to resolve issues as fairly and expeditiously as possible.  For a discussion of risk factors affecting TransAlta, reference is made to “Risk Factors and Risk Management”, in TransAlta’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Corporation had 2,687 (1) full and part-time employees, of which 2,114 were employed in TransAlta’s generation business and 148 were employed in TransAlta’s energy marketing business.  Approximately 1,503 of the Corporation’s employees are represented by labour unions.  The Corporation is currently a party to 12 different collective bargaining agreements.  The Corporation has recently renewed 4 of the agreements and negotiations for the remaining agreements are underway and are expected to be completed before their respective expiry dates.

 

Note:

 

(1)

 

Of the 2687 full-time and part-time employees at December 31, 2006, 567 were on notice of termination relating to the closure of the Centralia mine, effective January 31, 2007.

 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

General

 

The Corporation’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of first preferred shares, issuable in series.  As at March 14, 2007, 202,627,578 common shares were outstanding and no first preferred shares were outstanding.

 

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Common Shares

 

Each common share of the Corporation entitles the holder thereof to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation, except meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote, to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to prior satisfaction of preferential dividends applicable to any first preferred shares, and to participate rateably in any distribution of the assets of the Corporation upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up and subject to prior rights and privileges attaching to first preferred shares.  The common shares are not convertible and are not entitled to any pre-emptive rights.  The common shares are not entitled to cumulative voting.

 

First Preferred Shares

 

The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of first preferred shares, issuable in series and, with respect to each series, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares comprising the series and determine the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to such shares, subject to certain limitations.

 

The first preferred shares of all series rank senior to all other shares of the Corporation with respect to priority in payment of dividends and with respect to distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or a reduction of stated capital.  Holders of first preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative quarterly dividends on the subscription price thereof as and when declared by the Board of Directors at the rate established by the Board of Directors at the time of issue of shares of a series.  No dividends may be declared or paid on any other shares of the Corporation unless all cumulative dividends accrued upon all outstanding first preferred shares have been paid or declared and set apart.  In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or a reduction of stated capital, no sum shall be paid or assets distributed to holders of other shares of the Corporation until the holders of first preferred shares shall have been paid the subscription price of the shares, plus a sum equal to the premium payable on a redemption, plus a sum equal to the arrears of dividends accumulated on the first preferred shares to the date of such liquidation, dissolution, winding up, or reduction of stated capital, as applicable.  After payment of such amount, the holders of first preferred shares shall not be entitled to share further in the distribution of the assets of the Corporation.

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors may include, in the share conditions attaching to a particular series of first preferred shares, certain voting rights effective upon the Corporation failing to make payment of six quarterly dividend payments, whether or not consecutive.  These voting rights continue for so long as any dividends remain in arrears.  These voting rights are the right to one vote for each $25 of subscription price on all matters in respect of which shareholders vote, and additionally, the right of all series of first preferred shares, voting as a combined class, to elect two directors of the Corporation if the Board of Directors then consists of less than 16 directors, or three directors if the Board of Directors consists of 16 or more directors.  Otherwise, except as required by law, the holders of first preferred shares shall not be entitled to vote or to receive notice of or attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation.

 

Subject to the share conditions attaching to any particular series providing to the contrary, the Corporation may redeem first preferred shares of a series, in whole or from time to time in part, at the redemption price applicable to each series and the Corporation has the right to acquire any of the first preferred shares of one or more series by purchase for cancellation in the open market or by invitation for tenders at a price not to exceed the redemption price applicable to the series.

 

CREDIT RATINGS

 

Issuer Rating

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Corporation’s issuer rating from S&P was BBB (stable) and from Moody’s was Baa2 (stable).

 

Commercial Paper

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Corporation’s guaranteed commercial paper was rated R-1(low) (stable) by DBRS.  The Corporation’s non-guaranteed commercial paper was rated R-2(high) (stable) by DBRS.

 

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Senior Unsecured Long-Term Debt

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Corporation’s senior unsecured long-term debt is rated BBB (stable) by DBRS, BBB (stable) by S&P and Baa2 (stable) by Moody’s.   The ratings for debt instruments range from a high of AAA to a low of D in the case of both DBRS and S&P and from a high of Aaa to a low of C in the case of Moody’s.

 

According to the DBRS rating system, debt securities rated BBB are of adequate credit quality.  Protection of interest and principal is considered acceptable, but the entity is more susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, or there may be other adverse conditions present which reduce the strength of the entity and its rated securities.  “High” or “Low” grades indicate the relative standing within a rating category.  DBRS also assigns rating trends to each of its ratings to give investors an understanding of DBRS’ opinion regarding the outlook for the rating in question.

 

According to the S&P rating system, debt securities rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters.  However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on such obligations than on obligations in the higher rating categories.  The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

According to the Moody’s rating system, debt securities rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk.  They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.  Numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 are applied to each rating category, with 1 indicating that the obligation ranks in the higher end of the category, 2 indicating a mid-range ranking and 3 indicating a ranking in the lower end of the category.

 

Note Regarding Credit Ratings

 

Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure of credit quality of an issue of securities.  The credit ratings accorded to the Corporation’s outstanding securities by S&P, Moody’s and DBRS, as applicable, are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell such securities inasmuch as such ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.  There is no assurance that the ratings will remain in effect for any given period or that a rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by S&P, Moody’s or DBRS in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant.

 

DIVIDENDS

 

In setting its dividend, TransAlta’s Board of Directors considers several factors: the Corporation’s earnings record, cash flow, capital requirements, the expectations of shareholders and future earnings prospects.  The payment and level of future dividends on the common shares are determined by the Board of Directors of TransAlta upon consideration of such factors.  TransAlta has declared and paid the following dividends per share on its outstanding common shares during the past three years:

 

Period

 

 

 

Dividend
per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

First Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

First Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

First Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$ 0.25

 

 

- 20 -



 

On January 1, 2007, TransAlta paid cash dividends of $0.25 per common share.  The Corporation’s Board of Directors on January 25, 2007 declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per common share, payable on April 1, 2007.

 

MARKET FOR SECURITIES

 

TransAlta’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “TA” and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TAC”.  TransAlta’s preferred securities were listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TA.PR.C” until January 2, 2007 at which time they were redeemed (see “General Development of the Business”).  The following table sets forth the reported high and low trading prices and trading volumes of the Corporation’s common shares as reported by the TSX for the period indicated:

 

 

 

Price ($)

 

 

 

Month

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

26.91

 

 

23.15

 

 

16,922,946

 

February

 

24.64

 

 

22.91

 

 

15,327,317

 

March

 

24.20

 

 

21.88

 

 

17,224,425

 

April

 

23.61

 

 

22.00

 

 

13,842,416

 

May

 

25.00

 

 

23.11

 

 

11,606,703

 

June

 

24.54

 

 

22.63

 

 

11,746,765

 

July

 

24.03

 

 

22.25

 

 

10,436,526

 

August

 

24.96

 

 

23.26

 

 

10,220,926

 

September

 

25.05

 

 

23.25

 

 

12,609,538

 

October

 

24.23

 

 

22.76

 

 

14,960,436

 

November

 

25.79

 

 

22.78

 

 

15,783,400

 

December

 

26.72

 

 

25.28

 

 

10,316,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

27.25

 

 

24.38

 

 

14,675,110

 

February

 

25.71

 

 

24.01

 

 

20,305,992

 

March (to March 14)

 

24.85

 

 

13.59

 

 

6,990,727

 

 

The following table sets forth the reported high and low trading prices and trading volumes of the Corporation’s preferred securities as reported by the TSX in January 2006:

 

 

 

Price   ($)

 

 

 

Month

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

25.70

 

 

25.41

 

 

152,613

 

February

 

25.90

 

 

25.61

 

 

100,224

 

March

 

25.97

 

 

25.21

 

 

104,403

 

April

 

25.45

 

 

25.15

 

 

73,523

 

May

 

25.50

 

 

25.25

 

 

82,282

 

June

 

25.77

 

 

24.96

 

 

89,479

 

July

 

25.78

 

 

25.08

 

 

99,033

 

August

 

25.65

 

 

25.36

 

 

57,716

 

September

 

25.69

 

 

25.12

 

 

73,063

 

October

 

25.49

 

 

25.21

 

 

71,790

 

November

 

25.43

 

 

25.20

 

 

116,632

 

December

 

25.43

 

 

24.93

 

 

144,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

The names, province or state and country of residence of the directors and officers of TransAlta as at March 14, 2007, their respective position and office and their respective principal occupation during the five preceding years, are set out below.  The year in which each director was appointed to serve to the Board is also set out below.  Each director is appointed to serve until the next annual meeting of TransAlta or until his or her successor is elected or appointed.

 

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Name, Province (State) and
Country of Residence

 

Year
first
became
Director

 

Principal Occupation

 

 

 

 

 

William D. Anderson
Ontario, Canada

 

2003

 

Corporate Director. Mr. Anderson was President of BCE Ventures (telecommunications), a subsidiary of BCE Inc. from 2001 to 2005 and Chief Financial Officer of BCE Inc. (telecommunications) from 1998 to 2000. He has been a director of Bell Canada International Inc. (telecommunications) since 2000, Four Seasons Hotels Inc. (hospitality) since 2005, Gildan Activewear Inc. (apparel manufacturing) since 2006 and MDS Inc. (health sciences) since 2007. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board, previously the Audit and Environment Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

Stanley J. Bright (1)
Maryland, U.S.A.

 

1999

 

Corporate Director. Mr. Bright was a director of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (electric generation and delivery, natural gas supply, transportation and delivery), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., from 1999 to February 2006 and a director of MidAmerican Energy predecessor companies from 1987. Mr. Bright was Chairman and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Company (electric and gas utility) from 1997 to 1999 and President, CEO & Chairman and CEO of predecessor companies from 1991 to 1997. He is Chair of the Human Resources Committee and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy W. Faithfull
England, U.K.

 

2003

 

Corporate Director. Mr. Faithfull was President and Chief Executive Officer of Shell Canada Limited (energy) from 1999 to 2003 when he completed a 36 year international oil and gas career with Royal Dutch/Shell group. He has been a director of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (transportation) since 2003, AMEC plc in the United Kingdom (international engineering, construction services) since 2005 and Shell Pension Trust Limited in the United Kingdom (pension fund trustee) since 2004. He is also a council member of the Canada-United Kingdom Colloquia and a trustee of the Starehe Endowment Fund (UK). He is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Human Resources Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
Georgia, U.S.A

 

2002

 

Senior Partner, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (attorneys). Mr. Giffin has been a director of Bowater, Inc., (newsprint and paper) since 2003, Canadian National Railway Company (transportation) since 2001, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (banking) since 2001, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (oil and gas) since 2002 and Ontario Energy Savings Corp. (natural gas and electricity supplier) since 2006. He is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, an advisory board member of the Canadian-American Business Council and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Carter Center in Georgia. Mr. Giffin served as United States Ambassador to Canada from 1997 to 2001. He is Chair of the Governance and Environment Committee of the Board, previously the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Kent Jespersen
Alberta, Canada

 

2004

 

Corporate Director. Mr. Jespersen has been Chair and CEO of La Jolla Resources International Ltd. (advisory and investments) since 1998. He has also been Chair and a director of CCR Technologies Ltd. (technology) since 1999, a director of Matrikon Inc. (technology) since 2001, Axia NetMedia Corporation (telecommunications) since 2000 and Chairman of North American Oil Sands Ltd. (oil and gas) since 2006. Mr. Jespersen worked with NOVA Corporation (gas transportation and chemicals) for over 20 years in various management positions, including as president of NOVA International. He is a member of the Governance and Environment Committee and the Human Resources Committee of the Board.

 

- 22 -



 

Name, Province (State) and
Country of Residence

 

Year
first
became
Director

 

Principal Occupation

 

 

 

 

 

Michael M. Kanovsky
British Columbia, Canada

 

2004

 

Corporate Director and Independent Businessman. Mr. Kanovsky, P. Eng, has been President of Sky Energy Corporation (oil, gas and investments) since 1993. He is a director of Accrete Energy Corporation (oil and gas) since 2004, Devon Energy Corporation (oil and gas) since 1998, ARC Energy Trust (oil and gas) since 1996, Bonavista Energy Trust (oil and gas) since 1997 and Pure Technologies Inc. (technology) since 2003. He has been involved in investment banking and the oil, gas and power industries for over 30 years. He is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Governance and Environment Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Donna Soble Kaufman
Ontario, Canada

 

1989

 

Lawyer and Corporate Director. Mrs. Kaufman has been a director of BCE Inc. (telecommunications) since 1998, Bell Canada (telecommunications) since 2003 and Telesat Canada (telecommunications) since 2001. She is also a director of Historica, the Baycrest Centre, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a member of the Canadian Board of Advisors of Catalyst.Mrs. Kaufman is Chair of the Board of the Company and an ex-officio member of all committees of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Gordon S. Lackenbauer
Alberta, Canada

 

2005

 

Corporate Director. Mr. Lackenbauer was Deputy Chairman of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (investment banking) from 1990 to 2004. He has been a director of Tembec Inc. (paper and forest products) since 1973, NAL Oil & Gas Trust (oil and gas) since July 2006 and CTV Globemedia Inc. (telecommunications) since 2006. Mr. Lackenbauer is also a Governor of Mount Royal College. He is a member of the Governance and Environment Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Martha C. Piper
British Columbia, Canada

 

2006

 

Corporate Director. Dr. Piper was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia (education) from 1997 to 2006. She has been a director of the Bank of Montreal (banking) since 2006. She is also a director of the B.C. Progress Board, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation and the Council of Canadian Academies. She is an officer of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, was named Educator of the Year by the Learning Partnership in 2004 and was appointed in 2006 as a member of the Trilateral Commission. She is a member of the Human Resources Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Luis Vázquez Senties
Mexico

 

2001

 

President and CEO and Chair of Group Diavaz (oilfield services and natural gas distribution) since 1982. Mr. Vázquez has also been Chair of Compania Mexicana de Gas, S.A. de CV., and of the Mexican Natural Gas Association since 2004. He is a member of the Human Resources Committee of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen G. Snyder
Alberta, Canada

 

1996

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta Corporation (power generation), since 1996. He has been a director of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (banking) since 2000. He has also been Chair of the Calgary Stampede Foundation since February 2005, a director of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede since April 2004, a director of the Alberta College of Art & Design since June 2006 and a trustee of the Conference Board of Canada since 1996.

 

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Officers

 

Name

 

Principal Occupation

 

Residence

 

Stephen G. Snyder

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Brian Burden

 

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Linda K. Chambers

 

Executive Vice-President, Generation Technology

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Richard P. Langhammer

 

Executive Vice-President, Generation Operations

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Thomas M. Rainwater

 

Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Marketing

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Kenneth S. Stickland

 

Executive Vice-President, Legal

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Michael Williams

 

Executive Vice-President, Human Resources, and Communications

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Michael Bartel

 

Vice-President, Engineering Services

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

William D.A. Bridge

 

Vice-President, Western Canada Operations

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Jeff A. Curran

 

Vice-President and Comptroller

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Kelly L. Gunsch

 

Vice-President, Commercial Portfolio Management

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

David J. Koch

 

Vice-President, Financial Operations

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Mark MacKay

 

Vice-President, Energy Technology

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Alex McFadden

 

Vice-President, Major Maintenance

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Parviz Mohamed

 

Vice-President, Information Technology

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Daniel Pigeon

 

Vice-President, Portfolio Strategy and Execution Development

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Gregory P. Reinhart

 

Vice-President, Generation Human Resources

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Donald Thomas

 

Vice-President, Vision Quest

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Marvin J. Waiand

 

Vice-President and Treasurer

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Jubran R. Whalan

 

Vice-President, Trading and Delivery Optimization

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

W. Frank Hawkins

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

Maryse C. St.-Laurent

 

Corporate Secretary

 

Calgary, Alberta

 

 

Note:

 

(1) Mr. Bright served as a director of Access Air Inc. for the period of December 4, 1997 to January 31, 2000, a privately held start-up airline company.  The company Mr. Bright was employed by, and whom he represented, supported this airline in the hope that it would improve air service to the state of Iowa.  Access Air Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection on November 29, 1999.

 

All of the directors and officers of TransAlta have held their present principal occupations or executive positions with the same or associated firms for the past five years, except for the following:

 

        Prior to January 2006, William Anderson was President of BCE Ventures.

 

        Prior to July 2003, Timothy Faithfull was President and Chief Executive Officer of Shell Canada Limited.

 

        Prior to December 2005, Brian Burden was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Molson Inc.; and prior to 2002, he was Senior Vice-President, Seagram Corporate/Venture Transition of Diageo PLC.

 

        Prior to July 2003, Linda Chambers was President of TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC and TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC, subsidiaries of TransAlta; and prior to June 1999, she was Senior Vice-President of Human Resources of TransAlta.

 

- 24 -



 

        Prior to October 2005, Richard Langhammer was President, TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC and TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC, subsidiaries of the Corporation; and prior to December 2003, he was Vice-President, Plant Operations of TransAlta.

 

        Prior to November 2002, Thomas Rainwater was President, Praxis Solutions, Inc.; and prior to February 2000, he was Vice-President, Central Region, Illinova Energy Partners Inc., a division of Illinova Corporation.

 

        Prior to January 2006, Michael Williams was Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Communications for the Corporation; prior to June 2002, he was Vice-President of EMEA HR, Lucent Technologies; and prior to April 2001, he was senior director of EMEA HR, Cisco Systems.

 

        Prior to February 2006, Michael Bartel was Director Major Maintenance; prior to November 2003, he was Leader Life Cycle Planning-Coal; prior to February 2003 he was Manager Development Engineering; and prior to October 2000 he was Manager.

 

        Prior to October 2005, William Bridge was Vice-President, Customer and Asset Management; prior to September 2003, he was Vice-President, Development & Acquisition; and prior to September 2001 he was Director, Commercial Operations, Eastern Canada.

 

        Prior to October 2006, Jeff Curran was Interim Vice-President and Comptroller; prior to May 2006, he was Director, Financial Operations - Generation Technology; prior to June 2004, he was Manager, Investment Analysis; prior to March 2003, he was Manager - Financial Reporting & Planning; and prior to March 2001, he was a Senior Audit Manager with Arthur Andersen LLP.

 

        Prior to December 2005, Kelly Gunsch was Director, Commercial Portfolio Management; and, prior to that date, Ms. Gunsch held various commercial facing positions within the business development group of the Corporation since joining TransAlta in 1995.

 

        Prior to January 2007, David Koch was Director, Financial Operations, Generation of TransAlta; prior to January 2004, he was Manager, Generation Finance; prior to March 2003, he was Director of Finance for Telus Mobility; and prior to February 2000, he was Controller of Agricore.

 

        Prior to February 2006, Mark MacKay was Director, Engineering Services; prior to February 2003, he was Director, Project Management CAN/USA; prior to April 2002, he was Director, Keephills Expansion; prior to February 2001, he was Director, Projects; and prior to April 2000 he was Senior Project Manager.

 

        Prior to February 2007, Alex McFadden was Director, Major Maintenance; prior to November 2003, he was Business Integration Manager, Mexico; prior to February 2003, he was Commissioning Manager for TransAlta’s Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Plant; and prior to December 2001, he was Commissioning Supervisor at TransAlta’s Poplar Creek Cogeneration facility near Fort McMurray, Alberta.

 

        Prior to July 2006, Parviz Mohamed was Director, Major Maintenance Planning; prior to April 2004, she was Director, IT Development Services; prior to June 2002, she was the acting CIO of IT; and Prior to October 2001, she was Director, Application Development & Support.

 

        Prior to March 2006, Daniel Pigeon was Director, Investor Relations; and prior to April 2001 he was Director, Financial Operations, Corporate Development and Marketing.

 

        Prior to February 2002, Gregory Reinhart was Human Resources Director, IPP of TransAlta; and prior to June 1999; he was Vice-President of Human Resources of Engage Energy Ltd.

 

        Prior to January 2006, Donald Thomas was Vice-President, Business Development Vision Quest; prior to October 2003, he was Director, Corporate Development; and prior to April 2002 he was Director, Business Development.

 

- 25 -



 

        Prior to October 2005, Jubran Whalan was Director, Trading and Delivery Optimization of TransAlta; and prior to that date, he held various corporate development and marketing positions within the Corporation since joining TransAlta in 2002.

 

        Prior to June 2005, Maryse St.-Laurent was Secretary of TC PipeLines, LP since September 2003 and Recording Secretary since January 2001; and Senior Legal Counsel TransCanada Corporation since June 1997.

 

As of March 14, 2007, the directors and executive officers of TransAlta and its subsidiaries, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than one per cent of each class or series of the outstanding securities of TransAlta.  The number of common shares held, directly or indirectly or over which control or direction is exercised, by all directors and the executive officers of the Company are disclosed in the Company’s Management Proxy Circular, dated March 9, 2006 and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

 

No director or executive officer of the Corporation, no person or company that is the direct or indirect beneficial owner of, or who exercises control or direction over more than 10 per cent of the common shares of the Corporation, and no associate or affiliate of any of them, has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction involving the Corporation since the commencement of the Corporation’s last financial year or in any proposed transactions that has materially affected or will materially affect the Corporation.

 

INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND SENIOR OFFICERS

 

Since January 1, 2006, there has been no indebtedness, other than routine indebtedness, outstanding to TransAlta from any of TransAlta’s directors, nominees for election as directors, executive officers, senior officers or associates of any such directors, nominees or officers.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

 

TransAlta is occasionally named as a party in various claims and legal proceedings which arise during the normal course of its business.  TransAlta reviews each of these claims, including the nature of the claim, the amount in dispute or claimed and the availability of insurance coverage.  Although there can be no assurance that any particular claim will be resolved in the Corporation’s favour, the Corporation does not believe that the outcome of any claims or potential claims of which it is currently aware will have a material adverse effect on the Corporation, taken as a whole, after taking into account amounts reserved by the Corporation.  For further information, please refer to Note 22 of the Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which note is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

The transfer agent and registrar for TransAlta’s common shares is CIBC Mellon Trust Company in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.  The transfer agent and registrar for the common shares in the United States is Mellon Investor Services LLC at its principal office in New York, New York.

 

INTERESTS OF EXPERTS

 

Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants, 1000, 440 - 2nd Avenue, SW., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5E9 are the auditors of the Corporation.

 

Our auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, are independent in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta and have complied with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

- 26 -



 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Additional information including compensation of directors and officers of TransAlta, indebtedness of directors and officers of TransAlta, principal holders of TransAlta’s securities, options to purchase securities and interests of insiders in material transactions, where applicable, is contained in TransAlta’s Management Proxy Circular dated March 9, 2007.  Additional financial information is provided in TransAlta’s 2006 Annual Report which contains audited comparative consolidated financial statements for the most recently completed financial year and the MD & A.  The MD & A contained in the 2006 Annual Report is specifically incorporated by reference and forms a part of this Annual Information Form.  These documents and additional information with respect to the Corporation are available at www.sedar.com.

 

TransAlta has adopted a procedure for employees, shareholders or others to report concerns or complaints regarding accounting or auditing matters on an anonymous, confidential basis to the Audit and Risk Committee.  Such submissions may be directed to the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Subject matter “003”, c/o TransAlta Corporation, Box 1900, Station “M”, 110 – 12th Avenue S.W. Calgary AB, T2P 2M1.

 

When the securities of TransAlta are in the course of distribution pursuant to a preliminary short form prospectus or a short form prospectus, TransAlta will, upon request to the Corporate Secretary, provide to any person or company the following information:

 

1.             one copy of this Annual Information Form, together with one copy of any document, or the pertinent pages of any document, incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form;

 

2.             one copy of the comparative consolidated financial statements of TransAlta for its most recently completed financial year for which financial statements have been filed, together with the accompanying report of the auditor, and one copy of the most recent interim financial statements of TransAlta that have been filed, if any, for any period after the end of its most recently completed financial year;

 

3.             one copy of TransAlta’s Management Proxy Circular in respect of its most recent annual meeting of its shareholders that involved the election of directors; and

 

4.             one copy of any other documents that are incorporated by reference into the preliminary short form prospectus or the short form prospectus and are not required to be provided under clauses (1), (2) or (3) above.

 

At any other time, TransAlta will, upon request, provide to any person or company one copy of any documents referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above, provided that TransAlta may require the payment of a reasonable charge if the request is made by a person or company who is not a security holder of TransAlta.  For additional copies of this Annual Information Form or any of the materials listed in this paragraph, please contact Investor Relations, TransAlta Corporation at Box 1900, Station “M”, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M1; telephone: 1-800-387-3598 in North America outside of Calgary, (403) 267-2520 in Calgary and outside North America; fax: (403) 267-2590; or e-mail: investor_relations@transalta.com.

 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

 

General

 

On October 25, 2006, the Board of Directors delegated to the Audit and Environment Committee oversight responsibility for the Company’s risk management reporting to the Board.  At the same time, the responsibilities for oversight over environment, health and safety were delegated to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.  These new responsibilities took effect January 1, 2007 and were renamed Audit and Risk Committee (“ARC”) and Governance and Environment Committee, respectively.  The members of TransAlta’s ARC satisfy the requirements for independence under the provisions of Canadian Securities Regulators, Multilateral Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees, Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  The ARC’s Charter requires that it be comprised of a minimum of three independent directors.  It currently has five independent members, William D. Anderson (Chair), Stanley J. Bright, Timothy W. Faithfull, Michael M. Kanovsky and Gordon S. Lackenbauer, and the Chair of the Board, Donna Soble Kaufman (who is independent), attends all meetings as an ex-officio member of the committee.  All members of the committee (including the Chair of the Board) are financially literate pursuant to both Canadian

 

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and U.S. securities requirements and each of Mr. William D. Anderson and Mr. Gordon S. Lackenbauer have been determined by the Board to be an “audit committee financial expert”, within the meaning of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

Mandate of the Audit and Risk Committee

 

The mandate of the committee is to provide assistance to the Board of Directors of the Corporation in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the shareholders of the Corporation, the investment community and others, relating to the integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, the systems of internal accounting and financial controls, the internal audit function, the external auditors’ qualifications, independence, performance and reports, and oversight in  respect to legal compliance programs established by management which may have a material effect on the financial statements of the Corporation.  As of January 1, 2007, the responsibilities for environmental compliance have been delegated to the Governance and Environment Committee of the Board.   The ARC has instead undertaken the responsibility for oversight of management’s risk identification, assessment and response, reporting to the Board.  In performing its functions, the ARC is responsible for maintaining an open avenue of communication with the external auditors, the internal auditors and management of the Corporation.

 

The ARC’s function is oversight.  Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements of the Corporation.  Management and the internal audit group of the Corporation are responsible for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policy and internal controls and procedures for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.

 

While the ARC has the responsibilities and powers set forth herein, it is not the duty of the ARC to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Corporation’s financial statements are complete and accurate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  This is the responsibility of management and the external auditors.

 

Management is responsible for preparing the interim and annual financial statements and financial disclosure of the Corporation and for maintaining a system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are authorized, executed, recorded and reported properly.  The audit committee’s role is to provide direct, meaningful and effective oversight of the Corporation’s financial reporting and counsel to management without assuming responsibility for management’s day-to-day duties.

 

Audit and Risk Committee Charter

 

The Charter of the Audit and Risk Committee is attached hereto as Appendix “A”.

 

Relevant Education and Experience of Audit and Risk Committee Members

 

The following is a brief summary of the education or experience of each member of the ARC that is relevant to the performance of their responsibilities as a member of the ARC, including any education or experience that has provided the member with an understanding of the accounting principles used by TransAlta to prepare its annual and interim financial statements.

 

Name of ARC
Member

 

 

Relevant Education and Experience

 

 

 

 

W. D. Anderson

 

 

Mr. Anderson is a Chartered Accountant. Mr. Anderson has served as Chief Executive Officer of a public company and as Chief Financial Officer of several public companies. In such capacities, Mr. Anderson actively supervised persons engaged in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements. Mr. Anderson has also served as a principal financial officer, accounting officer and controller and as a director and audit committee member of several public companies.

 

 

 

 

S. J. Bright

 

 

Mr. Bright is a Certified Public Accountant and has served as a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a corporate controller of several public companies. Mr. Bright has actively supervised persons engaged in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements. Mr. Bright also has experience actively overseeing or assessing the performance of companies in the preparation of financial statements.

 

 

 

 

T. W. Faithfull

 

 

Mr. Faithfull holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and has acquired significant financial experience and exposure to accounting and financial issues as Chief Executive Officer of Shell Canada Limited and in his other capacities during his 36 years with the Royal Dutch/Shell group of companies.

 

 

 

 

 

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Name of ARC
Member

 

 

Relevant Education and Experience

 

 

 

 

M. M. Kanovsky

 

 

Mr. Kanovsky has over 30 years of financial and industry experience gained through working in the investment banking business as well as a director, officer and audit committee member of several public companies and trusts. Mr. Kanovsky is a graduate of the MBA program from the Richard Ivey School of Business of the University of Western Ontario.

 

 

 

 

G. S. Lackenbauer

 

 

Mr. Lackenbauer has over 35 years of experience in the investment banking industry. Mr. Lackenbauer has also appeared as an expert financial witness with respect to financial markets, capital structure, cost of capital and fair return on common equity, in over 40 regulatory proceedings. Mr. Lackenbauer also has extensive experience as a director or governor of public companies and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Lackenbauer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, an MBA degree from the University of Western Ontario and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Ernst & Young LLP and its affiliates were paid $3,596,689 and $2,012,754 respectively, as detailed below:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

2006

 

2005

 

Audit fees

 

$

3,286,212

 

$

2,006,504

 

Audit related fees

 

300,892

 

 

Tax fees

 

 

9,585

 

 

6,250

 

Total

 

$

3,596,689

 

$

2,012,754

 

 

No other audit firms provided audit services in 2006 or 2005.

 

The nature of each category of fees is described below:

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit fees were paid for professional services rendered by the auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements or services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including the translation from English to French of the Company’s financial statements and other documents.  Total audit fees paid in 2006 include payments related to 2005 in the amount of $2,092,000 and 2006 in the amount of $1,194,000.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

The audit-related fees in 2006 were primarily for work performed by Ernst & Young LLP in relation to the Corporation’s financings.

 

Tax Fees

 

Majority of tax fees for 2006 relate to the finalization of tax credit recoveries for which work had commenced in prior years.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The ARC has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.  The ARC has adopted a policy that prohibits TransAlta from engaging the auditors for “prohibited” categories of non-audit services and requires pre-approval of the ARC for other permissible categories of non-audit services, such categories being determined under the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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APPENDIX “A”

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION

 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

 

CHARTER

 

A.            Establishment of Committee and Procedures

 

1.             Composition of Committee

 

The Audit and Risk Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (the “Corporation”) shall consist of not less than three Directors.  All members of the Committee shall be determined by the Board to be independent as required under securities regulations for Audit Committees or other applicable laws or regulations.  Determinations as to whether a particular director satisfies the requirements for membership on the Committee shall be made by the full Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

2.             Appointment of Committee Members

 

Members of the Committee shall be appointed from time to time by the Board, on  the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are earlier appointed, or until they cease to be Directors of the Corporation.

 

3.             Vacancies

 

Where a vacancy occurs at any time in the membership of the Committee, it may be filled by the Board.  The Board shall fill any vacancy if the membership of the Committee is less than three directors.

 

4.             Committee Chair

 

The Board shall appoint a Chair for the Committee on the recommendation of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.

 

5.             Absence of Committee Chair

 

If the Chair of the Committee is not present at any meeting of the Committee, one of the members of the Committee who is present at the meeting shall be chosen by the Committee to preside at the meeting.

 

6.             Secretary of Committee

 

The Committee shall appoint a Secretary who need not be a director of the Corporation.

 

7.             Meetings

 

The Chair of the Committee or any of its members may call a meeting of the committee.  The Committee should meet at least quarterly and at such other time during each year as it deems appropriate.  In addition, the Chair of the Committee or any of its members may call a special meeting of the Committee at any time. Although the Company’s Chief Executive Officer may attend meetings of the Committee, the Committee shall also meet in separate executive sessions.

 

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8.             Quorum

 

A majority of the members of the Committee present in person or by telephone or other telecommunication device that permit all persons participating in the meeting to speak to each other, shall constitute a quorum.

 

9.             Notice of Meetings

 

Notice of the time and place of every meeting shall be given in writing (including by way of written facsimile communication or email) to each member of the Committee at least 48 hours prior to the time fixed for such meeting, provided, however, that a member may in any manner waive a notice of a meeting; and attendance of a member at a meeting constitutes a waiver of notice of the meeting, except where a member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called.  Notice of every meeting shall also be provided to the external and internal auditors.

 

10.           Attendance at Meetings

 

At the invitation of the Chair of the Committee, other Board members, officers or employees of the Corporation, the external auditors, outside counsel and other experts or consultants may attend any meeting of the Committee.

 

11.           Procedure, Records and Reporting

 

Subject to any statute or the articles and by-laws of the Corporation, the Committee shall fix its own procedures at meetings, keep records of its proceedings and report to the Board generally not later than the next scheduled meeting of the Board.

 

12.           Review of Charter

 

The Committee shall evaluate its performance and review and reassess the adequacy of its Charter at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and if necessary propose changes to the Board.

 

13.           Outside Experts and Advisors

 

The Committee Chair, on behalf of the Committee, or any of its members is authorized, at the expense of the Corporation, when deemed necessary or desirable, to retain independent counsel, outside experts and other advisors to advise the Committee independently on any matter.

 

B.            General Mandate of Committee

 

The Committee provides assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the shareholders, the investment community and others, relating to the integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, the systems of internal accounting and financial controls, the internal audit function, the external auditors’ qualifications, independence, performance and reports, the risk identification assessment conducted by management and the programs established by management and the Board in response to such assessment.  In so doing, it is the Committee’s responsibility to maintain an open avenue of communication between the Committee, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management of the Corporation.

 

The function of the Committee is oversight.   Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements of the Corporation.  Management of the Corporation is responsible for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policy and internal controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.

 

While the Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth herein, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Corporation’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  This is the responsibility of management and the external

 

A-2



 

auditors.  The designation of a member or members as an “audit committee financial expert” is based on that individual’s education and experience, which the individual will bring to bear in carrying out his or her duties on the Committee.  Designation as an “audit committee financial expert” does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Committee and Board in the absence of such designation.

 

Management is responsible for preparing the interim and annual financial statements and financial disclosure of the Corporation and for maintaining a system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are authorized, executed, recorded and reported properly.  The Committee’s role is to provide meaningful and effective oversight and counsel to management without assuming responsibility for management’s day-to-day duties.

 

The Committee also performs the function of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”) of the Board of the Corporation and in this role: (i) receives, reviews and takes appropriate action with respect to any report made or referred to the Committee by a counsel or the chief legal officer, of evidence of a material violation of applicable securities laws, a material breach of a fiduciary duty under applicable laws or a similar material violation by the Corporation or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Corporation (in this charter a “material violation”) and (ii) otherwise fulfill the responsibilities of a qualified legal compliance committee pursuant to Section 307 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

 

C.            Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee

 

The Committee shall have the following specific duties and responsibilities:

 

1.             Audit and Financial Matters:

 

The Committee shall:

 

(a)           have direct responsibility for the compensation and oversight of the external auditors including nominating the external auditors to the Board to be proposed for Shareholder approval in any management proxy circular, and in doing so, shall:

 

(i)            review the experience and qualifications of the external auditors’ senior personnel who are providing audit services to the Corporation and the quality control procedures of the external auditors, including obtaining confirmation that the external auditors are in compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory registration requirements;

 

(ii)           review and approve the basis and amount of the external auditors’ fees and ensure the Corporation has provided appropriate funding for payment of compensation to the external auditors;

 

(iii)          review and discuss with the external auditors all relationships that the external auditors and their affiliates have with the Corporation and its affiliates in order to determine the external auditors’ independence, including, without limitation, (i) requesting, receiving and reviewing, on a periodic basis, a formal written statement from the external auditors delineating all relationships that may reasonably be thought to bear on the independence of the external auditors with respect to the Corporation, (ii) discussing with the external auditors any disclosed relationships or services that the external auditors believe may affect the objectivity and independence of the external auditors, and (iii) recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response to the external auditors’ report to satisfy itself of the external auditors’ independence;

 

(iv)          resolve disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting;

 

A-3



 

(v)           pre-approve audit services including all non-prohibited non-audit services provided by the external auditors; the Chair of the Committee, on behalf of the Committee,  may at his discretion approve all non-prohibited non-audit services provided by the external auditors, and report all such approvals to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting following such approval;

 

(vi)          inform the external auditors and management that the external auditors shall have access directly to the Committee at all times, as well as the Committee to the external auditors; and

 

(vii)         instruct the external auditors that they are ultimately accountable to the Committee as representatives of the shareholders of the Corporation;

 

(b)           review with management and the Corporation’s external auditors the Corporation’s financial reporting in connection with the annual audit and the preparation of the financial statements, including, without limitation, the annual audit plan of the external auditors, the judgment of the external auditors as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of and the appropriateness of the Corporation’s accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting and the degree of aggressiveness or conservatism of the Corporation’s accounting principles and underlying estimates;

 

(c)           review with management and the external auditors all financial statements and financial disclosure and

 

(i)            recommend to the Board for approval the Corporation’s audited annual financial statements including the notes thereto and, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”,

 

(ii)           review any report or opinion to be rendered in connection therewith;

 

(iii)          review with the external auditors the cooperation they received during the course of their review and their access to all records, data and information requested;

 

(iv)          discuss with management and the external auditors all significant transactions which were not a normal part of the Corporation’s business;

 

(v)           review the management processes for formulating sensitive accounting estimates and the reasonableness of the estimates;

 

(vi)          review with management and the external auditors any changes in accounting principles and their applicability to the business;

 

(vii)         review with management and the external auditors alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments and the treatment preferred by the external auditors;

 

(viii)        satisfy itself that there are no unresolved issues between management and the external auditors that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the financial statements;

 

(d)           review with management and the external auditors the Corporation’s interim financial statements, including the notes thereto, ,”Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and earnings release, and approve the release thereof by management to the public;

 

(e)           review and discuss with management and external auditors the use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” non-GAAP information and the applicable reconciliation;

 

A-4



 

(f)            review quarterly or as required the public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the financial statements, and review with management at least annually the approach and nature of the disclosure of financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies;

 

(g)           at least annually, obtain and review a report by the external auditors describing the auditing firm’s internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review or peer review of the auditing firm  or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the external auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues and all relationships between the external auditors and the Corporation;

 

(h)           review with senior management, the chief legal officer and, as necessary, outside legal advisors, and the Corporation’s internal and external auditors, the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal controls to ensure the Corporation is in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and with the Corporation’s policies;

 

(i)            review at least annually with the chief legal officer, and, if necessary, outside legal advisors, significant legal, compliance or regulatory matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements of the business;

 

(j)            review the audit plans of the internal and external auditors of the Corporation including the degree of detail of those plans and the coordination between those plans;

 

(k)           review and consider, as appropriate, any significant reports and recommendations made by internal audit relating to internal audit issues, together with management’s response thereto;

 

(l)            review management’s plans regarding any changes in accounting practices or policies and the financial impact thereof;

 

(m)          discuss with the external auditors their perception of the Corporation’s financial and accounting personnel, any recommendations which the external auditors may have, including those contained in the management letter, with respect to improving internal financial controls, choice of accounting principles or management reporting systems, and review all management letters from the external auditors together with management’s written responses thereto;

 

(n)           review with management, the external auditors and, as necessary, internal and external legal counsel, any litigation, claim or contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect upon the financial position of the Corporation, and the manner in which these matters may be, or have been, disclosed in the financial statements;

 

(o)           review annually the Annual Pension Report and financial statements of the Corporation’s pension plans including the actuarial valuation, asset/liability forecast, asset allocation, manager performance and plan operating costs;

 

(p)           together with the Human Resources Committee of the Board, review annually and as required the overall governance of the Corporation’s Pension Plans, and approve the broad objectives of the plan and any material changes to the plan(s) and report to the Board at least annually;

 

(q)           review annually the internal audit department charter, review with the internal auditors the Corporation’s internal control procedures, the scope and plans for the work of the internal audit group, the annual checklist of responsibilities of the Committee; review the adequacy of resources and ensure that the internal auditors have unrestricted access to all functions, records, property and personnel of the Corporation and inform the internal auditors and management that the internal

 

A-5



 

auditors shall have unfettered access directly to the Committee at all times, as well as the Committee to the internal auditors;

 

(r)            meet separately with management, the external auditors and internal auditors to review issues and matters of concern respecting audits and financial reporting;

 

(s)           review the annual audit of expense accounts and perquisites of the Directors, the CEO and his direct reports, including the use of the Corporation’s assets, as well as the Corporation’s annual sponsorship, donations and political contributions;

 

(t)            review disclosures made to the Committee by the CEO and CFO during their certification process for the periodic reports filed with securities regulators about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls or material weaknesses therein and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls;

 

(u)           review incidents or alleged incidents of fraud, illegal acts and conflicts of interest;

 

(v)           review periodically and at least annually the Corporate Code of Conduct and inquire of management as to policies and practices in place to ensure compliance, and inquire of the internal and external auditors as to any instances of deviation from the Corporate Code of Conduct which have come to their attention and the action taken as a result of same;

 

(w)          establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters;

 

(x)            discuss with management and the external auditors any correspondence from or with regulators or governmental agencies, any employee complaints or any published reports that raise material issues regarding the Corporation’s financial statements or accounting policies;

 

(y)           annually prepare a report from the Committee to shareholders or others, concerning the work of the Committee during that year in the discharge of its responsibilities; and

 

(z)            review and approve the Corporation’s hiring policies for employees or former employees of the external auditors and monitor the Corporation’s adherence to the policy.

 

2.             Risk Management

 

In particular, the Committee shall:

 

(a)           approve and oversee the process developed by Management to consider the overall risk culture of the Corporation and to identify principal risks, to evaluate potential impact and to implement appropriate systems to manage such risks;

 

(b)           review annually Management’s assessment of the significant risks to which the Corporation is exposed; discuss with management the Corporation’s policies and procedures for identifying and managing the principal risks of its business, to determine that management has:

 

A.            identified appropriate business strategies taking into account the principal risk identified, and

 

B.            implemented and is maintaining systems and procedures to manage or mitigate those risks, including programs of loss prevention, insurance and risk reduction and disaster response and recovery programs;

 

A-6



 

(c)           review quarterly managements’ update of its risk assessment and management programs;

 

(d)           review annually the Corporation’s Financial and Commodity Exposure Management Policies and approve changes to such policies; review and authorize strategic hedging program guidelines and risk tolerance; review and monitor quarterly results of financial and commodity exposure management activities, including  foreign currency and interest rate risk strategies, counterparty credit exposure and the use of derivative instruments;

 

(e)           review the Corporation’s annual insurance program, including the risk retention philosophy and resulting uninsured exposure and corporate liability protection programs for directors and officers including directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage;

 

(f)            periodically consider the respective roles and responsibilities of the external auditor, the internal audit department, internal and external counsel concerning risk management of the Corporation and annually evaluate their performance in relation to such roles and responsibilities; and

 

(g)           annually, together with management report to the Board of Directors on:

 

A.            the Corporation’s strategies in light of the overall risk profile of the Corporation;

 

B.            the nature and magnitude of all significant risks;

 

C.            the processes, policies, procedures and controls in place to manage these significant risks; and

 

D.            the overall effectiveness of risk management processes including highlighting risk management problems and the actions that have been or will be taken to address them.

 

3.             QLCC Matters:

 

The Committee shall:

 

(aa)         inform the chief legal officer and chief executive officer of any report of evidence of a material violation of applicable securities laws, a material breach of a fiduciary duty under applicable laws or a similar material violation by the Corporation or by any officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation, which has been reported to the Committee;

 

(bb)         determine whether an investigation is necessary regarding any such report;

 

(cc)         if the Committee has determined that an investigation is necessary, (i) notify the Board, (ii) initiate an investigation to be conducted either by the Corporation’s chief legal officer or by an outside counsel retained by the Committee and (iii) retain such additional expert personnel as the Committee deems necessary;

 

(dd)         at the conclusion of an investigation, (i) recommend, by majority vote, that the Corporation implement an appropriate response and (ii) inform the chief legal officer, the chief executive officer and the Board of the results of the investigation and the appropriate remedial measures that it recommends to be adopted;

 

(ee)         have the authority and responsibility to act, by majority vote, to take all other appropriate action, including the authority to notify, where required, those securities commissions or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission having jurisdiction, in the event that the Corporation fails in any material respect to implement an appropriate response that the Committee has recommended to the Corporation;

 

A-7



 

(ff)           adopt written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention and consideration of any oral or written reports received by the Committee;

 

(gg)         report to the Board on all QLCC matters that it deals with;

 

(hh)         take appropriate measures so that, to the maximum extent possible, consistent with its obligations, the Corporation’s legal privileges are protected in connection with the Committee’s activities; and

 

(ii)           maintain confidentiality in its activities to the maximum extent possible consistent with performing a full and fair investigation.

 

The Committee may, at the request of the Board or on its own initiative, investigate such other matters as are considered necessary or appropriate in carrying out its mandate

 

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APPENDIX “B”

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 

This Annual Information Form includes the following defined terms:

 

“AEUB” means the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board;

 

“Alberta PPA” means an Alberta government mandated power purchase arrangement;

 

“availability” means the “weighted average equivalent availability factor”, which is a term used to calculate availability for a pool or fleet of units of varying sizes.  It is a measure of time and energy expressed in percentage of continuous operation, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, that a generating unit is capable of generating electricity, whether or not it is actually generating electricity;

 

“capacity” means net maximum capacity that a unit can sustain over a period of time;

 

“gigawatt hour” or “GWh” means one million kilowatt hours of electrical power;

 

“kilowatt” or “kW” means 1,000 watts of electrical power;

 

“kilowatt hour” or “kWh” means one hour during which one kilowatt of electrical power has been continuously produced;

 

“megawatt” or “MW” means 1,000 kilowatts or one million watts of electrical power;

 

“megawatt hour” or “MWh” means 1,000 kilowatt hours;

 

“PPA” means a power purchase agreement having an initial term of five years or greater;

 

“watt” means the scientific unit of electrical power, being the rate of energy use that gives rise to the production of energy at a rate of one joule per second;

 

“watt hour” is a measure of energy production or consumption equal to one watt produced or consumed for one hour; and

 

“WPPI” means the Government of Canada’s Wind Power Production Incentive available to approved wind generation facilities commissioned between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2007.

 

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IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS
except per common share data

 

financial
highlights

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

2,796.5

 

$

2,838.5

 

$

2,586.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

44.9

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable earnings 1

 

$

233.8

 

$

161.3

 

$

127.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operations

 

$

489.6

 

$

619.8

 

$

591.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per common share data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable earnings 1

 

$

1.16

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow to interest coverage (times)

 

5.5

 

4.7

 

4.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow to total debt (%)

 

26.2

 

23.0

 

19.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt to invested capital (%) 2

 

40.9

 

43.9

 

46.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on capital employed (%)

 

2.5

3

7.1

 

7.6

 

 

 

1.   Comparable earnings is not a defined term under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 61 of the MD&A for a further discussion of comparable earnings.

2.   Includes non-recourse debt.

3.   Includes $153.6 million after-tax charge related to Centralia mine decision and $84.4 million impairment of the Centralia Gas facility. On a comparable basis, return on capital employed would be 8.3%.

 



 

 



 

MESSAGE

 

 

STEPHEN G. SNYDER

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

a world
of opportunity

Our team is highly focused on delivering disciplined and
steady capacity growth over the next five years.

 



 

MESSAGE

 

 

Ready
to pursue growth

 

Three years ago I laid out some tough goals for our company. Our industry had just come through a difficult period – bankruptcies, price collapses, massive capacity over-builds. We needed to get our company into fighting shape so we could be ready when the industry’s next growth wave began.

 

 

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

 

For the past three years, we have outlined our operating and financial goals (see page 13). Since 2004:

 

comparable earnings1 have grown 76 per cent,

cash flow from operations has increased 14 per cent,

credit ratings have improved to stable investment grade,

plant availability has remained high at 89 to 90 per cent,

contracting objectives have been achieved and

total shareowner return over the three-year period has been 67 per cent versus the Toronto Stock Exchange Capped Utility Index total shareowner return of 61 per cent.

 

 

Today your company is in great shape. Market conditions are improving. And we can punch above our weight as we showed in 2006, where we faced a number of challenges that tested our team. They met each one with resilience and dedication. There’s an employee story behind each event. Each story illustrates the values that drive our success: a focus on the fundamentals and the ability to achieve results through disciplined action, teamwork and a commitment to safety.

 

One such event occurred in August at Unit 2 of our coal-fired Centralia plant. We had to shut down the unit after a blade failure in a five-year-old low-pressure turbine. Typically these blades last about 30 years so the shutdown was totally unexpected. Our repair teams acted quickly and worked with our procurement specialists to source new blades despite industry shortages. They knew they had to get the plant up and running as fast as possible. The team effort worked. We could have been off-line for months, but 40 days after the event, Unit 2 was producing power. We also completed a precautionary check on the Centralia Unit 1 blades. They checked out fine.

 

This quick response by our teams contributed to a record gross margin1 of $1.4 billion in our generation business, a $41 million increase over 2005. Also contributing to these results was our high availability from our Alberta coal-fired plants, averaging 89.6 per cent for the year versus 88.1 per cent in 2005. Strong pricing in Alberta and increased production from our Alberta-based merchant operations also supported the strong operating results.

 

1       Comparable earnings and gross margin are not defined under Canadian GAAP. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 61 of the MD&A for a further discussion of comparable earnings and gross margin, including a reconciliation to net earnings.

 

 

12



 

MESSAGE

 

OUR OPERATING & FINANCIAL MEASURES & GOALS

 

 

 

>AVAILABILITY AND PRODUCTION

 

Availability is a key factor in determining revenue in many of our contracts. Availability is the percentage of time a generating unit is capable of running, regardless of whether or not it is generating electricity. As plants need maintenance and occasionally break down, 100 per cent availability over an extended period of time is not achievable.

 

Production is also a significant driver of revenue in certain contracts. Production is the amount of electricity generated and is measured in gigawatt hours.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Availability

 

89.2

 

89.4

 

89.0

 

90+

 

 

(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

51,396

 

51,810

 

48,213

 

Increase

 

 

(GWh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>CONTRACTS

 

Electricity prices vary hour-by-hour and year-over-year. To reduce our exposure to large swings in electricity prices, we contract a large percentage of our expected capability for terms of one year or more. The weighted average remaining life of our contracts is 12 years.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Contracted

 

83

 

82

 

81

 

>75

 

 

capability (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>MARGIN AND PRODUCTIVITY

 

Growing gross margin is essential to our success. We increase revenues by capturing market opportunities through higher contract pricing and in the spot market. Managing our fuel costs is also critical, although many of our contracts allow for the recovery of fuel through contract terms.

 

Managing our maintenance and administration costs is also essential to improving the bottom line. Productivity is measured as operations, maintenance and administration (OM&A) expense per installed megawatt hour (MWh). Our goal is to offset the impact of inflation on OM&A.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Gross margin

 

18.62

 

19.74

 

20.35

 

Increase

 

 

($/installed MWh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OM&A

 

7.53

 

8.16

 

7.93

 

Hold with

 

 

($/installed MWh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

 

Capital expenditures are investments in our business. We classify our capital expenditures as either sustaining or growth. Sustaining capital expenditures include investments in such things as equipment for our mines, new information systems and routine and major maintenance on our plants. Our goal is to make sustaining capital expenditures more predictable and in line with our long-range plans. Capital expenditures on growth are discretionary and will vary over time.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Sustaining

 

204

 

287

 

207

 

07 budget

 

 

($ millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

320–340

 

 

Growth

 

142

 

42

 

17

 

Variable

 

 

($ millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>EARNINGS PER SHARE AND CASH FLOW

 

Earnings per share (EPS) is frequently used to measure a company’s profitability. Our target is to increase EPS on a comparable basis annually.

 

Cash generated from operations is used to maintain our equipment, meet our debt repayment obligations and pay dividends to our shareholders. Our goal is to generate cash in excess of these obligations so we may invest in growth projects, further reduce debt, or return it to shareholders. Our previous target was to generate cash from operations of $550 – $650 million. We achieved that goal and accordingly have increased our target for 2007.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Earnings/share

 

0.66

 

0.82

 

1.16

 

Increase

 

 

(comparable basis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6–10%

 

 

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annually

 

 

Cash from

 

591

 

620

 

675

1

650–750

 

 

operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 This includes the $185 million receivable of Jan. 2, 2007 due to timing of November 2006 sales.

 

 

 

 

>INVESTMENT RATIOS

 

Financial ratios measure our overall financial strength and flexibility. We focus on cash flow to interest, cash flow to total debt, and debt to invested capital. Credit rating agencies use these ratios when evaluating the company. Our goal is to maintain the equivalent of BBB+ credit ratios, which is considered to be a strong investment grade.

 

We also measure returns to our shareholders and investors two ways: return on capital employed (ROCE) and total shareholder return (TSR). ROCE is a measure of the efficiency and profitability of capital investments. TSR is the total amount returned to investors over a specific holding period and includes capital gains and dividends.

 

 

 

 

04

 

05

 

06

 

Target

 

 

Cash flow to

 

4.3

 

4.7

 

5.5

 

4.2

 

 

interest (times)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow to

 

19.1

 

23.0

 

26.2

 

28.0

 

 

total debt (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt to invested

 

46.4

 

43.9

 

40.9

 

48.0

 

 

capital (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROCE (%)

 

7.6

 

7.1

 

2.5

 

> 10%

 

 

TSR (%)

 

3.3

 

47.6

 

9.2

 

> 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13



 

MESSAGE

 

The 245 megawatt (MW)
Southern Cross power plant
in Western Australia is
strategically located near
our customers to help meet
their growing demand
for electricity.

 

 

A different operations challenge, however, negatively impacted our 2006 results: our decision to stop mining at our Centralia coal pits and to transition the plant to 100 per cent imported Powder River Basin (PRB) coal. This was our toughest decision in recent history. In addition to the financial implications, we had to tell nearly 600 employees they no longer had jobs. I can’t describe how difficult and emotional that was. However, since the existing pits had reached the end of their economic lives, the facts were inescapable: we had to stop mining.

 

Our decision to use 100 per cent PRB coal at our Centralia coal-fired plant brings new challenges and opportunities. Historically, our units were designed to burn only 30 per cent imported coal. However, because imported PRB coal has a higher BTU content than our local coal, we will have to reconfigure our units. Until we make these necessary changes, we’ll have to derate the plant (produce less power) to protect the equipment and maintain safe, reliable operations.

 

Once we get back to higher operating rates, we’ll be able to generate more power with less coal in the future.

 

So, how did we do in 2006?

 

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS

 

Excluding one-time events, comparable 2006 earnings were $233.8 million or ($1.16 per share) compared to $161.1 million ($0.82 per share) in 2005, a 42 per cent increase in earnings per share. Our comparable earnings reflect the underlying strength of our asset portfolio as well as ongoing earnings from our energy trading business.

 

Including one-time events, TransAlta reported GAAP earnings of $44.9 million ($0.22 per share) versus $186.5 million ($0.94 per share) in 2005. Included in 2006, GAAP earnings were major onetime after-tax charges of $153.6 million ($0.76 per share) for the writedown of the Centralia mine assets and related costs, and $84.4 million ($0.42 per share) due to changes in our future market assumptions requiring the financial impairment of our Centralia gas-fired plant. These were partially offset by a $55.3 million ($0.28 per share) gain related to prior year tax rate changes. Net earnings for 2005 included a onetime after-tax gain of $12 million ($0.12 per share) and $13 million ($0.07 per share) resulting from a tax settlement on a deferred receivable.

 

For our shareowners, these 2006 results delivered total shareowner return of nine per cent. This is on top of 48 per cent in 2005. On a comparable earnings basis, ROCE was 8.3 per cent. While below our 10 per cent long-term ROCE goal, I believe our decision to stop Centralia mining, our productivity progress, as well as our future growth initiatives position us to meet and sustain our total shareowner return and ROCE goals in the years to come.

 

Long-term investors in TransAlta know how much we value cash flow. In 2006, our operating cash flow increased to $6751 million, up from $620 million in 2005. We used this cash to maintain our plants ($207 million) and make required debt repayments ($51 million). The remaining free cash was used to pay dividends to shareowners ($121 million) and distributions ($74 million) to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interest holders. At the end of the year, we still had $217 million in cash remaining which we will reinvest in our business.

 

 

1 2006 cash flow includes a $185 million receivable received Jan. 2, 2007 due to timing of collection of November 2006 sales.

 

 

14



 

MESSAGE

 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

I’m especially proud that our teams stayed focused on essential, day-to-day operating activities. Our ability to block and tackle each day ensures that our earnings will remain strong even in the face of large-scale, one-time events. Below are just a few examples of how our teams generated strong earnings by focusing daily on the “small stuff”:

 

Our ENERGY TRADING business turned in an outstanding performance. Their views on market and pricing trends were superbly analyzed. The result – gross margins were $65.7 million compared to $56.9 million in 2005. We see increased potential for the electricity trading business as the market matures and becomes even more liquid. In 2007, we are raising our annual run rate expectation to $50 – $70 million of gross margin from this business, up from the $30 – $50 million we had been expecting.

 

MAJOR MAINTENANCE planning is paying off. We outperformed our annual targets for spend and outage duration during the year, while achieving our availability goals. We spent a total of $140 million in 2006, 40 per cent of which was expensed. We have now reached our objective to stabilize this ongoing expenditure in the $150 – $175 million per year range – one year ahead of plan. Outage duration was only 2,325 GWh compared to the 2,818 GWh originally budgeted.

 

OM&A decreased year-over-year by $14.7 million. On an OM&A per gross installed MWh basis, OM&A was $7.93 in 2006 versus $8.16 in 2005. This is strong performance in the face of inflationary pressures. Our focus now is to sustain these gains in the years ahead.

 

Our FINANCE team met our year-end goal to certify that we are Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliant. News stories of how much work is required to achieve this milestone are not exaggerated and our team tackled this job efficiently and effectively. They also reduced interest expense by $20 million due to lower debt levels and favourable settlements of net investment hedges.

 

 

READY, STEADY, GROW

 

In my report last year, I introduced you to our Four Pillars of Performance: Operational Excellence, Plant Maintenance, Lifecycle Planning and Portfolio Management & Growth. Collectively, these pillars create our sustainable competitive edge and position us to steadily grow our capacity, earnings and cash flow.

 

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

 

Our goal is to sustain reliable operations at optimal costs in our generation plants and coal operations. We have maintained high fleet-wide availability at 89 to 90 per cent levels. To do this, our operations and engineering teams systematically assess plant maintenance requirements. They have the skills and resources to be flexible and act promptly if any problems emerge. We conduct preventative maintenance between planned outages to further sustain reliability. As a result, our unplanned outage and derates now average only six per cent per year. That’s strong performance in our industry and with our plant mix.

 

Production rates and costs at our Alberta coal mines remain relatively predictable and stable, despite the volatility and price inflation in the mining industry. Investments we’ll make in 2007 on new 400-ton trucks will reduce our coal-handling costs by the end of 2008. And of course, our decision to source PRB coal at Centralia will dramatically reduce those coal costs starting around the middle of 2008.

 

When it comes to productivity we’ll take big breakthroughs when they come. But our focus is on

 

15



 

MESSAGE

 

The 259 MW Chihuahua
plant in Mexico during
a maintenance outage.

 

 

doing every task slightly better and safer. Our goal is to offset inflation on a per megawatt hour installed basis. To support this initiative, we have linked compensation to cost management. We’re investing in technology and developing more efficient workforce strategies to reduce staff costs. The productivity focus extends right across the company. In 2007, I will operate with three fewer senior direct reports than I did in 2006. Corporate overhead costs will be challenged just as aggressively as every other cost in the company.

 

You know from past letters that I believe operational excellence is as much about safety as it is about making availability targets, reducing our costs and minimizing our environmental footprint. Our goal throughout the company is to achieve a Target Zero incident record. In 2006, we did not perform as well as in 2005. Our combined employee and contractor injury frequency rate for the year was 1.95 versus 1.41 the previous year. We must do better. Our objective is to make everyone in the company aware of incident prevention and to look out for each other. I expect to report better progress to you in 2007.

 

PLANT MAINTENANCE

 

We must maintain our asset base of $5.5 billion. Our goal is to drive up the profitability of our current fleet of assets while installing the systems and maintaining the discipline required to extract top performance from our future fleet.

 

 

Depending on the technology, our plants must have periodic major maintenance every two to four years. These outages cost as much as $40 million for labour and components and require shutdowns as long as six weeks. That’s a big revenue loss. Our success is measured by extending the intervals between major maintenance outages and completing maintenance work as quickly as possible, without compromising plant availability, reliability, and safety.

 

Over the last couple of years, we have gained very deep asset knowledge and developed detailed maintenance plans for each facility. We have made a lot of progress in moving our coal fleet from a two- to three-year major maintenance interval. This transition will be completed by the end of 2007. It will result in fewer major outages, lower spend over the life of the asset and turn more megawatts into incremental gross margin. We are deploying this same discipline to optimize spending on our gas plants. We want to run these longer between major maintenance outages.

 

As a result of all these efforts, the predictability of our major maintenance program has increased and the level of maintenance spending has declined.

 

LIFECYCLE PLANNING

 

Like a car, every generation plant over time develops different operating characteristics and maintenance needs. We strive to find the “sweet spot” for each plant – to spend just enough money and not a cent more to extract the full value over its lifetime. Last year, I told you how we collect fleet-wide data on equipment and operating assets so we can gauge

 

16



 

MESSAGE

 

how each asset in our portfolio will perform over its life. Our teams completed this work in 2006.

 

Now we can make timely, economical decisions about which plants need to be retired, which require capital to extend their useful lives, and which plants we should expand. Our success will be measured by the hundreds of millions of dollars we expect to save in reduced capital spends over the life of our fleet. While our power purchase arrangements don’t begin to expire until 2017, we are already hard at work assessing the best long-term options for our Alberta fleet.

 

Our analysis supports the merits of adding approximately 50MW to our coal-fired Sundance 4 facility. With peak electricity demand in Alberta growing at approximately five per cent per year, the modest $50 million we will invest in this Sundance uprate will allow us to add incremental production that will generate attractive future returns. We expect this uprate to be completed by the end of 2007.

 

We also continue to focus on key strategic supplier partnerships. These give us more reliable access to materials and components, savings due to economies of scale in purchasing and a continuing source of technical expertise that we can build on over the years.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT & GROWTH

 

Through Portfolio Management, we are guided to make investment decisions that maintain the strength of our diverse portfolio of generation assets and contracts. In the immediate and medium term we must optimize our risk reward ratios whenever we make power purchase versus production decisions and in procuring fuel. We optimize our long-term risks and returns when we decide which assets we will buy, build, continue to hold or choose to divest.

 

Our portfolio of approximately 8,800 MW of generating assets is diversified by geography, fuel type, technology and contractual status. We operate in four countries: Canada, the United States, Mexico and Australia. We are 59 per cent coal-based, 28 per cent natural gas and 13 per cent hydro and renewable energy. Our technologies include conventional and supercritical coal-fired plants; combined cycle and peaker gas plants; cogeneration plants; and hydro, wind and geothermal plants. We have bilateral contracts with cogeneration partners and short-, medium- and long-term contracts with other creditworthy wholesale customers.

 

We manage this portfolio to reduce our earnings volatility and protect our cash flows. Our lifecycle planning models allow us to plan investments in existing and new assets over their expected asset lives. Our long-term strategic supplier contracts support our portfolio management. Our energy trading operations track record proves that we have a strong understanding of market fundamentals.

 

our markets – 2006

 

We see opportunity for growth in our existing markets where we have the expertise in buying, building and managing plants. Our market diversity and varied fuel mix allow us to approach these opportunities in a prudent, disciplined manner.

 

ALBERTA – 58%

Small, deregulated market – peak load of 9,600 MW

Peak demand growing at 4.7% per year compressing reserve margins

Long term, oil sands and clean coal technology provide growth opportunities.

 

ONTARIO – 8%

Large, hybrid market – peak load of 27,000 MW

RFP driven market

Demand growing at 3.8%

Short-term opportunities in renewables

 

UNITED STATES – 25%

Large, hybrid market – peak load of 28,300 MW

Participate mostly in the Pacific Northwest

Demand growing at approximately 1% per year

Opportunities for expansion of geothermal assets

 

MEXICO – 6%

Large, fully regulated market – peak load of 32,400 MW

Strong demand growth at 4.8% per year

Opportunities for acquisitions and new gas development

 

AUSTRALIA – 3%

We limit ourselves to a niche market, doing cogeneration projects with resource companies in Western Australia.

Our customers’ power needs are growing as demand from Asia for natural resources increases dramatically.

 

Percentages above represent installed capacity in regions.

 

Our growth plans include
the 53 MW uprate at the
2,020 MW Sundance plant
in Alberta, the 450 MW
Keephills 3 supercritical coal-fired
plant in Alberta and a 75 MW
wind farm in New Brunswick.

 

 

 

 

 

17



 

MESSAGE

 

We have a long-term rail
transportation agreement with
BNSF Railway Company to
deliver sufficient coal to meet
annual fuel requirements at our
Centralia coal-fired plant. BNSF
is constructing additional track,
as shown here, to increase its
coal-carrying capacity.

 

 

We use this market intelligence to make both short-term production decisions and long-term investment decisions.

 

I also remind you that our goal is to contract at least 75 per cent of our plant availability in order to reduce our exposure to price swings in the market. In 2006, we signed contracts with the Ontario Power Authority to supply an average of 400 MW from our Sarnia cogeneration plant for approximately five years. We also met our re-contracting targets for our Centralia coal-fired plant. We signed contracts extending from 2007 to 2009 for approximately 900 MW per year of our capability at an average price of US$45 to $55 per MWh. This is a significant uplift from the US$30 per MWh of the original contracts.

 

This overall ability to optimize our portfolio is key to understanding our growth strategy.

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN 2007

 

GROWTH INITIATIVES

 

Our team is highly focused on delivering disciplined and steady capacity growth. But, we will maintain our targeted credit ratios and stay with the technologies and geographies we know best. We will balance our greenfield development (building of new plants) with brownfield expansions (existing asset expansion) and acquisitions. Our goal is simple and achievable: deliver five per cent average annual capacity growth over the next five years.

 


online

 


To learn more about our energy trading and marketing business, visit www.transalta.com

 

Whether it is a single asset or a portfolio of assets, each new project and transaction will be put through our comprehensive capital allocation process. It screens and ranks each investment alternative against criteria such as market, size of investment, ownership, technology and operations, commercial contracts, portfolio effects and environmental risks. And of course financial metrics are analyzed in detail. It’s a tough screen.

 

We are already off to a solid start to meet our growth objectives. In addition to our previously announced plans to expand our Sundance plant, we announced in January 2007 that we would build a new 75 MW wind facility. It will supply electricity to New Brunswick Power under a 25-year long-term contract. The wind farm is expected to cost $130 million and to be in operation by the end of 2008.

 

In February 2007, we announced our decision to expand our Keephills plant by 450 MW using supercritical technology. This will be a joint venture with EPCOR, our partner in Genesee 3. Commissioned in 2005, it was the first supercritical pulverized coal plant to be built in Canada. Because this type of facility burns coal more efficiently than conventional coal plants, it has fewer emissions and delivers more megawatts per BTU. The total cost, estimated at $1.6 billion, will be shared equally by EPCOR and TransAlta. Once commercial in 2011, Keephills 3 along with Genesee 3 will be among the most advanced coal-fired plants in the world. These additions will allow us to decommission our oldest coal plant, Wabamun 4, as planned in 2010.

 

Additional investment opportunities exist in Alberta from the economic expansion related to the oil sands. In Australia the explosive world demand for commodities provides opportunities. New generation investments will be needed in Eastern Canada, the Western United States and Mexico to meet steadily growing demand. Building on the lessons from our past, I am confident that we can execute successfully on our growth goals.

 

18



 

MESSAGE

 

CENTRALIA CHALLENGES
IN THE TRANSITION TO PRB COAL

 

We are implementing a plan that will result in more predictable and lower coal costs for the Centralia coal-fired power plant. In November 2006, we secured a long-term rail transportation agreement with BNSF Railway Company to deliver sufficient coal to meet our annual fuel requirements and to give TransAlta access to multiple mines for supply flexibility.

 

We also executed medium-term coal supply contracts. The contracts allow us to keep our costs predictable and in line with market prices. Given that there are many suppliers in the PRB and we have a long-term rail agreement in place, we are confident we can continually contract ideal coal mixes for the life of the plant.

 

In 2007 and 2008, we expect to invest CDN $50 – $60 million of capital in our on-site rail capacity to streamline the handling, unloading and stockpiling of PRB coal deliveries. This investment will be split evenly between the two years. When complete, we will be able to meet our full fuel requirements for the Centralia coal-fired facility.

 

Also in 2007, we will work diligently to reconfigure the Centralia coal-fired plant to be able to fully use PRB coal. Over the next two years, we estimate capital spending of approximately CDN $50 – $60 million on Centralia coal-fired plant specific modifications, split evenly between 2007 and 2008.

 

As discussed earlier, until we complete our reconfiguration, the higher heat content PRB coal forces us to temporarily derate our Centralia plant. Our current estimate is that the 2007 revenue loss from derating the plants is, unfortunately, about equal to our fuel cost savings derived from our new sourced coal. That will hold us back in 2007, although we will benefit from higher contracted prices on our Centralia coal-fired electricity sales.

 

The good news is that we’ll get the benefit of the full cost savings by mid-2008, and more importantly, every year after that. Meanwhile, in 2007, our engineering and operation teams are focused on minimizing any derates and getting our new equipment installed as quickly as possible.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

 

Your company has aggressively invested in sustainable development for over 10 years. We did that not only because it was our obligation and the right thing to do for the environment, but also because it made business sense to us.

 

A founding member of the Canadian Clean Power Coalition, our goal is to cost-effectively reduce our environmental footprint. Public opinion, public policy and our industry are catching up to our leadership. That’s a good thing. It’s also why these efforts will continue to be a cornerstone of our strategy.

 

Our environmental management strategy includes:

 

participating in policy development with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and all levels of government to ensure clear and sensible rules are established and compliance costs are acceptable to our customers,

 

investing in renewable energy such as wind and geothermal, now four per cent of our portfolio, with a long-term goal of achieving 10 per cent of our capacity from renewables,

 

acquiring and trading offsets of carbon and other emissions, an area where we are recognized innovators and leaders,

 

management of environmental risk using ISO-14001-based management systems and market mechanisms,

 

investing in advanced technologies such as SO2 scrubbers at our Centralia coal-fired plant and in supercritical boiler technology at our Genesee 3 plant and Keephills 3 project and

 

testing new enhanced activated carbon injection technology at our Sundance plant that we believe will reduce mercury emissions 70 per cent by 2010.

 

We have made meaningful progress on managing our impact on the environment. Since 2000 we have reduced:

 

sulphur dioxide intensity by 64 per cent,

 

nitrogen oxide intensity by 16 per cent and,

 

greenhouse gas emission intensity by 4 per cent.

 

In 2006, we were recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the eighth consecutive year. Within the annual report, pages 22-23 are dedicated to our sustainable development report to investors. We are proud of these achievements and we will continue to strive for even better progress in the future.

 

 

 

 

OUR TEAM AND OUR MISSION

 

TransAlta is unique. We are a wholesale generation and marketing company that pays investors a dividend. We operate a diversified and highly contracted portfolio of generation assets. And, we have stable investment-grade credit ratings.

 

Our teams drive our success. In 2006, unusual and large-scale events challenged us. The men and women of TransAlta responded quickly and effectively. In 2007, you can expect the same dedication to results.

 

19



 

MESSAGE

 

standing left to right Mike Williams,
Executive Vice-President Human
Resources & Communications,
Ken Stickland, Executive Vice-President
Legal, Linda Chambers, Executive Vice-
President Generation Technology,
Richard Langhammer, Executive Vice-
President Generation Operations
sitting left to right Brian Burden,
Executive Vice-President & Chief
Financial Officer, Tom Rainwater,
Executive Vice-President Corporate
Development & Marketing


 

 

Each month, our executive team checks our progress against our short-term goals and our five-year plan. We revisit our strategy with our Board of Directors at each meeting. If regulations change or opportunities arise, we can change our strategy to meet the shifts. Our Board continues to provide superb governance and management guidance. They actively participate in our strategy development. They set and monitor our overall risk profile. Their stewardship includes setting the highest standards for ethical behaviour.

 

Today, TransAlta is fit and ready to pursue value growth opportunities. We are located in good geographies with tightening reserve margins. We have the assets, technology and expertise to optimize a diversified portfolio. We have the lifecycle management systems and strategic supplier relationships to manage a more predictable capital spend. We are environmental leaders and we proactively mitigate our impact on the environment. We have the balance sheet strength and liquidity to support commercial activities and sustainable growth objectives.

 

As a shareowner and as TransAlta’s leader, I am very proud of this company. We were severely tested by industry events over the last few years and emerged in strong shape. I want to sincerely thank each and every one of our employees for their unfailing efforts day-in- and-day-out to meet our goals. If you come to our shareholder meeting this April in Calgary, you can meet many of them in person.

 

We will continue to be tested. The environment looms big for us. We must stretch our resources and our ideas to do more. New technologies must be chosen. Growth decisions must be made. Fortunately, TransAlta’s employees have the spirit, the resilience and the dedication to succeed in these upcoming challenges. We will continue to strive to improve and do better than anyone else in our industry.

 

STEPHEN G. SNYDER

 

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

February 27, 2007

 

20



 

 

above Festival performers from the TransAlta Festival City in a Box program

 

COMMUNITY

 

Connecting
with communities

 

TransAlta’s connection with communities grew this year through efforts to deepen existing partnerships and develop new ones. Over $5 million was contributed to organizations in communities where our employees live and work.

 

With a significant portion of our operations in the Edmonton area, we partnered with The City of Edmonton to showcase the artistic wealth of the city.

 

Through the TRANSALTA FESTIVAL CITY grant program we will build artistic capacity in the greater Edmonton area. Managed by the Edmonton Arts Council, the program helps position arts organizations for growth. Organizations can use grants to develop better festivals by adding new artistic resources or seeking mentoring and consulting services.

 

At the same time, the TRANSALTA FESTIVAL CITY IN A BOX program acknowledges the strength of the city’s arts community in achieving tourism and economic development objectives. Through this program, samplings of Edmonton’s arts community are packaged “in a box” to entice visits by tourists and conventions. In 2006, the TRANSALTA FESTIVAL CITY IN A BOX, operated through the Edmonton Economic Development Authority, was featured prominently at an Alberta Days event staged by the Government of Alberta with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

 

We believe community investment partnerships are more than financial commitments. Engaging our employees, including TransAlta’s senior executives and retirees, is an integral element of our successful partnerships. Including the contributions of our TransAlta Community Transformers (TACT), our employees volunteered over 12,300 hours in support of company and community-led programs. In 2006, we created the Executive Connection program, which encourages our Executive Vice-Presidents to become involved on community boards, lending their experience and expertise in support of a variety of causes. TransAlta’s retiree group, Projects Organized With Energetic Retireees (POWER), took on a range of projects last year including growing vegetables for the Calgary Inter-faith Food Bank, knitting and donating items to local hospitals for children and participating in the Tim Horton’s Children’s Ranch fall clean-up.

 

Our relationship with aboriginal communities grew through our participation in Traditional Land Use studies conducted by the Paul and Blood First Nations. Productive dialogue about our operations continues to be a focus, with regular communication meetings with the Paul Band and the creation of a Transmission Advisory Committee, including representatives from the 13 First Nations where we have operations.

 

TransAlta’s community investment focuses on a small number of initiatives where we can have the most meaningful impact over the long term.

 

     left TransAlta retiree, Brian Peters, harvests the POWER garden for the Calgary Inter-faith Food Bank.

 


online

 


To learn more about our community investment programs, visit www.transalta.com

 

21



 

 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

Sustainability remains one of the key components in how we conduct our business

 

TransAlta has a long history of taking on the challenges of sustainable development. Since the 1990s, we have been focused on building a sustainable company, balancing the economic, environmental and social implications of our business decisions. Today, sustainability remains one of the key components in how we conduct our business.

 

We strive to:

 

    operate with the highest standards of safety,

    reduce the environmental impacts of our operations and develop long-term plans to achieve more aggressive environmental standards,

    recruit and retain the best employees,

    consult with people impacted by our operations and

    support communities where our employees live and work.

 

Every year, we aim to improve the accuracy and completeness of the reporting of our sustainability performance to stakeholders. In 2006, we reviewed our processes and controls relating to the measurement, calculation, consolidation and reporting of some of our key sustainability data. We will have these reviewed by an external party in 2007.

 

Voluntary reporting is only one of the ways TransAlta reinforces our sustainable development commitment. We openly report on economic, environmental and social performance because it encourages us to accurately and comprehensively assess the year’s performance. Voluntary reporting illustrates how sustainable thinking is part of our business – influencing the decisions we make and the actions we take.

 

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

 

We believe we have a sustainable business model. Our diversified portfolio of generating assets combined with our technical and commercial expertise means we have the right components to deliver balanced, sustainable and profitable growth for our shareholders.

 

In 2006, our total shareholder return was nine per cent. This was in spite of incredible business challenges such as the decision to stop mining at our Centralia coal mine and transition to PRB coal and the impairment of the Centralia gas-fired asset. Excluding these events, comparable earnings were up 41 per cent at $1.16 per share compared to $0.82 per share in 2005. Cash flow increased to $675 million1, up from $620 million in 2005. We use this cash to maintain our plants, pay dividends to our shareholders, pay down debt and reinvest in the business.

 

Looking forward, we are pursuing growth opportunities in the markets and geographies we know. We have announced plans to build a 75 MW wind farm in New Brunswick, add 53 MW of additional capacity at our Sundance facility and proceed with building  the next supercritical coal-fired plant in Alberta – Keephills 3.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

 

We remain committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our operations. In addition to our active participation in policy discussions that will affect our industry, we have a comprehensive environmental strategy:

 

    find internal efficiencies at plants,

    increase our investment in renewables,

    continue to build our offsets portfolio and emissions trading strategy and

    support development of cleaner emerging generation technologies.

 

This strategy has been in place for several years to reduce environmental risk and deliver competitive opportunities. We use the internationally recognized ISO-14001 standard to manage our environmental risk.

 

While we have made some meaningful progress in reducing our impact on the environment, we know that we must develop long-term plans to ensure we achieve the aggressive environmental

 

1              2006 cash flow includes a $185 million receivable received Jan 2, 2007 due to timing of collection of November 2006 sales.

 

 

22



 

SUSTAINABILITY

 

Danielle Stuart, Environmental Specialist and

Don Wharton, Director Sustainable Development,

help balance the economic, environmental

and social implications of business decisions.

 

standards of the future. We are prepared for new environmental regulations and believe our ongoing stakeholder engagement and our early, proactive and voluntary action will pay off over the long term.

 

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY – WORKPLACE SAFETY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

 

Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and contractors. Our Target Zero initiative is designed to drive improvements in safety, health and environmental performance. Under Target Zero, a leadership committee meets monthly to identify leadership actions and develop proactive work plans to improve our performance through standard processes and company-wide environment, health and safety initiatives.

 

Regrettably, in 2006, there was a contractor fatality at one of our facilities. We have completed our internal investigation and are fully cooperating with Workplace Health and Safety as they conduct their investigation. We remain focused on finding out what happened and will do whatever we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.

 

We have a strong base of internal policies governing how we conduct our business. TransAlta employees fulfill these policies while upholding the highest level of ethical conduct and meeting responsibilities as good corporate citizens.

 

Since our operations affect many different individuals and groups of people, public consultation is a significant part of our business. Through open houses, one-on-one meetings and other engagement strategies, we listen and respond to stakeholder concerns about development, ongoing operations and decommissioning activities. Meaningful relationships with affected parties enable us to continue operating our facilities. As we decommission our Wabamun facility and begin construction on the 450 MW Keephills 3 power plant, we will continue to engage local government officials, local businesses, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders from the surrounding communities.

 

Community investment is part of our social commitment. TransAlta is dedicated to helping sustain vibrant and healthy communities and the environment for today and for tomorrow. For more information on our community investment activities, turn to page 21.

 

The investment community is increasingly concerned with how companies are managing environmental and social pressures and how this risk management translates into economic performance. We believe such factors will become another competitive differentiator for TransAlta. That is why we continue to speak with the investment community regarding our progress in this area. We believe sustainability is an integral part of our business.

 


online

 


To learn more about TransAlta’s sustainability efforts, visit our website at www.transalta.com

 

In our business, air emissions associated with generating electricity are a key environmental issue. The following charts* illustrate how we are managing the primary emissions associated with our business:

 

 

*                 Data above represents only those facilities for which TransAlta holds the operating permits.

 

 

23



 

LETTER

 

FROM THE

 

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

 

 

 

Approaching business oversight from economic, environmental and social perspectives makes good business sense.

 

DONNA SOBLE KAUFMAN

Chair of the Board

 

As you see in this annual report, TransAlta achieved strong operational and financial results in 2006 while working through significant business challenges. This performance reflects the resilience of your Company. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate the TransAlta management team and the dedicated employees across the company on a job well done.

 

During my time on TransAlta’s Board, I have seen many changes in the industry, the company and shareholders’ expectations. Throughout these changes, the Board has remained focused on building a sustainable company – a company that will continue to deliver profitable growth for you over time. To do this, your Board is fully engaged in the development of the strategic plan, has established the appropriate risk parameters, has monitored progress and has demanded results. We have ensured TransAlta has operated in an ethical, economically rewarding and environmentally and socially responsible manner.

 

The Directors of TransAlta recognize that corporations are expected to deliver more than positive economic performance. Corporations that factor the social and environmental risks and benefits are recognized by society as doing the right thing and by investors for delivering a sustainable business model. I am pleased to report your Company continues to be recognized for its efforts in approaching business from this perspective. For the eighth consecutive year, TransAlta has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This index represents the top 10 per cent of sustainable companies worldwide. We are very pleased to be included in this list not only for the honour, but also because these listed companies have been shown to consistently outperform others financially.

 

TransAlta’s sustainable development performance is due in large part to the leadership of Dr. Bob Page, who retired from TransAlta in January 2007 to become the first TransAlta Professor at the University of Calgary’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Bob for his tireless dedication to TransAlta’s sustainability efforts.

 

Sustainable development and good governance contribute to corporate performance. Your Board is fully engaged in creating and maintaining shareholder value and dedicated to good stewardship of

 

 

24



 

LETTER

 

the Corporation. During 2006, the Board and its committees devoted considerable time, effort and thought to assure that we maintain best practices in Corporate Governance.

 

Further, we have an annual two-day strategy session where we discuss the Corporation’s strategic plan with our management team. This year a significant part of the discussion was focused on the Corporation’s plans for sustainable growth.

 

With TransAlta’s growth plans articulated, the Directors wanted a clear understanding of how management is assessing and addressing the risk associated with those plans. To facilitate this, the Board modified its previous committee structure to ensure more direct oversight on risk and the environment. Both the Audit and Risk and the Governance and Environment committees have clear mandates to carefully study their respective areas, review management’s decisions and report to the Board regularly. Our Board believes these modifications will better align priorities and ensure environment and risk management issues are being diligently handled.

 

Our Board’s commitment to maintaining a culture of the highest ethical and professional standards with sound corporate governance was recognized by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business report on corporate governance. For the fifth consecutive year, TransAlta has been ranked among the best governed corporations in Canada. Board composition is a major component in this determination. We have a highly qualified, independent Board, with members from various parts of the world. In addition to providing regional insight and expertise, each Board member brings both depth and diversity of experience to the table.

 

In July, we welcomed Dr. Martha Piper to our Board. An exceptional academic and scholar, Martha is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and has made extraordinary contributions around the world.

 

She was recently appointed a member of the Trilateral Commission – an international think tank focused on fostering closer cooperation among democratic industrialized areas of the world. Her experience as a senior university administrator and in international relations will serve the Board well.

 

As Chair, I very much appreciate the support of my colleagues on the Board for their wise counsel during what has been an extremely demanding year at TransAlta.

 

TransAlta’s Board of Directors is convinced that approaching business oversight from economic, environmental and social perspectives makes good business sense. We recognize that our shareholders entrust this duty to us and we are determined to continue to earn this trust. The foundation we have built in the years leading up to 2007, both at the Board and operating levels, has positioned us to create profitable growth. As a Board, we have every confidence in TransAlta’s management team and employees to deliver this for our shareholders.

 

Thank you for placing your confidence in us.

 

DONNA SOBLE KAUFMAN

 

 

Chair of the Board

 

 

25



 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

WILLIAM D. ANDERSON Director since 2003 and resident of Toronto, Ont. Mr. Anderson was President of BCE Ventures, a subsidiary of BCE Inc., from 2001 to 2005 and CFO of BCE Inc. from 1998 to 2000. He is a director of Bell Canada International Inc., the Four Seasons Hotels Inc., Gildan Activewear Inc. and MDS Inc. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.

 

STANLEY J. BRIGHT Director since 1999 and resident of Oxford, Maryland. Mr. Bright was Chair and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Company from 1997 to 1999 and President, CEO and Chair and CEO of predecessor companies from 1991 to 1997. He served as a director of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., from 1999 to February 2006 and has been a director of MidAmerican Energy predecessor companies since 1987.

 

TIMOTHY W. FAITHFULL Director since 2003 and resident of Oxford, United Kingdom. Mr. Faithfull was President and CEO of Shell Canada Limited from 1999 to 2003, when he completed a 36-year international oil and gas career with the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. He is a director of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, Shell Pension Trust Limited and AMEC plc in the United Kingdom. He is a council member of the Canada United Kingdom Colloquia and a trustee of the Starehe Endowment Fund (U.K.).

 

GORDON D. GIFFIN Director since 2002 and resident of Atlanta, Ga. Ambassador Giffin is a Senior Partner of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP. He is a director of Bowater, Inc., Canadian National Railway Company, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and Ontario Energy Savings Corp. He is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, an advisory board member of the Canadian- American Business Council and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Carter Center in Georgia. Ambassador Giffin served as United States Ambassador to Canada from 1997 to 2001.

 

C. KENT JESPERSEN Director since January 2004 and resident of Calgary, Alta. Mr. Jespersen has been Chair and CEO of La Jolla Resources International Ltd. since 1998. He worked with NOVA Corporation for over 20 years in various management positions, including President of NOVA International. He is Chair of North American Oilsands Ltd., Chair and a director of CCR Technologies Ltd., a director of Matrikon Inc. and Axia NetMedia Corporation.

 

MICHAEL M. KANOVSKY Director since January 2004 and resident of Victoria, B.C. Mr. Kanovsky has been President of Sky Energy Corporation since 1993. He has been involved in investment banking and the oil, gas and power industries for over 30 years. He is a director of Accrete Energy Corporation, Devon Energy Corporation, ARC Energy Trust, Bonavista Energy Trust and Pure Technologies Inc.

 

DONNA SOBLE KAUFMAN Director since 1989 and resident of Toronto, Ont. Mrs. Kaufman is Chair of the Board of TransAlta Corporation. Mrs. Kaufman is a director of BCE Inc., Bell Canada and Telesat Canada. She is also a director of Historica, The Baycrest Centre, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a member of the Canadian Board of Advisors of Catalyst.

 

corporate governance

 

TransAlta’s directors are experienced business leaders representing varied geographic and professional backgrounds, including business, finance, law and public service. On behalf of TransAlta’s shareholders, the Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the corporation, establishing overall policies and standards and reviewing strategic plans. In 2006, the directors met on 11 occasions, including one special meeting devoted exclusively to TransAlta’s corporate strategy and direction.

 

After a detailed examination of the relationships between each of the directors and TransAlta, the Board determined that 10 of the existing 11 board members are independent, excluding only Stephen Snyder, President and CEO of the company. All of the members of each of the committees of the Board are independent. In 2006, the Board had three committees, which are briefly described as follows. Further detailed information with respect to TransAlta’s approach to corporate governance is contained in the 2006 Management Proxy Circular.

 

AUDIT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

The committee is responsible for reviewing financial reporting, financial controls, internal audit matters, financial risks inherent in the business and environmental risks and regulations affecting the Corporations’s activities. This committee met 11 times in 2006. Committee chair: William D. Anderson. Members: Stanley J. Bright, Timothy W. Faithfull, Michael M. Kanovsky, Gordon S. Lackenbauer and Donna Soble Kaufman (as an ex-officio member).

 

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

 

The committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending executive compensation programs, succession plans, the CEO’s compensation and performance as well as acting as steward for the corporate pension plan. This committee met six times in 2006. Committee chair: Stanley J. Bright. Members: Timothy W. Faithfull, C. Kent Jespersen, Dr. Martha C. Piper, Luis Vázquez Senties and Donna Soble Kaufman (as an ex-officio member).

 

 

26



 

BOARD

 

GORDON S. LACKENBAUER Director since September 2005 and resident of Calgary, Alta. Mr. Lackenbauer was Deputy Chairman of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. from 1990 to 2004. He is a director of Tembec Inc., NAL Oil & Gas Trust and CTV Globemedia Inc. Mr. Lackenbauer is also a Governor of Mount Royal College.

 

MARTHA C. PIPER Director since 2006 and resident of Vancouver, B.C. Dr. Piper was President and Vice- Chancellor of the University of British Columbia from 1997 to 2006. She is a Director of the Bank of Montreal, the B.C. Progress Board, the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation and the Council of Canadian Academies.

 

STEPHEN G. SNYDER Director since 1996 and resident of Calgary, Alta. Mr. Snyder has been President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation since 1996. He is Chair of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and a director of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Alberta College of Art + Design. Mr. Snyder is a Trustee of the Conference Board of Canada.

 

LUIS VÁZQUEZ SENTIES Director since 2001 and resident of Mexico City, Mexico. He is President and CEO and Chair of Group Diavaz, an oilfield services and natural gas distribution company he founded with partners in 1973. Mr. Vázquez is Chair of Compania Mexicana de Gas, S.A. de C.V. and of the Mexican Natural Gas Association.

 

NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

 

The committee is responsible for reviewing the composition and compensation of the Board of Directors and developing the company’s approach to governance issues. This committee met four times in 2006. Committee chair: Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin. Members: C. Kent Jespersen, Michael M. Kanovsky, Gordon S. Lackenbauer and Donna Soble Kaufman (as an ex-officio member).

 

2006 CHANGES

 

Louis D. Hyndman retired from the Board in April 2006. Dr. Martha C. Piper joined the Board in July 2006.

 

 

left to right Michael Kanovsky, Stephen Snyder, Bill Anderson

 

 

left to right Gordon Giffin, Luis Vázquez Senties,

Donna Soble Kaufman, Martha Piper, Gordon Lackenbauer

 

 

left to right Kent Jespersen, Stanley Bright, Tim Faithfull

 

a wealth of experience

 

We have a highly qualified, independent Board whose

members have diverse professional experience.

 

 

27



 

PLANT SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

owned or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capacity

 

Ownership

 

TransAlta

 

operated

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Contract

 

Facility

 

(MW)

 

(%)

 

operated

 

(MW)

 

Fuel

 

source*

 

expiry date

 

Genesee 3

 

450

 

50

 

No

 

225

 

Coal

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Keephills

 

766

 

100

 

Yes

 

766

 

Coal

 

 

Alberta PPA

 

2020

 

Keephills 3 1

 

450

 

50

 

Yes

 

225

 

Coal

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Sheerness

 

770

 

25

 

No

 

193

 

Coal

 

 

Alberta PPA

 

2020

 

Sundance 2

 

2,073

 

100

 

Yes

 

2,073

 

Coal

 

 

Alberta PPA

 

2017, 2020

 

Wabamun 3

 

279

 

100

 

Yes

 

279

 

Coal

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Fort Saskatchewan

 

118

 

30

 

Yes

 

35

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2019

 

Meridian

 

220

 

25

 

Yes

 

55

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2024

 

Poplar Creek

 

356

 

100

 

Yes

 

356

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Merchant

 

 

 

Hydro assets 4

 

801

 

100

 

Yes

 

801

 

Hydro

 

 

Alberta PPA

 

2013 – 2020

 

Castle River

 

46

 

100

 

Yes

 

46

 

Wind

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2011

 

McBride Lake

 

75

 

50

 

Yes

 

38

 

Wind

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2022

 

Summerview

 

68

 

100

 

Yes

 

68

 

Wind

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Western Canada Total

 

6,472

 

 

 

 

 

5,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kent Hills 5

 

75

 

100

 

Yes

 

75

 

Wind

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2033

 

Mississauga

 

108

 

50

 

Yes

 

54

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2017

 

Ottawa

 

68

 

50

 

Yes

 

34

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2012

 

Sarnia

 

575

 

100

 

Yes

 

575

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Merchant

 

 

 

Windsor-Essex

 

68

 

50

 

Yes

 

34

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Merchant

 

 

 

Eastern Canada Total

 

894

 

 

 

 

 

772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centralia

 

1,404

 

100

 

Yes

 

1,404

 

Coal

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Binghamton

 

47

 

100

 

Yes

 

47

 

Gas

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Centralia Gas

 

248

 

100

 

Yes

 

248

 

Gas

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Power Resources

 

200

 

50

 

No

 

100

 

Gas

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Saranac

 

240

 

37.5

 

No

 

90

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2009

 

Yuma

 

50

 

50

 

No

 

25

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2024

 

Imperial Valley 6

 

327

 

50

 

No

 

163

 

Geothermal

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2016 – 2035

 

geothermal assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Merchant

 

 

 

Skookumchuck

 

1

 

100

 

Yes

 

1

 

Hydro

 

 

Merchant

 

 

Wailuku

 

10

 

50

 

Yes

 

5

 

Hydro

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2023

 

United States Total

 

2,527

 

 

 

 

 

2,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campeche

 

252

 

100

 

Yes

 

252

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2028

 

Chihuahua

 

259

 

100

 

Yes

 

259

 

Gas

 

 

Long term contract

 

2028

 

Mexico Total

 

511

 

 

 

 

 

511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parkeston

 

110

 

50

 

Yes

 

55

 

Gas

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2016

 

Southern Cross 7

 

245

 

100

 

Yes

 

245

 

Gas & Diesel

 

 

Long-term contract

 

2016

 

Australia Total

 

355

 

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

10,759

 

 

 

 

 

8,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Facility under construction. Expected online 2011

 

 

2

Includes 53 MW uprate planned for 2007

 

 

3

To be retired by 2010

 

 

4

Comprised of 13 facilities

 

 

5

Construction to begin by the end of 2007. Expected online 2008

 

 

6

Comprised of 10 facilities

 

 

7

Comprised of nine facilities

 

 

*

Merchant includes both short-term contracted and spot sales

 

Details as of March 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

28



 

 



 

 

 

 

This management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and the fourth quarter news release dated Jan. 26, 2007. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The effect of significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP has been disclosed in Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements. All tabular amounts in the following discussion are in millions of Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. This MD&A is dated Feb.27, 2007. Additional information respecting TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta”, “we”, “our”, “us” or the “corporation”), including its annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.transalta.com.

 



MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and the fourth quarter news release dated Jan. 26, 2007.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  The effect of significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP has been disclosed in Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.  All tabular amounts in the following discussion are in millions of Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.  This MD&A is dated Feb. 27, 2007.  Additional information respecting TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta”, “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “corporation”), including its annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.transalta.com.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis and by business segment.  TransAlta has two business segments: Generation and Corporate Development & Marketing (CD&M).  TransAlta’s segments are supported by a corporate group that provides finance, treasury, legal, environmental health and safety, sustainable development, corporate communications, government relations, information technology, human resources and other administrative support.

 

Some of TransAlta’s accounting policies require management to make estimates or assumptions that in some cases may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain.  Critical accounting policies and estimates include: revenue recognition, valuation and useful life of property, plant and equipment (PP&E), asset retirement obligations (ARO), valuation of goodwill, income taxes and employee future benefits.  See additional discussion under Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in this MD&A.

 

In this MD&A, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on foreign currency transactions and balances is discussed with the relevant income statement and balance sheet items.  While individual balance sheet line items will be impacted by foreign exchange fluctuations, the net impact of the translation of individual items is reflected in the cumulative translation account on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

HIGHLIGHTS AND SUMMARY OF RESULTS

During 2006, the corporation:

 

                  Generated net earnings of $44.9 million compared to $186.3 million for 2005 and $169.2 million for 2004.

                  Generated earnings on a comparable basis* of $233.8 million compared to $161.3 million for 2005 and $127.1 million for 2004.

                  Generated cash flow from operations of $489.6 million compared to $619.8 million in 2005 and $591.2 million in 2004. In addition, contractually scheduled payments related to services provided in 2006 of approximately $185 million were received on Jan. 2, 2007.

                  Invested $223.7 million in new and existing plants versus $325.9 million in 2005 and $345.7 million in 2004.

                  Repaid $48.6 million of net debt compared to $262.9 million in 2005 and $367.4 million in 2004.

 


*  Earnings on a comparable basis is not defined under GAAP.  Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 61 of this MD&A for a further discussion of earnings on a comparable basis, including a reconciliation to net earnings.

 

 

The following table depicts key financial results and statistical operating data:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Availability (%)

 

89.0

 

89.4

 

89.2

 

Production (GWh)

 

48,213

 

51,810

 

51,396

 

Revenue

 

$

2,796.5

 

$

2,838.5

 

$

2,586.2

 

Gross margin 1

 

$

1,491.4

 

$

1,442.0

 

$

1,353.3

 

Operating income before mine closure and asset impairment charges 1

 

$

478.5

 

$

456.8

 

$

467.4

 

Mine closure charges

 

(191.9

)

 

 

Asset impairment charges

 

(130.0

)

(36.2

)

 

Operating income 1

 

$

156.6

 

$

420.6

 

$

467.4

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

44.9

 

$

174.3

 

$

159.6

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

12.0

 

9.6

 

Net earnings

 

$

44.9

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.83

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.06

 

0.05

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

7,460.1

 

$

7,693.1

 

$

8,000.3

 

Total long-term financial liabilities

 

$

3,094.1

 

$

3,463.1

 

$

3,601.5

 

Cash dividends declared per share

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

$

489.6

 

$

619.8

 

$

591.2

 

 

1                    Gross margin, operating income before mine closure and asset impairment charges and operating income are not defined under Canadian GAAP. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 61 of this MD&A for a further discussion of operating income and gross margin, including a reconciliation to net earnings.

 

31



 

STRATEGY AND KEY MEASURES

 

TransAlta is a wholesale power generator and marketer. We own, operate and manage a highly contracted and geographically diversified portfolio of assets and have expertise in generation fuels including coal, natural gas, hydro and renewable energy.  Over the long-term two of our key financial goals are to deliver greater than 10 per cent total shareholder return and a 10 per cent return on capital employed.

 

In addition to traditional metrics such as earnings per share, total shareholder return and return on capital employed, we have six sets of key measures which, in our opinion, are critical to meeting our goal. These key measures include a mix of operational, risk management and financial metrics against which we can measure and gauge our performance. Each are described below.

 

1. Availability and Production

 

Our plants must be available to meet the requirements of customers who have contracted our capacity or to be able to capture merchant market opportunities.  Our long-term target is to have our plants available 90 per cent or more of the time.

 

Availability can be limited by the requirement to perform planned maintenance at regular intervals or by outages and derates caused by minor mechanical problems. While we expect that there will be a certain number of these unplanned outages or derates, our goal is to minimize these events through constant equipment monitoring and assessments, comprehensive maintenance plans and the formation of strategic relationships with suppliers. Over the past three years, we have achieved an average availability of 89.2 per cent, which is in line with our long-term target of 90 per cent availability.

 

Production is affected by our total generating capacity, the availability of our equipment and market conditions. During 2006, production decreased at our Centralia coal-fired plant (Centralia Coal) as well as at our hydro facilities. This decrease in production was partially offset by lower planned and unplanned outages at the Alberta Thermal plants (Alberta Thermal), incremental production from Genesee 3 and increased production at Centralia Gas and Poplar Creek.

 

Production increased in 2005, compared to 2004 due to the commissioning of Genesee 3 and from a full year of production at the Summerview wind farm. This increase in production was partially offset by the decommissioning of units one and two of the Wabamun plant in December 2004. Production was also negatively impacted by shutdowns caused by the Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) train derailment at Lake Wabamun and reduced production at our Poplar Creek plant.

 

2. Contracts

 

Our strategy is to contract a minimum of 75 per cent of our available output in any year to minimize our exposure to any potential volatility in electricity and gas prices in the markets in which we operate.  This contracting strategy allows us to achieve a balance between cash flow stability and the ability to capture short-term opportunities in merchant markets.

 

Contracts can be structured as:

                  capacity commitments, such as Alberta Power Purchase Arrangements (PPA), which allow TransAlta to minimize fuel cost risks by passing the majority of these costs onto the customer,

                  a combination of production, availability and other services, such as at the Ontario and Alberta gas plants under which TransAlta is compensated for availability, electricity and steam production, or

                  medium- to longer-term contracts directly with our customers, such as at Centralia Coal.

 

The remainder of our production is sold into markets as spot sales or under contracts with terms less than one year.

 

During 2006, approximately 95 per cent of the Generation segment’s revenues were derived from contracts with terms greater than one year.  This percentage is consistent with prior years.

 

A further discussion of these contracting strategies is provided beginning on page 38 of this MD&A.

 

3. Margin & Productivity

 

Together with increasing our production base, growing our gross margin is essential for our success. We manage margins through our contracting strategy and managing fuel costs.

 

Coal-fired assets are mostly contracted through PPAs or long-term contracts. Fuel costs are managed by owning our own coal reserves or by signing contracts for stable and low cost supplies.

 

Gross margins at our contracted gas plants are generally managed by passing fuel costs on to customers or by signing long-term gas contracts that match the terms of the electricity and thermal sales.  At our merchant gas plants, the margins are driven by the ratio of gas prices to electricity prices (market heat rates) and by our ability to produce electricity at heat rates that are better than the market heat rates.

 

In 2006, our gross margins increased due to incremental production from Genesee 3, favourable spark spreads and production at Poplar Creek, higher pricing and lower unplanned outages at Alberta Thermal, higher contract pricing and gains resulting from contracts recorded at fair market value (mark-to-market) at Centralia, increased gross margins at Sarnia, and higher trading margins, partially offset by lower production at Centralia Coal, higher coal costs, Centralia Coal inventory writedown and lower hydro production.

 

During 2005, our margins increased due to higher gas prices which in turn influenced electricity prices.  These higher electricity prices had a significant impact on the margins from our coal plants. Margins also increased from the addition of Genesee 3 and increased hydro production. These increases were partially offset by higher coal costs.

 

Gross margin per installed megawatt hour (MWh)1 in 2006 increased from 2005 mainly due to favourable pricing at Alberta Thermal and Centralia Coal and from incremental revenue at Sarnia. In 2005, gross margin per installed MWh increased over 2004 due to increased hydro production and higher merchant coal capacity from the coal plants that benefited from higher electricity prices.  These gains were partly offset by higher coal costs. Our operations, maintenance and administration (OM&A) costs reflect the operating cost of our facilities. These costs

 


1       We have traditionally presented gross margins and other key elements of the income statement on a per MWh produced. While for specific types of contracts this is an effective measure of profitability between periods, levels of production and associated revenues and costs are not comparable across all segments. To better gauge overall fleet performance and return on the investment in assets, we have presented overall results on an installed MWh, which is a measure of overall fleet capacity. We have used this measure for the first time in this annual report and will continue this practice going forward.

 

32



 

can fluctuate due to the timing and nature of planned maintenance activities. The remainder of OM&A costs reflect the cost of day-to-day operations. Our target is to absorb the impact of inflation in our recurring operating costs as much as possible through various productivity initiatives and measure our ability to do so based on the cost per installed MWh of capacity.

 

In 2006, our OM&A costs decreased $14.7 million due to lower planned outages and general cost reductions. On a per installed MWh basis, this cost was lower by $0.23 compared to the same period in 2005.

 

During 2005, our OM&A costs increased from $547.5 million to $596.0 million due to the addition of Genesee 3 and higher salary, contracting and material costs due to market demands for labour and commodities.

 

4. Capital Expenditures

 

We are in a long-cycle capital-intensive business.  In 2006, we spent $123 million on routine and mine capital, $84 million on planned maintenance, and $17 million on growth. In 2007, we expect to spend between $320 million and $340 million on sustaining expenditures which includes $100-$110 million for routine capital, $80 million for mining equipment, $55 million for equipment modifications at Centralia Coal, and $85-95 million on planned maintenance.

 

5. Cash Flow

 

Our goal in 2007 is to generate $650-$750 million of cash flow from operating activities to meet the requirements of maintaining our equipment, reducing our debt, maintaining our dividend, and having cash available to invest in growth initiatives.

 

In 2006, cash flow from operating activities decreased $130.2 million due to the timing of collection of receivables amounting to $185 million partially offset by higher cash earnings. These accounts receivable balances in respect of November 2006 revenues were contractually scheduled to be paid, and were received, on Jan. 2, 2007. These inflows will appear in our 2007 statements.   In 2005, the November contractually scheduled payments were received on Dec. 30, 2005.

 

In 2005, cash flow from operating activities improved to $619.8 million from $591.2 million in 2004 due to improved cash earnings.

 

6. Financial Ratios

 

TransAlta is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and an investment grade credit rating.  Financial strength provides us with continued access to capital and greater flexibility in contracting the output of our plants.

 

Over the long term our financial condition will dictate our ability to grow.  Our objective is to maintain an investment grade rating to give us the capacity to take on new debt or issue equity.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, our total debt (including non-recourse debt) to invested capital was 40.9 per cent (37.0 per cent excluding non-recourse debt) compared to the Dec. 31, 2005 ratio of 43.9 per cent and Dec. 31, 2004 ratio of 46.4 per cent.  Cash flow to interest increased to 5.5x compared to 4.7x in 2005 and 4.3x in 2004.  Cash flow to total debt increased to 26.2 per cent from 23.0 per cent in 2005 and 19.1 percent in 2004.

 

REPORTED EARNINGS

 

In 2006, reported earnings decreased to $44.9 million compared to $186.3 million in 2005 and $169.2 million in 2004 as shown below:

 

Net earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004

 

$

169.2

 

Increased Generation gross margins

 

78.6

 

Higher CD&M gross margins

 

10.1

 

Increase in operations, maintenance and administration costs

 

(48.5

)

Increase in depreciation expense

 

(10.4

)

Increase in asset impairment charges

 

(36.2

)

Decrease in net interest expense

 

18.8

 

Decrease in equity loss

 

7.6

 

Decrease in non-controlling interests

 

27.5

 

Decrease in income tax expense

 

7.0

 

Increase in earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2.4

 

Gain on sale of Meridian cogeneration facility (2004)

 

(17.7

)

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units (2004)

 

(44.8

)

Prior period regulatory decision (2004)

 

22.9

 

Other

 

(0.2

)

Net earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

186.3

 

Increased Generation gross margins before writedown of coal inventory

 

85.0

 

Higher CD&M gross margins

 

8.8

 

Decrease in operations, maintenance and administration costs

 

14.7

 

Increase in depreciation expense

 

(42.4

)

Writedown of coal inventory to lower of cost and market (2006)

 

(44.4

)

Centralia mine closure charges (2006)

 

(191.9

)

Increase in asset impairment charges

 

(93.8

)

Decrease in net interest expense

 

20.1

 

Increase in equity loss

 

(16.1

)

Increase in non-controlling interests

 

(33.0

)

Decrease in income tax expense

 

165.4

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (2005)

 

(12.0

)

Other

 

(1.8

)

Net earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

44.9

 

 

 

33



 

In 2006, our gross margins before the Centralia Coal inventory write-down were $93.8 million higher than in 2005 due to incremental production from Genesee 3, favourable spark spreads and production at Poplar Creek, higher pricing and lower unplanned outages at Alberta Thermal, higher contract pricing and mark-to-market gains at Centralia, increased gross margins at Sarnia, and higher trading margins. These increases were partially offset by higher unplanned outages and derates at Centralia Coal, higher coal costs and lower hydro production.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, our gross margins were $88.7 million higher than in 2004 due to the addition of Genesee 3, higher hydro production, higher prices at Centralia Coal and Alberta Thermal, higher contract prices at some of our gas plants, and higher trading margins.  These increases were offset by increased coal costs, increased net penalties at Alberta Thermal as a result of our planned maintenance activities, and the decommissioning of units one and two of the Wabamun plant.

 

In 2006, OM&A costs decreased $14.7 million from 2005 due to lower planned maintenance and general cost reductions. OM&A costs increased $48.5 million in 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 due to the addition of Genesee 3, materials cost escalations, increased incentive compensation costs and increased labour costs.  These increases were partially offset by lower planned maintenance expenses.

 

In 2006, depreciation and amortization increased $42.4 million due to the impairment of turbines held in inventory, revised depreciation rates at the Ottawa, Mississauga, Windsor-Essex, Fort Saskatchewan, and Meridian plants, and the impact of revised ARO estimates at Alberta Thermal. Depreciation and amortization increased by $10.4 million in 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 primarily due to the addition of Genesee 3.

 

Interest expense decreased $20.1 million compared to 2005 due to lower debt levels, unwinding of cross currency swaps, favourable foreign exchange rates and the settlement of net investment hedges, partially offset by higher floating interest rates.  Interest expense declined in 2005 by $18.8 million compared to 2004 due to reduced debt levels.

 

In 2006, non-controlling interests increased $33.0 million compared to 2005 due to the impairment charge attributable to TransAlta Power, L.P.’s (TA Power) interest in the Ottawa plant in 2005 as discussed in Significant Events in this MD&A. Excluding this impairment charge, non-controlling interests decreased $3.2 million.

 

Non-controlling interests decreased by $27.5 million in 2005 as a result of the impairment of the Ottawa facility.  Excluding this amount, non-controlling interests increased $8.7 million in 2005 compared to 2004 as we disposed of our remaining interest in TA Power in 2004.

 

As a result of the decision to stop mining at the Centralia Coal mine, we wrote down the remaining internally produced coal inventory held at Centralia to fair market value and recognized various closure-related charges which are discussed in more detail in the Significant Events section of this MD&A.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded an impairment charge for the Centralia Gas plant as the full book value of this plant was unlikely to be recovered from future cash flows. In 2005, the value of the Ottawa plant in TransAlta Cogeneration, L.P. (TA Cogen) was written down to its fair value. The charge for the Ottawa impairment in 2005 was offset by a reduction in earnings attributable to non-controlling interests.

 

 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

 

Our consolidated financial results include the following significant events.

 

2006

 

Centralia Coal Mine

 

On Nov. 27, 2006, we stopped mining at our Centralia Coal mine as a result of increased costs and unfavourable geological conditions. Inventory extracted up to the date on which we ceased operations will be consumed throughout 2007.  Coal requirements for the foreseeable future are expected to be sourced from coal imported from the Powder River Basin (PRB).  In 2007, we will reduce production at the plant by 2,500 gigawatt hours (GWh) until the necessary equipment modifications can be made to burn the higher thermal content PRB coal. The modifications to the equipment at Centralia Coal are anticipated to be completed after the 2008 maintenance turnaround currently scheduled for the second quarter of 2008.

 

We incurred an after-tax charge of $153.6 million ($0.76 per share) due to asset and inventory writedowns, reclamation liabilities, severance costs and other charges.

 

As required by GAAP, the restructuring charges appear on their appropriate lines on the statements of earnings but have been summarized in the following table and are described below:

 

Writedown of coal inventory

 

$

44.4

 

Impact on gross margin

 

(44.4

)

Mine closure charges

 

 

 

Mine equipment and infrastructure writedown

 

72.1

 

ARO writedown

 

81.3

 

Severance costs and other

 

38.5

 

Total mine closure charges

 

191.9

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(236.3

)

Income tax recovery

 

82.7

 

Net loss impact of event

 

$

(153.6

)

 

34



 

Write-down of coal inventory

 

Since all coal requirements are now being sourced from an external source, the existing internally produced coal inventory was written down to fair market value, which is the current PRB cost.

 

Mine equipment and infrastructure writedown

 

Mine equipment used in the mine was valued at the lower of current net book value and fair value. The majority of this equipment is anticipated to be sold in 2007. Mining infrastructure, which includes processing facilities, was also written down to its expected fair values.

 

ARO write-down

 

The unamortized cost of future reclamation expenses was recognized immediately.

 

Severance costs and other

 

This includes salaries payable to employees, estimated benefit obligations, other transition payments as a result of the closure, amounts accrued for estimated contract termination penalties, writedown of materials, and supplies and other immaterial amounts.

 

Further, since Centralia Coal will not be operating at full capacity in 2007 and 2008, certain contracts are no longer backed by physical production of the plant and therefore no longer qualify for hedge accounting. Therefore, under GAAP, we recognized mark-to-market gains on these contracts. As well, we have entered into additional contracts to offset some of this exposure recorded at fair market value. As a result, on a net basis, based on current forward price estimates, we have recorded mark-to-market gains of $35.5 million in 2006. These mark-to-market adjustments, which are not included in the table above have no cash impact on the 2006 financial statements but the fair market value will continue to change as market prices change until settlement occurs in future periods.

 

Centralia Gas Impairment

 

During our annual impairment review, we concluded that the full book value of our Centralia Gas facility was unlikely to be recovered from future cash flows due to changes in TransAlta’s outlook for the plant’s profitability based on market dispatch rates and trading values. As a result, we recorded a $84.4 million after-tax ($0.42 per share) impairment charge to write the plant down to fair value.

 

Notice of Preferred Securities Redemption

 

On Nov. 22, 2006, we announced our intention to redeem all of our 7.75 per cent Preferred Securities which had an aggregate principal of $175.0 million.  We redeemed these securities on Jan. 2, 2007.

 

Designation of Eligible Dividends

 

Under the legislation proposed by the Department of Finance, Canadian residents are entitled to a higher gross-up and dividend tax credit in 2006 and subsequent years if they receive eligible dividends. The dividends paid by us during 2006 are eligible dividends as defined in the draft legislation. The dividends expected to be paid in the 2007 are also expected to be eligible.

 

Amendment to Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase (DRASP) Plan

 

On Oct. 20, 2006, we announced that effective Jan. 1, 2007, the corporation will amend the DRASP plan. As a result, after Dec. 31, 2006, the five per cent discount on the price of shares purchased through the DRASP plan and issued from treasury will be suspended. After Dec. 31, 2006, shares purchased under the DRASP plan will be acquired in the open market at 100 per cent of the average purchase price of common shares acquired on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the investment dates. Shares issuable under the DRASP plan have not been registered under any U.S. Federal or State Securities laws and U.S. persons or residents are not eligible to participate in the DRASP plan.

 

Wabamun Outage

 

In 2005, an oil spill at Lake Wabamun, Alberta forced us to shut down unit four of our Wabamun coal-fired plant for 39 days.  In the fourth quarter of 2006, we settled a portion of our outstanding claim for lost margin and incremental expenses. The terms of the settlement are subject to a confidentiality agreement. The settlement is included in merchant revenues.

 

Sarnia Power Plant

 

On Feb. 15, 2006, we signed a five-year contract with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for our Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Power Plant to supply an average of 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the Ontario electricity market.  The contract was effective Jan. 1, 2006.

 

Centralia Coal Reduced Production and Economic Dispatch

 

Due to heavy rainfall in the Pacific Northwest in the first quarter of 2006, we derated Centralia Coal and started rebuilding our coal inventory.  The impact of derating the plant during this time was partially offset by increasing coal imports and purchasing replacement power.  We experienced 875 GWh of lower production during the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period of 2005.

 

During the second quarter of 2006, lower market prices allowed us to purchase power at a price lower than our variable cost of production.  As a result, Centralia Coal did not operate for the majority of the second quarter.  We experienced 1,936 GWh of lower production during the second quarter compared to the same period of 2005.

 

In the third quarter of 2006, the 702 MW unit 2 experienced a turbine blade failure. As a result of the event, total production was reduced by 727 GWh. Also, in the third quarter of 2006, higher unplanned outages resulted in 232 GWh of lower production.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2006, 358 GWh of production at Centralia Coal was lost as a result of PRB coal test burns at the plant.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, as a result of the above-mentioned events, total production at Centralia was 4,128 GWh lower than 2005.

 

 

35



Purchase of Wailuku River Hydroelectric L.P.

 

On Feb. 17, 2006 we purchased a 50 per cent interest in Wailuku River Hydroelectric L.P. through Wailuku Holding Company, LLC (Wailuku) for cash of US$1.0 million (Cdn$1.2 million). Wailuku had debt of US$19.2 million (Cdn$22.3 million) at the time of acquisition. Refer to Note 20 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 for the purchase price allocation. Wailuku owns a run-of-river hydro facility with an operating capacity of 10 MW. MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (MidAmerican) owns the other 50 per cent interest in Wailuku.

 

Change in Depreciation Rate

 

In the first quarter of 2006, we changed the depreciation method of the Windsor-Essex, Mississauga, Ottawa, Meridian and Fort Saskatchewan plants. Previously, these plants were amortized on a unit of production method over the life of the plants. After reviewing the estimated useful life and considering the uncertainty for the plants’ operations beyond the terms of the current sales contracts, we determined that it was more reasonable to allocate the remaining net book value of the plants on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the respective contracts. This increase in depreciation is offset by a reduction in earnings attributable to the non-controlling interests in our consolidated statement of earnings.

 

Keephills 3 Project

 

On March 14, 2006, we signed a development agreement with EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) to jointly examine the development of the Keephills 3 power project, a proposed 450 MW supercritical coal-fired plant adjacent to our existing Keephills facility.

 

2006 Federal and Alberta Budgets

 

On May 24, 2006, the Alberta budget received Royal Assent. As a result, the general corporate income tax rate for Alberta was reduced from 11.5 per cent to 10 per cent effective April 1, 2006. The federal budget received Royal Assent on June 22, 2006. As a result, the general corporate federal tax rate will be reduced from 21 per cent to 19 per cent by Jan. 1, 2010. The corporate surtax has been eliminated for taxation years ended after Dec. 31, 2007 and the federal capital tax has been eliminated effective Jan. 1, 2006. The carry-forward period for non-capital losses and investment tax credits earned after 2005 has been extended from 10 to 20 years. As a result of these changes, in the second quarter the corporation reduced income tax expense by $55.3 million which reflected the impact of these changes on prior years’ earnings.

 

2005

 

Commissioning of Genesee 3

 

On March. 1, 2005, we, jointly with EPCOR, commissioned the third unit of the Genesee coal-fired facility. We own a 50 per cent interest in this unit.

 

Wabamun Outage

 

On Aug. 3, 2005, a CN Rail train derailment resulted in an oil spill in Lake Wabamun, Alberta. We were forced to shut down unit four of our Wabamun coal plant as a result. The facility was restored to full operations on Sept. 11, 2005.

 

Impairment of the Ottawa Facility

 

In the fourth quarter of 2005, after completing our impairment reviews, we concluded that the carrying value of the Ottawa cogeneration facility exceeded its fair value in the accounts of TA Cogen, a subsidiary of TransAlta Corporation. Consequently, TA Cogen recorded an impairment provision of $78.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. In the accounts of the corporation, however, the carrying value of the Ottawa facility is lower than that of TA Cogen. TA Cogen purchased this facility from the corporation at a price that was higher than the cost the corporation paid to construct it. We recognized a $36.2 million charge to reflect the difference in carrying values between the accounts of the corporation and those of TA Cogen. This charge was offset by a reduction in the earnings attributable to the non-controlling interests in our consolidated statement of earnings. The net result is that the impairment of the plant in the accounts of TA Cogen had no impact on the net earnings of corporation.

 

2004

 

Decommissioning of Wabamun Plant

 

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we implemented a phased decommissioning of the Wabamun facility by removing the 139 MW unit three from service in 2002 and decommissioned units one and two (62 MW and 57 MW, respectively) on Dec. 31, 2004. We plan to retire unit four (279 MW) in 2010 when its operating license expires. The PPA for the plant expired on Dec. 31, 2003 and all production is therefore sold on the spot market.

 

36



 

Sale of Meridian Cogeneration Facility

 

On Dec. 1, 2004, we completed the sale of our 50 per cent interest in the 220 MW Meridian cogeneration facility located in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, to TA Cogen for its fair value of $110.0 million. TA Cogen financed the acquisition through the use of $50.0 million of cash on hand, by issuance of $30.0 million of units to each of TA Power and TransAlta Energy Corporation (TEC) and the issue of an advance to TEC for $30.0 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $17.7 million (after-tax gain of $11.5 million) or $0.06 per common share.

 

Sale of TA Power Units

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2004, we recognized $44.8 million of dilution gains on the exercise of warrants and subsequent sale of units.

 

On Dec. 3, 2004, we sold our remaining 7.1 million units of TA Power at $9.00 each for net proceeds of $64.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $20.6 million (after-tax gain of $13.4 million) and including a dilution gain of $11.6 million. We purchased these units in connection with our sale of the Sheerness Generating Station to TA Cogen in 2003.

 

Summerview Wind Farm

 

In the third quarter of 2004, we commissioned the 68 MW Summerview wind farm.

 

Prior Period Regulatory Decision

 

In response to a complaint filed by San Diego Gas & Electric Company under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) established a claim of approximately US$46 million in refunds owing by TransAlta for sales made by it in the organized markets of the California Power Exchange (PX) and the California Independent System Operator (ISO) during the Oct. 2, 2000 through June 20, 2001 period (the Main Refund Transactions). TransAlta has provided US$46 million to account for refund liabilities relating to Main Refund Transactions.

 

TransAlta filed a cost of service based petition for relief from these refund obligations. FERC rejected TransAlta’s relief petition. On Dec. 1, 2006 TransAlta filed for rehearing of FERC’s rejection. FERC has not yet issued a decision on rehearing.

 

During settlement negotiations, the complaintants have sought to obtain refunds for two sets of transactions beyond the Main Refund Transactions. The first set includes sales made by sellers in the PX and ISO markets in the period May to Oct. 1, 2001 (The Summer Transactions). The other set includes bilateral transactions between all sellers and a component of the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) referred to as CERS (The CERS Transactions). FERC has specifically rejected attempts to introduce refunds for the Summer and CERS Transactions. Nonetheless, the California parties have sought rehearing of FERC’s refusal and appealed the refusal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. TransAlta does not presently believe the California parties will be successful in obtaining refunds alleged for the Summer and CERS transactions. TransAlta has not made any provision for such alleged refunds at this time.

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Keephills 3 Power Plant

 

On Feb. 14, 2007, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board approved the development of the 450 MW Keephills 3 coal-fired power plant. The plant will be developed jointly by EPCOR and TransAlta. On Feb. 26, 2007, TransAlta and EPCOR announced that we will proceed with building the Keephills 3 project. The capital cost of the project is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion.

 

Power Purchase Agreement with New Brunswick Power

 

On Jan. 19, 2007, we announced a 25-year long-term contract with New Brunswick Power Distribution and Customer Service Corporation to provide 75 MW of wind power. We will construct, own and operate a wind power facility in New Brunswick with an estimated capital cost of $130 million. Natural Forces Technologies Inc. is our co-developer on this project and commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of 2008.

 

SEGMENTED BUSINESS RESULTS

Generation: Owns and operates hydro, wind, geothermal, gas- and coal-fired plants and related mining operations in Canada, the United States and Australia. At Dec. 31, 2006, Generation had 8,366 MW of gross generating capacity in operation (7,962 MW net ownership interest) and 353 MW net under construction.

 

We have strategic alliances with EPCOR, ENMAX Corporation (ENMAX) and MidAmerican. The EPCOR alliance provided the opportunity for us to acquire a 50 per cent ownership in the 450 MW Genesee 3 project and for the current development underway for the Keephills 3 project. ENMAX and TransAlta each own 50 per cent of the partnership in the McBride Lake wind project. MidAmerican owns the other 50 per cent interest in CE Generation LLC (CE Gen) and Wailuku.

 

Our results are seasonal due to the nature of the electricity market and related fuel costs. Higher maintenance costs are ordinarily incurred in the second and third quarters when electricity prices are expected to be lower as electricity prices generally increase in the winter months in the Canadian market. Margins are also typically impacted in the second quarter due to the volume of hydro production resulting from spring runoff and rainfall in the Canadian and U.S. markets.

 

37



 

The results of the Generation segment were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005
(Restated, Note 1)

 

 

 

2004
(Restated, Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

 

 

MWh

 

 

 

MWh

 

 

 

MWh

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

Total

 

produced

 

Total

 

produced

 

Total

 

produced

 

Revenues

 

$

2,611.9

 

$

54.17

 

$

2,607.5

 

$

50.33

 

$

2,341.7

 

$

45.56

 

Fuel and purchased power

 

(1,186.2

)

(24.60

)

(1,222.4

)

(23.59

)

(1,035.2

)

(20.14

)

Gross margin

 

1,425.7

 

29.57

 

1,385.1

 

26.73

 

1,306.5

 

25.42

 

Operations, maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and administration

 

458.3

 

9.51

 

481.1

 

9.29

 

450.0

 

8.76

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

396.9

 

8.23

 

354.9

 

6.85

 

343.5

 

6.68

 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

21.1

 

0.44

 

21.3

 

0.41

 

20.5

 

0.40

 

Intersegment cost allocation

 

27.8

 

0.58

 

26.0

 

0.50

 

26.0

 

0.51

 

Operating expenses

 

904.1

 

18.75

 

883.3

 

17.05

 

840.0

 

16.34

 

Mine closure charges

 

191.9

 

3.98

 

 

 

 

 

Asset impairment charges

 

130.0

 

2.70

 

36.2

 

0.70

 

 

 

Gain on sale of Meridian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cogeneration facility

 

 

 

 

 

17.7

 

0.34

 

Gain on sale of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TransAlta Power partnership units

 

 

 

 

 

44.8

 

0.87

 

Operating income

 

$

199.7

 

$

4.14

 

$

465.6

 

$

8.99

 

$

529.0

 

$

10.29

 

Production (GWh)

 

48,213

 

 

 

51,810

 

 

 

51,396

 

 

 

Availability (%)

 

89.0

 

 

 

89.4

 

 

 

89.2

 

 

 

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, our availability was marginally lower at 89.0 per cent compared to 89.4 per cent in 2005 and 89.2 per cent recorded in 2004. In 2006, we experienced higher unplanned outages and derates at Centralia Coal which were mostly offset by lower planned outages at Poplar Creek, Alberta Thermal and Genesee 3 combined with lower planned and unplanned outages at Sarnia compared to 2005.

 

Generation’s revenues are derived from the production of electricity and steam as well as ancillary services such as system support. In 2006, gas- and coal-fired facilities had exposure to market fluctuations in energy commodity prices representing six per cent and 23 per cent of our total generating capacity, respectively. We closely monitor the risks associated with these commodity price changes on our future operations and, where appropriate, use various physical and financial instruments to hedge our assets and operations from such price risk. These contracts are designated as effective hedge positions of future cash flows or fair values of the output and production of our owned assets. Under Canadian GAAP, settlement accounting is used for transactions that qualify for hedge accounting. Under U.S. GAAP, hedging activities are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement 133.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, 95 per cent of our total production was subject to contracted prices (2005 – 91 per cent, 2004 – 89 per cent), with the remaining production subject to market pricing. Revenues received under contractual arrangements are not subject to short-term fluctuations in the spot price for electricity.

 

Generation segment revenues are generated from the following revenue streams:

 

Alberta PPAs are arrangements under which we earn monthly capacity revenues, which are designed to recover fixed costs and provide a return on capital for our plants and mines. We also earn energy payments for the recovery of predetermined variable costs of producing energy, an incentive/penalty for achieving above/below the targeted availability and an excess energy payment for power production above committed capacity. Our Sundance, Keephills, Sheerness and the contracted portion of the Alberta hydro assets are included in this category.

 

Long-term contracts are similar to PPAs. We define a long-term contract as having an original term between 10 and 25 years. Long-term contracts are typically for gas-fired cogeneration plants and have between one and four customers per plant. Revenues are derived from payments for capacity and/or the production of electrical energy and steam. The results from our Mississauga, Windsor-Essex, Wailuku, Ottawa, Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants as well as the contracted portions of Sarnia, Poplar Creek and TransAlta Wind are included in this category.

 

Merchant revenue is derived from the sale of production only, with multiple customers per plant. Production is sold via: medium-term contract sales (typically two to 10 years), short-term asset-backed trading, and spot or short-term (less than one year) forward markets. The results from Centralia Coal, Centralia Gas, Genesee 3, Wabamun Binghamton; excess energy sales from Sundance, Keephills, Hydro, Sheerness and the uncontracted portions of TransAlta Wind, Poplar Creek and Sarnia are included in this category.

 

38



 

CE Gen earns revenues from 10 geothermal plants and three gas-fired facilities. Eight of the geothermal plants sell their output under long-term contracts expiring between 2016 and 2035. One facility is partially contracted while the remaining facility sells its output on the spot market but has an option to sell output under a 35-year contract based on market prices. The gas-fired facilities sell their output under fixed-price contracts ranging from three to 18 years of remaining contract life, with expiration dates of 2009 and 2024. All three facilities have gas supply arrangements in place for the duration of the electricity sales contracts.

 

Our production volumes, electricity and steam production revenues and fuel and purchased power costs from these four sources are presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

 

 

Production

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

(GWh)

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

Alberta PPAs

 

25,343

 

$

736.8

 

$

228.0

 

$

508.8

 

$

29.07

 

$

9.00

 

$

20.07

 

Long-term contracts

 

6,908

 

635.4

 

357.8

 

277.6

 

91.98

 

51.80

 

40.18

 

Merchant

 

13,140

 

964.3

 

535.7

 

428.6

 

73.39

 

40.77

 

32.62

 

CE Gen

 

2,822

 

275.4

 

64.7

 

210.7

 

97.59

 

22.93

 

74.66

 

 

 

48,213

 

$

2,611.9

 

$

1,186.2

 

$

1,425.7

 

$

54.17

 

$

24.60

 

$

29.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Production

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(GWh)

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

Alberta PPAs

 

25,279

 

$

682.1

 

$

202.8

 

$

479.3

 

$

26.98

 

$

8.02

 

$

18.96

 

Long-term contracts

 

6,947

 

647.9

 

392.7

 

255.2

 

93.26

 

56.53

 

36.73

 

Merchant

 

16,630

 

983.2

 

554.6

 

428.6

 

59.12

 

33.35

 

25.77

 

CE Gen

 

2,954

 

294.3

 

72.3

 

222.0

 

99.63

 

24.48

 

75.15

 

 

 

51,810

 

$

2,607.5

 

$

1,222.4

 

$

1,385.1

 

$

50.33

 

$

23.59

 

$

26.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel &

 

 

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2004

 

Production

 

 

 

purchased

 

Gross

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(GWh)

 

Revenue

 

power

 

margin

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

per MWh

 

Alberta PPAs

 

25,836

 

$

679.2

 

$

187.3

 

$

491.9

 

$

26.29

 

$

7.25

 

$

19.04

 

Long-term contracts

 

7,183

 

581.9

 

341.9

 

240.0

 

81.01

 

47.60

 

33.41

 

Merchant

 

15,676

 

799.5

 

439.3

 

360.2

 

51.00

 

28.02

 

22.98

 

CE Gen

 

2,701

 

281.1

 

66.7

 

214.4

 

104.07

 

24.69

 

79.38

 

 

 

51,396

 

$

2,341.7

 

$

1,035.2

 

$

1,306.5

 

$

45.56

 

$

20.14

 

$

25.42

 

 

Alberta PPAs

 

In 2006, production of 25,343 GWh from our PPA facilities was 64 GWh higher than 2005 due to lower planned and unplanned outages at Alberta Thermal partially offset by lower customer demand.

 

Production in 2005 of 25,279 GWh from our PPA facilities was 557 GWh lower than 2004 primarily due to higher planned outages and lower customer demand.

 

For 2006, revenues were $54.7 million ($2.09 per MWh) higher than in 2005 due to lower planned and unplanned outages and higher net prices.

 

Revenues for 2005 were essentially flat compared to 2004 as the impact of higher prices was offset by the net penalties paid during both planned and unplanned outages.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, fuel costs increased $25.2 million ($0.98 per MWh) over 2005 due to an increase in coal costs as a result of higher overburden removal and increased input costs.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, fuel costs increased $15.5 million ($0.77 per MWh) over 2004 due to increased coal costs as a result of higher overburden removal and increased input costs.

 

Long-Term Contracts

 

In 2006, long-term contract volumes decreased 39 GWh from 2005 due to lower production at Ottawa primarily due to our decision to sell gas from that facility rather than produce electricity partially offset by increased production at other gas facilities.

 

Long-term contract volumes declined 236 GWh to 6,947 GWh in 2005 from 2004 due to higher planned outages and reduced customer demand at certain gas-fired facilities.

 

Revenues declined $12.5 million ($1.28 per MWh) in 2006 compared to 2005 due to the impact of lower natural gas prices on revenues charged to customers partially offset by incremental revenues from gas sales at Ottawa.

 

In 2005, our revenue increased $66.0 million ($12.25 per MWh) from 2004 due to the impact of higher natural gas prices on revenues charged to customers, increased thermal volumes at Sarnia and revised contract pricing at other gas plants.

 

39



 

Fuel and purchased power costs decreased by $34.9 million ($4.73 per MWh) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 due to lower natural gas prices partially offset by incremental gas purchases at Ottawa.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, fuel and purchased power costs increased $50.8 million ($8.93 per MWh) compared to 2004 primarily due to higher natural gas prices.

 

Merchant Production

 

In 2006, spot electricity prices were higher in Alberta but were lower in the Pacific Northwest and Ontario. Gas prices decreased in all three markets resulting in higher spark spreads in Alberta while spark spreads decreased in Ontario and the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

 

Alberta

 

Mid-C

 

Ontario

 

 

 

Electricity

 

Spark

 

Electricity

 

Spark

 

Electricity

 

Spark

 

 

 

price

 

spreads

 

price

 

spreads

 

price

 

spreads

 

2006

 

$

80.58

 

$

34.95

 

$

45.40

 

$

3.31

 

$

46.41

 

$

(7.93)

 

2005

 

70.01

 

8.91

 

58.52

 

6.82

 

68.40

 

(5.23)

 

2004

 

54.59

 

8.71

 

42.34

 

6.31

 

49.96

 

(5.39)

 

 

In 2006, merchant production decreased 3,490 GWh to 13,140 GWh due to reduced production at Centralia Coal and lower hydro production offset by increased production from Genesee 3, Centralia Gas, and Poplar Creek.

 

In 2005, merchant production increased 954 GWh to 16,630 GWh due to the commissioning of Genesee 3, increased hydro production, and lower planned outages at Alberta Thermal. These increases were partially offset by the lost production at Alberta Thermal due to the CN Rail train derailment, the decommissioning of units one and two of our Wabamun plant, and reduced production at Poplar Creek.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, gross margins were flat (increase of $6.85 per MWh) compared to 2005. Gross margin on a per MWh basis was higher in 2006 due to lower production, as mentioned above.

 

At Centralia Coal, margins decreased as a result of higher coal costs, writedown of coal inventory, higher unplanned outages and derates, and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar partially offset by higher contract pricing, unrealized mark-to-market gains on contracts that no longer qualify for hedge accounting, and benefits due to economic dispatch.

 

Merchant margins also decreased due to lower hydro production partially offset by incremental revenue from Sarnia, favourable spark spreads and higher production at Poplar Creek, and favourable production at Genesee 3.

 

Merchant gross margins in 2005 increased $68.4 million ($2.79 per MWh) from 2004 due to the addition of Genesee 3, reduced planned outages at Alberta Thermal, and increased production and pricing at Centralia Coal and hydro. These increases were offset by higher fuel costs at Centralia Coal, lost margin due to the CN Rail train derailment at Wabamun, and the decommissioning of units one and two of the Wabamun plant.

 

CE Gen

 

During 2006, production from CE Gen decreased 132 GWh to 2,822 GWh from 2005 due to higher planned outages at the Imperial Valley, Power Resources, and Yuma plants.

 

During 2005, production from CE Gen increased by 253 GWh to 2,954 GWh primarily due to increased production at the Imperial Valley and Saranac facilities due to lower planned outages.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, gross margin decreased $11.3 million ($0.49 per MWh) compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to reduced production and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar partially offset by increased pricing at the gas-fired facilities.

 

In 2005, gross margins increased $7.6 million ($4.23 per MWh) from 2004 due to higher volume partially offset by higher gas prices and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar.

 

OM&A Expense

 

In 2006, our OM&A expenses decreased $22.8 million ($0.22 per MWh increase) from 2005 due to lower planned outages and general cost reductions.

 

Our OM&A costs increased $31.1 million ($0.53 per MWh) in 2005 to $481.1 million ($9.29 per MWh) from 2004 due to the addition of Genesee 3, increased incentive compensation costs, and cost escalations related to materials.

 

Planned Maintenance

 

The table below shows the amount of planned maintenance capitalized and expensed, excluding CE Gen:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Capitalized

 

$

84.2

 

$

119.1

 

$

88.1

 

Expensed

 

55.4

 

68.3

 

73.0

 

 

 

$

139.6

 

$

187.4

 

$

161.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GWh lost

 

2,325

 

2,818

 

2,507

 

 

Production lost in the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 decreased by 493 GWh from 2005 due to reduced planned outages across the fleet. In 2005, production lost increased 311 GWh compared to 2004 due to the completion of four planned maintenance events at our gas units in the year.

 

40



 

During the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, capitalized and expensed maintenance costs were lower compared to the same period in 2005 due to the benefits from multi-year maintenance plans. The increase in capitalized maintenance of $31.0 million in 2005 from 2004 relates to the completion of four planned maintenance events at our gas units during that year.

 

Annually, we purchase long-lead materials for future years outages as lead times on these items can extend well beyond one year. In 2006, we spent $5.3 million on such items compared to $6.2 million in 2005 and $19.8 million in 2004. These items are not included in the chart on the previous page.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization increased $42.0 million in 2006 ($1.38 per MWh) compared to 2005 primarily due the change in depreciation rates at the Windsor, Mississauga, Ottawa, Meridian, and Fort Saskatchewan plants, revised ARO estimates at Alberta Thermal, and the impairment recorded on turbines held in inventory. The change in depreciation rates at the above-mentioned plants resulted in an increase in depreciation expense which was offset by a decrease in non-controlling interests.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by $11.4 million in 2005 due to the addition of Genesee 3 and equipment retired during planned outages.

 

Taxes Other than Income Taxes

 

In 2006, taxes other than income taxes were consistent with both 2005 and 2004.

 

Intersegment Cost Allocations

 

In 2006, intersegment cost allocations were consistent with both 2005 and 2004.

 

Corporate Development & Marketing: Derives revenue and earnings from the wholesale trading of electricity and other energy-related commodities and derivatives not supported by TransAlta owned generation assets. CD&M also utilizes contracts of various durations for the forward sales of electricity and purchases of natural gas, coal and transmission capacity to effectively manage available generating capacity and fuel and transmission needs on behalf of Generation. These results are included in the Generation segment. Key performance indicators for CD&M’s proprietary trading include margins and value at risk.

 

CD&M acts to maximize margins from the production and sale of electricity, minimize the cost of natural gas used to generate electricity and steam, and to reduce the risk to the corporation from unplanned outages by acquiring replacement power at the lowest possible price.

 

CD&M uses commodity derivatives to manage risk, earn trading revenue, and gain market information. The portfolio of derivatives consists of physical and financial instruments including forwards, swaps, futures, and options in various commodities. These contracts meet the definition of trading activities and have been accounted for using fair values for both Canadian and U.S. GAAP. Changes in the fair values of the portfolio are recognized in income in the period they occur.

 

In compliance with FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 03-11, Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments that are Subject to FASB Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and Not Held for Trading Purposes as defined in Issue No. 02-3, we have concluded that CD&M contracts settled in the real-time physical markets meet the definition of derivative contracts held for delivery and therefore revenues from these contracts are reported on a gross basis (trading revenues and trading purchases are shown separately) in the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

The results of the CD&M segment are as follows:

 

Years ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Revenues

 

$

184.6

 

$

231.0

 

$

244.5

 

Trading purchases

 

(118.9

)

(174.1

)

(197.7

)

Gross margin

 

65.7

 

56.9

 

46.8

 

Operations, maintenance and administration

 

36.9

 

38.5

 

31.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1.3

 

1.7

 

2.0

 

Intersegment cost allocations

 

(27.8

)

(26.0

)

(26.0

)

Operating expenses

 

10.4

 

14.2

 

7.3

 

Prior period regulatory decision

 

 

 

22.9

 

Operating income

 

$

55.3

 

$

42.7

 

$

16.6

 

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, gross margins increased $8.8 million compared to 2005 due to timing and management of positions in the western region partially offset by lower margins in the eastern region.

 

Gross margins increased $10.1 million in 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 primarily due to strong results from trading activities in the western region and gains on gas positions throughout the year.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, OM&A decreased $1.6 million compared to the same period in 2005 due to fewer projects resulting in lower consulting costs partially offset by increased trading staff levels.

 

In 2005, OM&A costs increased over the same period in 2004 due to higher incentive costs as a result of increased margins as well as project consulting expenses incurred during the year.

 

Depreciation and amortization in 2006 was relatively consistent with 2005 and 2004.

 

 

41



Value at risk (VAR) and Trading Positions

VAR is a measure to manage earnings exposure for CD&M activities.  VAR is the most commonly used metric employed to track the risk of trading positions.  A VAR measure gives, for a specific confidence level, an estimated maximum loss over a specified period of time.

 

VAR is the primary measure used to manage CD&M’s exposure to market risk resulting from trading activities.  VAR is monitored on a daily basis, and is used to determine the potential change in the value of the corporation’s marketing portfolio over a three-day period within a 95 per cent confidence level resulting from normal market fluctuations.  Stress tests are performed weekly on both earnings and VAR to measure the potential effects of various market events that could impact financial results, including fluctuations in market prices, volatilities of those prices, and the relationships between those prices.

 

We estimate VAR using the historical variance/covariance approach.  Currently, there is no uniform energy industry methodology for estimating VAR.  An inherent limitation of historical variance/covariance VAR is that historical information used in the estimate may not be indicative of future market risk.  See additional discussion under commodity price risk in the Risk Factors and Risk Management section.

 

TransAlta’s fixed price trading positions were as follows:

 

 

 

 

Natural

 

 

 

Electricity

 

gas

 

Units (thousands)

 

(MWh)

 

(GJ)

 

Fixed price payor, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2006

 

13,944

 

20,289

 

Fixed price payor, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2005

 

19,315

 

11,126

 

Fixed price receiver, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2006

 

21,536

 

26,231

 

Fixed price receiver, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2005

 

19,047

 

12,158

 

Maximum term in months, Dec. 31, 2006

 

33

 

16

 

Maximum term in months, Dec. 31, 2005

 

24

 

12

 

 

Proprietary trading encompasses a range of contractual terms spanning from short-term trading of one to 24 months to longer-term marketing transactions with potential terms greater than 24 months.  Changes in trading positions from Dec. 31, 2005 to Dec. 31, 2006 are due to changing market conditions and corresponding regional strategy positioning.

 

In accordance with EITF 02-03, Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities, physical transmission and physical gas in storage are accounted for using accrual accounting. At Dec. 31, 2006, TransAlta recorded prepaid transmission contract assets of $1.6 million compared to approximately $0.8 million at Dec. 31, 2005. The transmission contracts relate to the period from April 2006 to March 2007 and are amortized over this period. Physical transmission is widely used in the California market with a maximum contract term of 12 months. At Dec. 31, 2006, physical gas in storage was recorded at $4.8 million (2005 - $5.2 million). Forward power and gas transactions utilizing physical transmission and gas in storage are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. While the physical and forward positions economically offset, some unrealized earnings exposure may result in the interim period prior to settlement.

 

In response to a complaint filed by San Diego Gas & Electric Company under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA),  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) established a claim of approximately US$46 million in refunds owing by TransAlta for sales made by it in the organized markets of the California Power Exchange (PX) and the California Independent System Operator (ISO) during the Oct. 2, 2000 through June 20, 2001 period (the Main Refund Transactions).  TransAlta has provided US$46 million to account for refund liabilities relating to Main Refund Transactions.

TransAlta filed a cost of service based petition for relief from these refund obligations. FERC rejected TransAlta’s relief petition. On Dec. 1, 2006 TransAlta filed for rehearing of FERC’s rejection. FERC has not yet issued a decision on rehearing.

During settlement negotiations, the complaintants have sought to obtain refunds for two sets of transactions beyond the Main Refund Transactions.  The first set includes sales made by sellers in the PX and ISO markets in the period May to Oct. 1, 2001 (The Summer Transactions).  The other set includes bilateral transactions between all sellers and a component of the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) referred to as CERS (The CERS Transactions).  FERC has specifically rejected attempts to introduce refunds for the Summer and CERS Transactions.  Nonetheless, the California parties have sought rehearing of FERC’s refusal and appealed the refusal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  TransAlta does not presently believe the California parties will be successful in obtaining refunds alleged for the Summer and CERS transactions.  TransAlta has not made any provision for such alleged refunds at this time.

 

NET INTEREST EXPENSE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Interest on long-term debt

 

$

155.5

 

$

169.3

 

$

181.4

 

Interest on short-term debt

 

12.7

 

14.9

 

11.4

 

Interest on preferred securities

 

13.6

 

16.5

 

44.5

 

Interest income

 

(13.3

)

(8.7

)

(9.9

)

Capitalized interest

 

 

(3.4

)

(20.0

)

Net interest expense

 

$

168.5

 

$

188.6

 

$

207.4

 

 

 

 

42



 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, net interest expense was $20.1 million lower than the comparable period in 2005 due to lower debt levels, higher cash deposits, the impact of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, the settlement of net investment hedges partially offset by lower capitalized interest and higher interest rates.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, net interest expense was $18.8 million lower than the same period in 2004 as we redeemed $300.0 million of our preferred securities and replaced them with lower interest rate borrowings.  In addition, we reduced overall net debt positions further reducing our interest costs.  Capitalized interest declined as a result of the commissioning of Genesee 3 in March 2005.

 

 

EQUITY LOSS

 

As required under Accounting Guideline 15, Variable Interest Accounting, of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) our Mexican operations are accounted for as equity subsidiaries. However, these plants are owned and managed as part of the Generation segment. The table below summarizes availability, production, and equity loss from these operations.

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Availability (%)

 

90.8

 

93.4

 

88.2

 

Production (GWh)

 

2,918

 

2,751

 

3,164

 

Equity loss

 

$

(17.0

)

$

(0.9

)

$

(8.5

)

 

Availability decreased for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 as a result of higher planned outages at the Chihuahua plant.  In 2005, availability increased compared to the same period in 2004 due to lower unplanned outages at the Chihuahua facility.

 

In 2006, production increased 167 GWh compared to 2005 due to increased customer demand, partially offset by higher planned and unplanned outages. In 2005, production decreased 413 GWh compared to 2004 due to lower customer demand.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, equity loss increased $16.1 million compared to 2005 due to recognition of the deferred financing fees resulting from the repayment of non-recourse debt and settlement of interest rate swaps by our equity investees.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, equity loss declined from $8.5 million in 2004 to $0.9 million in 2005 as a result of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, partially offset by the benefit of higher availability.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

 

$

(80.9

)

$

213.9

 

$

206.2

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal inventory writedown

 

44.4

 

 

 

Mine closure charges

 

191.9

 

 

 

Asset impairment charges

 

130.0

 

 

 

Turbine impairment

 

9.6

 

 

 

Prior period regulatory decision

 

 

 

22.9

 

Total adjustments

 

375.9

 

 

22.9

 

Earnings before income taxes and adjustments1

 

$

295.0

 

$

213.9

 

$

229.1

 

Income tax expense

 

61.2

 

52.6

 

69.2

 

Resolution of uncertain tax positions

 

 

(13.0

)

(6.8

)

Income tax recovery on adjustments

 

(131.7

)

 

(8.0

)

Change in tax rate related to prior periods

 

(55.3

)

 

(7.8

)

Income tax (recovery) expense per financial statements

 

$

(125.8

)

$

39.6

 

$

46.6

 

Effective tax rate (%)

 

20.7

 

24.6

 

30.2

 

1  Earnings before income taxes and adjustments is not defined under GAAP. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 61 of this MD&A for a further discussion.

 

Tax expense decreased $165.4 million in the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 due to the reduction in the Canadian corporate tax rate, a change in the mix of jurisdictions in which pre-tax income is earned, and a reduction in pre-tax earnings as a result of impairment and mine closure charges.

 

Income tax expense for 2005 was $7.0 million lower than the comparable period in 2004 due to the inclusion of $13.0 million in income tax recovery related to a favorable settlement of outstanding disputes with income tax authorities in 2005.  In 2004 a $6.8 million tax settlement at our New Zealand operations was also included in income.

 

Adjusting for these above-mentioned items, our effective income tax rate was 20.7 per cent for 2006, compared to 24.6 per cent in 2005 and 30.2 per cent in 2004.

 

 

43



 

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Non-controlling interests

 

$

51.5

 

$

18.5

 

$

46.0

 

 

In 2006, non-controlling interests increased $33.0 million from the same period in 2005. Excluding the impairment charge recorded in 2005, non-controlling interests decreased $3.2 million compared to the same period in 2005 due to higher earnings at TA Cogen in 2005.  Non-controlling interests for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, was $27.5 million lower than for the same period in 2004 due to the impairment of the Ottawa facility mentioned above.  Adjusting for this amount, non-controlling interests increased $8.7 million from 2004 due to the reduction in our ownership in TA Power and in the Meridian cogeneration facility.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The following chart outlines significant changes in the consolidated balance sheets between Dec. 31, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2005:

 

 

Increase/

 

 

 

 

(Decrease)

 

Explanation

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(13.7

)

Refer to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

24.9

 

Timing of collections in Generation

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

29.9

 

Higher inventory balances at Centralia Coal

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

341.5

 

Investment in Notes held in trust

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

(259.8

)

Reduction in investments due to increase in external debt by equity investee

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term receivables

 

32.2

 

Revised ARO estimate

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

(509.6

)

Reclassification of Centralia Coal mine assets to Assets held for sale, impairment of Centralia Gas assets, increased depreciation, and impact of strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, partially offset by capital additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets held for sale, net

 

109.8

 

Centralia Coal mine assets

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

(51.6

)

Normal amortization and strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net price risk management assets

 

40.9

 

Change in mark-to-market values

(including current portion)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets (including current portion)

 

(63.0

)

Realized gain on settlement of net investment hedges and mark-to-market changes on hedging derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

 

348.8

 

Net increase in short-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable
and accrued liabilities

 

(148.4

)

Timing of major maintenance activities offset by increased CD&M activities

 

 

 

 

 

Recourse long-term debt
(including current portion)

 

(354.7

)

Debt repayments and stronger Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar

 

 

 

 

 

Non-recourse long-term debt

 

(29.5

)

Scheduled debt repayments

(including current portion)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other long-term

 

108.1

 

Revised ARO estimates and Centralia mine closure charges

liabilities (including current portion)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net future income tax liabilities

 

(161.6

)

Reduction in tax rates and net losses from the period

(including current portions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

 

(23.6

)

Distributions in excess of earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

(69.1

)

Net earnings for the period and dividends offset by dividend reinvestment  program and share issuances

 

 

 

 

 

44



 

PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT

 

Our price risk management assets and liabilities represent the value of unsettled (unrealized) proprietary trading transactions and certain asset-backed trading transactions accounted for on a fair value basis.  With the exception of transmission contracts, the fair value of all energy trading activities is based on quoted market prices.  The fair value of financial transmission contracts is based upon statistical analysis of historical data.  All transmission contracts are accounted for in accordance with EITF 02-03. The following tables show the balance sheet classifications for price risk management assets and liabilities as well as the changes in the fair value of the net price risk management assets for the period:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Price risk management assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

61.0

 

$

63.8

 

Long-term

 

21.9

 

13.8

 

Price risk management liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(30.3

)

(58.3

)

Long-term

 

(1.0

)

(8.6

)

Net price risk management assets outstanding

 

$

51.6

 

$

10.7

 

 

 

 

Mark-to-

 

Mark-to-

 

 

 

 

 

market

 

model

 

Total

 

Change in fair value of net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net price risk management assets outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

7.4

 

$

3.3

 

$

10.7

 

Contracts realized, amortized, or settled during the period

 

(3.8

)

(4.8

)

(8.6

)

Changes in values attributable to market price and other market changes

 

(6.0

)

0.3

 

(5.7

)

New contracts entered into during the current calendar year

 

10.4

 

0.1

 

10.5

 

Changes in values attributable to discontinued hedge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

treatment of certain contracts

 

44.7

 

 

44.7

 

Net price risk management assets outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

52.7

 

$

(1.1

)

$

51.6

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, our net price risk management assets and liabilities increased $40.9 million compared to Dec. 31, 2005 primarily due to certain contracts at Centralia Coal no longer receiving hedge accounting treatment.

 

The anticipated timing of settlement of the above contracts over each of the next five calendar years and thereafter is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

and thereafter

 

Total

 

Prices actively quoted

 

$

32.9

 

$

17.2

 

$

1.7

 

$

0.9

 

$

 –

 

$

52.7

 

Prices based on models

 

(2.2

)

1.1

 

 

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

$

30.7

 

$

18.3

 

$

1.7

 

$

0.9

 

$

 –

 

$

51.6

 

 

45



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The following chart outlines significant changes in the consolidated statements of cash flows between Dec. 31, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2005:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

Explanation

Cash and cash equivalents,

 

$

79.3

 

$

101.2

 

 

beginning of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

489.6

 

619.8

 

Increased cash earnings more than offset by timing of collections from customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

(261.3

)

(242.5

)

Capital expenditures of $223.7 million and increase in restricted cash of $333.1 million, partially offset by decrease in equity investments of $226.4 million, realized gains on net investment hedges of $53.9 million and proceeds on sale of assets of $29.4 million.

 

In 2005, cash outflows were primarily due to additions to property, plant and equipment of $325.9 million, partially offset by realized foreign exchange gains on net investments of $89.8 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

(243.2

)

(396.3

)

Cash used in financing activities increased due to repayment of long-term debt of $396.7 million, distributions to the subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests of $74.4 million, dividend payments of $133.9 million and offset by an increase in short-term debt of $348.1 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2005, cash outflows were due to the redemption of preferred securities of $300.0 million, dividends on common shares of $99.2 million, distribution to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests of $77.5 million, repayment of long-term debt of $139.3 million and repayment of short-term debt of $23.6 million, partially offset by the issuance of long-term debt of $200.0 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation of foreign currency cash

 

1.2

 

(2.9

)

 

Cash and cash equivalents,

 

$

65.6

 

$

79.3

 

 

end of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following chart outlines significant changes in the consolidated statements of cash flows between Dec. 31, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2004:

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2005

 

2004

 

Explanation

Cash and cash equivalents,

 

$

101.2

 

$

123.8

 

 

beginning of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

619.8

 

591.2

 

Increased cash earnings offset by higher working capital requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

(242.5

)

(57.4

)

In 2005, capital expenditures of $325.9 million were offset by realized gains on net investment hedges of $89.8 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2004, cash outflows were primarily due to additions to property, plant and equipment of $345.7 million, partially offset by proceeds on the sale of TA Power partnership units of $116.5 million, long-term receivables of $90.8 million and realized foreign exchange gains on net investments of $47.8 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

(396.3

)

(549.3

)

In 2005, cash outflows were due to the redemption of preferred securities of $300.0 million, dividends on common shares of $99.2 million, distribution to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests of $77.5 million, repayment of long-term debt of $139.3 million and repayment of short-term debt of $23.6 million, partially offset by the issuance of long-term debt of $200.0 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2004, cash outflows were due to the net repayment of debt of $367.4 million, dividends on common shares of $135.4 million, and distributions to subsidiaries’ non-controlling limited partner of $48.4 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation of foreign currency cash

 

(2.9

)

(7.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents,

 

$

79.3

 

$

101.2

 

 

end of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At the corporate level, we raise substantially all capital to be invested in the various business units and affiliated or subsidiary companies from external markets.  This strategy allows us to gain access to sufficient capital at the lowest overall cost. Historically, external financing has been obtained from borrowings under credit facilities, proceeds from the disposal of non-core assets and the issuance of debt, preferred securities and equity.  Internally, capital is raised through cash flow from operations.

 

TransAlta’s dividends per common share were $1.00 in 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

TransAlta raises capital in the Canadian and U.S. markets.  TransAlta has the following financing arrangements in place:

                  USD$1.0 billion shelf registration program; no amount has been issued since its renewal in July 2004. This program was renewed in October 2006 and is valid until November 2008;

                  $1.0 billion medium-term note program; $200.0 million was drawn under this program in December 2005.  This program remains valid until December 2007;

                  A $200.0 million commercial paper program of which $200.0 million was issued at Dec. 31, 2006;

                  $1.5 billion committed syndicated bank credit facility, with $556.4 million utilized at Dec. 31, 2006.  The facility was renewed in May 2006 and expires in June 2011; and

                  $335.0 million of additional bank credit facilities, with $239.2 million utilized at Dec. 31, 2006.  All of these bank credit facilities are non-committed.

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had approximately $840 million of credit available from its committed and uncommitted credit facilities.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, TransAlta had a working capital ratio of 0.64 compared to 0.73 at Dec. 31, 2005.  This decrease in working capital ratio is attributable to an increase in current liabilities as a result of the reclassification of $175.0 million preferred securities to current liabilities which were redeemed in January 2007, offset by an increase in accounts receivable.

 

TransAlta expects to have sufficient sources of internal and external capital to finance operations and growth.

 

Long-term funding is provided through the maintenance of investment grade credit ratings and a carefully managed capital structure, which together creates a strong balance sheet and ready access to capital markets at competitive rates.  Our objective is to manage the maturities of the various securities on issue so that no more than 15 per cent of the total outstanding securities mature in any one year.  Our target is to maintain a capital structure and coverage ratios consistent with investment grade credit ratings.  Our capital structure consisted of the following components at Dec. 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Debt, net of cash, restricted cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and interest-earning investments

 

$

2,169.3

 

41%

 

$

2,532.5

 

44%

 

$

2,525.5

 

42%

 

Preferred securities,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

including current portion

 

175.0

 

3%

 

175.0

 

3%

 

475.0

 

8%

 

Non-controlling interests

 

535.0

 

10%

 

558.6

 

10%

 

616.4

 

10%

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

2,427.9

 

46%

 

2,497.0

 

43%

 

2,436.4

 

40%

 

 

 

$

5,307.2

 

100%

 

$

5,763.1

 

100%

 

$

6,053.3

 

100%

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, our total debt (including non-recourse debt) to invested capital ratio was 40.9 per cent (37.0 per cent excluding non-recourse debt) compared to the Dec. 31, 2005 ratio of 43.9 per cent (including non-recourse debt) (40.2 per cent excluding non-recourse debt).

 

Additional key financial ratios were as follows:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Cash flow to interest1 (x)

 

5.5

 

4.7

 

4.3

 

Cash flow to total debt2 (%)

 

26.2

 

23.0

 

19.1

 

1     Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital plus net interest expense divided by interest on recourse and non-recourse debt less interest income.

2     Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital divided by two-year average of total debt.

 

 

47



 

Contractual repayments of long-term debt, commitments under operating leases, fixed price purchase contracts and commitments under mining agreements are as follows:

 

 

 

Fixed price

 

 

 

Coal supply

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gas purchase

 

Operating

 

and mining

 

Long-term

 

 

 

 

 

contracts

 

leases

 

agreements

 

debt

 

Total

 

2007

 

$

52.2

 

$

14.8

 

$

183.6

 

$

424.7

 

$

675.3

 

2008

 

54.0

 

11.1

 

169.4

 

157.1

 

391.6

 

2009

 

31.0

 

9.9

 

64.4

 

241.3

 

346.6

 

2010

 

8.2

 

9.1

 

20.9

 

33.0

 

71.2

 

2011

 

8.2

 

9.2

 

20.4

 

251.9

 

289.7

 

2012 and thereafter

 

55.0

 

79.3

 

271.6

 

1,287.8

 

1,693.7

 

Total

 

$

208.6

 

$

133.4

 

$

730.3

 

$

2,395.8

 

$

3,468.1

 

 

Centralia Coal has various coal supply and associated rail transport contracts to provide PRB coal for the use in production. At Alberta Thermal, our mines are operated by a third party who is paid a fixed amount to provide a budgeted supply of coal. Both of these amounts are included under coal supply and mining agreements.

 

In addition, we have entered into a number of long-term power sales and gas purchase and transportation agreements in the normal course of operations as hedges of our operations.

 

In the normal course of operations, TransAlta, and certain of our subsidiaries, enter into agreements to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties such as guarantees, letters of credit and surety bonds. These agreements are entered into to support or enhance creditworthiness in order to facilitate the extension of sufficient credit for CD&M trading activities, treasury hedging, Generation construction projects, equipment purchases, and mine reclamation obligations.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had letters of credit outstanding of $234.0 million and USD$344.9 million.  These letters of credit were issued to counterparties that have credit exposure to the corporation or certain subsidiaries.  If the corporation or a subsidiary does not meet the obligations under the contract, the counterparty may present its claim for payment to the financial institution, which in turn will request payment from the corporation.   Any amounts owed by the corporation’s subsidiaries are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.  All letters of credit expire in 2007 and are expected to be renewed, as needed, in normal course of business.

The corporation has arranged for the issuance of a surety bond in the amount of USD$192.0 million (2005 - USD$192.0 million) in support of future mine reclamation obligations at the Centralia mine.  A provision for retirement obligations is included in deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17).

We have provided guarantees of subsidiaries’ obligations under contracts that facilitate physical and financial transactions in various derivatives.  To the extent liabilities related to these guaranteed contracts exist for trading activities, they are included in the consolidated balance sheet.  To the extent liabilities exist related to these guaranteed contracts for hedges, they are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets.  The guarantees provided for under all contracts facilitating physical and financial transactions in various derivatives at Dec. 31, 2006 totaled $1.9 billion.  In addition, the corporation has a number of unlimited guarantees of subsidiaries’ obligations.  The fair value of the trading and hedging positions under contracts where TransAlta has a net liability at Dec. 31, 2006, under the limited and unlimited guarantees, was $285.3 million compared to $559.6 million at Dec. 31, 2005.

 

TransAlta has also provided guarantees of subsidiaries’ obligations to perform and make payments under various other contracts.  The amount guaranteed under these contracts at Dec. 31, 2006 was $788.3 million, as compared to $645.3 million at Dec. 31, 2005.  To the extent actual obligations exist under the performance guarantees at Dec. 31, 2006, they are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

 

The corporation has approximately $840 million of undrawn collateral available to secure these exposures.

 

A subsidiary of the corporation has entered into a credit derivative agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, upon any specified credit event by the corporation or any named subsidiary, the counterparty would have the right to deliver senior debt of the corporation or any named subsidiary in return for payment. The debt obligations referenced by this agreement have been included in the consolidated balance sheet and also include USD$295 million of loans made to subsidiaries of the corporation.

 

On Feb. 27, 2007, we had approximately 202.6 million common shares outstanding, plus outstanding employee stock options to purchase 2.2 million shares.

 

48



 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Disclosure is required of all off-balance sheet arrangements such as transactions, agreements or contractual arrangements with unconsolidated entities, structured finance entities, special purpose entities or variable interest entities that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity or the availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.  We have no such off-balance sheet arrangements.

Under Canadian GAAP, most derivatives used in hedging relationships are not recorded on the balance sheet (Note 1(O) to the consolidated financial statements.)  Gains or losses during the term of the hedge are deferred and recognized in earnings in the same period and financial statement caption as the hedged exposure (settlement accounting).  The fair values of these derivatives are disclosed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.  We also enter into long-term electricity purchase and sale, gas purchase and transportation agreements in the normal course of operations.  These contracts are not recorded on the balance sheet under Canadian GAAP.  Under U.S. GAAP, some of these contracts meet the definition of a derivative, and would require mark-to-market accounting, but are eligible for the normal purchase and sale exemption under FASB Statement 133.  This exemption is available as electricity cannot be stored in significant quantities, and is also available for physically settled commodity contracts if certain criteria are met.

 

Information regarding guarantees has been disclosed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In August 2006, TransAlta entered into an agreement with CE Gen, whereby TransAlta buys available power from certain CE Gen subsidiaries at a fixed price.  In addition, CE Gen has entered into contracts with related parties to provide administrative and maintenance services.

On March 8, 2006, TA Cogen entered into an agreement with TEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransAlta, whereby TEC provided a financial fixed-for-floating price swap to TA Cogen at market prices during planned maintenance at Sheerness in the second quarter of 2006.  The swap was settled in the second quarter of 2006 and did not have a material effect on the financial statements. TA Cogen is 50.01 per cent owned by TransAlta and TEC is 100 per cent owned by TransAlta.

 

On March 8, 2005, TA Cogen entered into an agreement with TEC whereby TEC provided a financial fixed-for-floating price swap to TA Cogen during planned maintenance at Sheerness in the second quarter of 2005. This transaction also did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

As discussed in Significant Events in this MD&A, on Dec. 1, 2004, we completed the sale of our 50 per cent interest in the 220 MW Meridian cogeneration facility located in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, to TA Cogen for fair value of $110.0 million.  TA Cogen financed the acquisition through the use of $50.0 million of cash on hand and by the issuance of $30.0 million of units to each of TA Power and TEC.  TA Cogen also issued an advance to TEC for $30.0 million.  We recorded a gain of $11.5 million after-tax or $0.06 per common share.

 

For the period November 2002 to November 2007, TA Cogen entered into a transportation swap transaction with TEC.  The business purpose of the transportation swap was to provide TA Cogen with the delivery of fixed price gas without being exposed to escalating costs of pipeline transportation for two of its plants over the period of the swap.  TransAlta entered into an offsetting contract with an external third party and therefore we have no risk other than counterparty risk.

 

TA Cogen entered into a fixed-for-floating gas swap transaction with TEC for a 61-month period starting Dec. 1, 2000.  The swap transaction provided TA Cogen with fixed price gas for both the Mississauga and Ottawa plants over the period.  The floating prices associated with the Mississauga and Ottawa plants’ long-term fuel supply agreements were transferred to TEC’s account.  The notional gas volume in the transaction was the total delivered fuel for both facilities.  As consideration and in negotiation, TA Cogen transferred the right to incremental revenues associated with curtailed electrical production and subsequent higher revenue gas sales.  At Dec. 31, 2005, the portion of the contract related to the non-controlling interests had a fair value liability of $1.6 million (2004 - $4.9 million). The contract expired on Dec. 31, 2005.

EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP

We employ a variety of stock-based compensation plans to align employee and corporate objectives.  At Dec. 31, 2006, 2.2 million options to purchase our common shares were outstanding, with 1.4 million exercisable at the reporting date.  At Dec. 31, 2005, 2.9 million options to purchase our common shares were outstanding, with 1.6 million exercisable at the reporting date.

 

Under the terms of the Performance Share Ownership Plan (PSOP), certain employees receive awards which, after three years, make them eligible to receive a set number of common shares or cash equivalent plus dividends thereon based upon the performance of the corporation relative to companies comprising the S&P/TSX Composite Index. After three years, once PSOP eligibility has been determined, 50 per cent of the common shares may be released to the participant, while the remaining 50 per cent will be held in trust for one additional year.  At Dec. 31, 2006, there were 1.2 million PSOP awards outstanding.

 

Under the terms of the Employee Share Purchase Plan, we extend an interest-free loan to our employees below executive level for up to 30 per cent of the employee’s base salary for the purchase of common shares of the corporation from the open market.  The loan is repaid over a three-year period by the employee through payroll deductions unless the shares are sold, at which point the loan becomes due on demand.  At Dec. 31, 2006, 0.6 million shares had been purchased by employees under this program.

 

49



 

EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

 

We have registered pension plans in Canada and the U.S. covering substantially all employees of the corporation, its domestic subsidiaries and specific named employees working internationally. These plans have defined benefit and defined contribution options. In Canada, there is a supplemental defined benefit plan for Canadian-based defined contribution members whose annual earnings exceed the Canadian income tax limit. The defined benefit option of the registered pension plan ceased for new employees on June 30, 1998. The latest actuarial valuations of the registered and supplemental pension plans were as at Dec. 31, 2006.

 

We provide other health and dental benefits to the age of 65 for both disabled members (other post-employment benefits) and retired members (other post-retirement benefits). The latest actuarial valuation of these other plans was as at Dec. 31, 2004.

 

The supplemental pension plan is an obligation of the corporation.  We are not obligated to fund the supplemental plan but are obligated to pay benefits under the terms of the plan as they come due.  We have posted a letter of credit in the amount of $45.3 million to secure the obligations under the supplemental plan.

 

2007 OUTLOOK

 

The following factors will be influenced by, but not limited to, certain risks and uncertainties.  For further discussion, see Risk Factors and Risk Management in this MD&A.

 

Production, Availability, and Capacity

 

Generating capacity is expected to increase slightly due to an uprate at our Sundance coal-fired facility.  Production is expected to increase due to lower planned outages and economic dispatch at Centralia Coal.

 

As future coal requirements for Centralia Coal for the foreseeable future are being fulfilled by coal imported from PRB, Centralia Coal is expected to be derated until the necessary equipment modifications can be made to burn the higher thermal content PRB coal. As a result, overall fleet availability is expected to be slightly lower compared to 2006.

 

 

Contracted Production

 

Exposure to volatility in electricity prices and spark spreads is substantially mitigated through firm-price, long-term electricity sales contracts, and hedging arrangements.  For 2007, approximately 93 per cent of expected output is contracted, of which a significant portion relates to the Alberta PPAs, which are based on achieving specified availability rates.  We continue to manage future price exposure as market liquidity exists.

 

Our existing production contracts have remaining terms ranging from one to 30 years with a weighted average remaining term of twelve years.

 

If certain plants do not meet the availability or production targets specified in the PPAs or other long-term contracts, then the corporation must either compensate the purchaser for the loss in the availability of production or suffer a reduction in electrical or capacity payments.  Consequently, an extended outage could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the corporation.

 

Production and gross margins from our merchant gas plants are subject to the changes in spark spreads discussed in the Power Prices section. TransAlta has not entered into fixed commodity agreements for gas for these merchant plants as gas will be purchased coincident in markets where spark spreads are adequate to profitably produce and sell electricity.

 

Power Prices

 

Despite year over year demand growth and marginal supply additions, electricity prices and spark spreads for 2007 are anticipated to be lower than those observed in 2006 due to weaker natural gas prices in all markets.

 

Exposure to volatility in electricity prices and spark spreads is substantially mitigated through firm-price, long-term electricity sales contracts, and hedging arrangements.

 

Fuel Costs

 

Mining coal is subject to cost increases due to increased overburden removal, inflation, and diesel commodity prices.  Seasonal variations in coal mining are minimized through the application of standard costing.  Due to the timing of capital expenditures and increased commodity costs, we expect coal costs at Alberta Thermal to be approximately $30 million higher in 2007 than those seen in 2006.  We expect coal costs at Centralia Coal to decrease due to increased blending of less expensive external coal and the writedown of internally produced inventory to market value.

 

Exposure on gas costs for facilities under long-term sales contracts are minimized to the extent possible through long-term gas purchase contracts or corresponding offsets within revenues.  Merchant gas facilities are exposed to the changes in spark spreads, as discussed in the Power Prices section.  We have not entered into fixed commodity agreements for gas for these merchant plants as gas will be purchased coincident with spot pricing.

 

50



 

Certain Centralia Contracts

 

In the fourth quarter of 2006, unrealized gains of $35.5 million were recorded due to discontinued hedge accounting on certain Centralia Coal contracts and on additional contracts at Centralia Coal. These gains were recognized based upon current forward prices. These market prices will change between now and the time at which these contracts settle. Repurchasing these contracts in the market will reduce the position and mark-to-market earnings fluctuations in future periods.  The cash flows from these contracts will be recognized in 2007 and beyond.

 

Operations, Maintenance and Administration Costs

 

OM&A costs per MWh of installed capacity fluctuate by quarter and are dependent on the timing and nature of maintenance activities.  OM&A costs per MWh of installed capacity are anticipated to be higher in 2007 than those seen in 2006 due to higher planned maintenance and reduced economic dispatch at Centralia Coal.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our capital expenditures are comprised of spending on sustaining our current operations and for growth activities.  The two components are described in greater detail below.

 

Sustaining Expenditures

 

Sustaining expenditures include planned maintenance, regular expenditures on plant equipment, systems and related infrastructures, as well as investments in our mines.  For 2007, our estimate for total sustaining expenditures, excluding Mexico and CE Gen, is between $320 million and $340 million, allocated among:

                  $100 - $110 million for routine capital,

                  $80 million for mining equipment,

                  $55 million for equipment modifications at Centralia Coal and

                  $85 - $95 million on planned maintenance as outlined in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

Gas and

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

 

hydro

 

Total

 

Capitalized

 

$

70–75

 

$

15–20

 

$

85–95

 

Expensed

 

65–70

 

0–5

 

65–75

 

 

 

$

135–145

 

$

15–25

 

$

150–170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GWh lost

 

2,000–2,050

 

125–150

 

2,125–2,200

 

 

In 2007, we expect to lose approximately 2,125 GWh to 2,200 GWh of production due to planned maintenance. During 2007, we have no major planned maintenance activities in Mexico.

 

Growth Expenditures

 

For 2007, our growth expenditures are estimated to be between $255 million and $265 million on expenses related to the Sundance 4 uprate and the development projects at Keephills 3 and in New Brunswick. Financing for these expenditures is expected to be provided by cash flow from operating activities and existing borrowing capacity.

 

Exposure to Fluctuations in Foreign Currencies

 

Our strategy is to minimize the impact of fluctuations in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar by offsetting foreign denominated assets with foreign denominated liabilities and foreign exchange contracts.  We also have foreign currency expenses, including interest charges, which offset foreign currency revenues.

 

Corporate Development and Marketing

 

CD&M’s trading activities are focused on real-time and short-term forward markets.  Short-term forward markets show indications of increased volatility in the North American natural gas market.  We will continue to prudently manage our risk profile utilizing VAR and other measures.

 

Our objective is for proprietary trading to contribute between $50 million and $70 million in annual gross margin.  In 2006, our CD&M segment contributed $65.7 million of gross margin (2005 - $56.9 million; 2004 - $46.8 million).

 

Net Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense for 2007 is expected to be lower than in 2006 due to lower debt levels. However, higher interest rates and changes in the value of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar could offset the benefit of lower debt levels.

 

Income Tax Rate

 

Income tax rates in 2007 are expected to be consistent with 2006 levels.  Assuming a similar geographic distribution of earnings and no material changes in tax rates, we anticipate an effective tax rate for 2007 to be between 23 and 28 per cent.

 

Non-Controlling Interests

 

Earnings and cash distributions attributable to non-controlling interests are expected to be similar in 2007 to those seen in 2006.

 

 

51



Cash Flow and Cash Requirements

 

In 2007, cash will be provided by a combination of cash flow from operating activities and utilization of various credit facilities.  Cash will be required for maintenance, additions to PP&E, dividend payments and repayment of short-term and maturing senior debt.  In 2007, operating cash flow is expected to be between approximately $650 million and $750 million, capital expenditures are expected to be between $575 million and $605 million including growth, and $425 million of existing debt is scheduled to be repaid.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

With the anticipated increased volatility in power and gas markets, market trading opportunities are expected to increase, which can potentially cause the need for additional liquidity.  To mitigate this liquidity risk, the corporation maintains a $1.5 billion committed credit facility and monitors exposures to determine any liquidity requirements.

 

Change in Law

 

The Canadian Government introduced its Clean Air Act on Oct. 19, 2006, designed to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.  The proposed Act is currently under review in Parliament and may be subject to changes.  Targets for emission reductions have not been announced, nor the associated compliance mechanisms, so we are unable to estimate the impact on our operations.  Emission targets under the Clean Air Act are also anticipated for mercury; however, they are expected to be superseded by provincial standards already in place, requiring a 70 per cent reduction in emissions by 2010.  TransAlta is in the process of meeting that requirement.

 

The PPAs for our Alberta-based coal facilities contain ‘Change-in-Law’ provisions that allow us the opportunity to recover compliance costs from the PPA customers.

 

RISK FACTORS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

TransAlta uses a multi-level risk management oversight structure to manage the corporation’s various risk and energy trading exposures.

 

The Audit and Environment (A&E) Committee provides assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the integrity of the corporation’s financial statements and the financial reporting process; the systems of internal accounting and financial controls; the internal audit function; the external auditors’ qualifications and term and conditions of appointment, including remuneration, independence, performance and reports; and the legal and environmental compliance programs as established by management and the Board of Directors.  The A&E Committee approves our Commodity Risk and Financial Exposure Management policies.

 

Our Exposure Management (EM) Committee is chaired by our Chief Financial Officer and is comprised of the Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development and Marketing, Vice-President and Treasurer, Vice-President Financial Operations, Vice-President and Comptroller, and the Director of Risk Management.  The EM Committee is responsible for reviewing, monitoring and reporting on our compliance with approved financial and commodity risk exposure management policies.

 

The following addresses some, but not all, risk factors that could affect TransAlta’s future results.  A discussion of critical estimates made in the application of accounting policies is provided in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section that follows.

 

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

 

We have exposure to movements in certain commodity prices, including the market price of electricity and fuels used to produce electricity in both our electricity generation and proprietary trading businesses.

 

Our Alberta coal-fired and hydro facilities operate under the Alberta government mandated PPAs which, among other things, establish the price at which power will be supplied.  Our long-term contracts specify the price at which electricity, steam and other services are provided. We have also entered into a variety of short- and long-term contracts to minimize our exposure to short-term fluctuations in electricity prices.  In 2006, we had approximately 95 per cent of production under short-term and long-term contracts and hedges (2005 — 91 per cent), and 89 per cent (2005 — 82 per cent) of production was contracted for terms greater than one year.  In the event of a planned or unplanned plant outage or other similar event, however, we are exposed to changes in electricity prices on purchases of electricity from the market to fulfill our supply obligations under these short- and long-term contracts.  We actively seek to mitigate this exposure through continued and proper maintenance of our electricity generating plants, force majeure clauses negotiated in our contracts, trading activities, and insurance.

 

We buy natural gas and some of our coal to supply the fuel needed to operate our facilities.  We are exposed to increases in the cost of such fuels to the extent such increases are greater than the increases in the price we can obtain for the electricity we produce.  In 2006, 68 per cent (2005 — 67 per cent) of our cost of gas used in generating electricity was contractually fixed or passed through to our customers and 100 per cent (2005 — 100 per cent) of our purchased coal costs were contractually fixed.  Approximately 70 per cent of coal used in electrical generation is from coal reserves owned by TransAlta, thereby limiting our exposure to fluctuations in the market price of coal.  The remainder of the coal used is sourced from the PRB in Montana and Wyoming under medium-term contracts.

 

Our fuel supply and fuel costs for our gas-fired plants are managed with short-, medium- and long-term gas supply contracts, hedging transactions and contractual agreements that provide for the flow-through of gas costs.  We believe adequate supplies of natural gas at reasonable prices will be available for plants when existing supply contracts expire. We also continuously monitor the market for opportunities to enter into favourably priced long-term gas contracts.

 

 

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Higher input costs, such as diesel, tires, the price of mining equipment, increased amounts of overburden being removed to access coal reserves and mining operations moving further away from the power plants are all contributing to increased mining costs to our customers. Additionally, the ability of the mines to deliver coal to the power plants can be impacted by weather conditions and labour relations.

 

Production and gross margins from our merchant gas plants are subject to changes in spark spreads.  We have not entered into fixed commodity agreements for gas for these merchant plants as gas will be purchased concurrent where spot market spark spreads are adequate to produce and sell electricity at a profit.

 

Our proprietary trading of gas and electricity is limited, strictly controlled and managed through the use of VAR methodologies. VAR is the primary measure used to manage CD&M’s exposure to market risk resulting from trading activities as described on page 42 of the MD&A.

 

CURRENCY RATE EXPOSURE

 

We have exposure to various currencies as a result of our investments and operations in foreign jurisdictions, the earnings from those operations, and the acquisition of equipment and services from foreign suppliers. We have exposures primarily to the U.S., Mexican and Australian currencies.  We limit our exposure to movements in these currencies in two ways.  First, we hedge our net investments in foreign operations using a combination of foreign denominated debt and financial instruments.  Second, the earnings from our foreign operations are substantially offset by expenditures, including interest expense denominated in the foreign currencies.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, we hedged approximately 88.3 per cent (2005 — 96.8 per cent) of our foreign currency translation exposure.  Our strategy is to offset 90 to 100 per cent of all foreign currency exposures.

 

Translation gains and losses related to the carrying value of our foreign operations are deferred and included in the cumulative translation adjustment account in shareholders’ equity. At Dec. 31, 2006, the balance in this account was a $64.5 million loss (2005 — $67.0 million loss).

 

CREDIT RISK

 

If the counterparties to our contracts are unable to meet their obligations, our revenues could be adversely affected.  We manage our exposure to credit risk by assessing the ability of counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the related contracts prior to entering into such contracts.  We set credit limits for each counterparty and the mix of counterparties based on their credit ratings.  Counterparty exposures for trading activities are monitored daily.  If the credit exposure limits are exceeded, we take steps to reduce this exposure such as requesting collateral, if applicable, or by halting trading activity.  However, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in avoiding losses as a result of a contract counterparty not meeting its obligations.

 

We are exposed to minimal credit risk for Alberta PPAs because under the terms of these arrangements, receivables are substantially all secured by letters of credit.

 

A summary of our credit exposure for trading operations at Dec. 31, 2006, is provided below:

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Net exposure of

 

 

 

 

 

counterparties

 

counterparties

 

 

 

Net

 

greater

 

greater

 

Rating

 

exposure

 

than 10%

 

than 10%

 

Investment grade

 

$

71.5

 

2

 

$

19.6

 

Non-investment grade

 

 

 

 

No external rating, internally rated as investment grade

 

12.7

 

 

 

No external rating, internally rated as non-investment grade

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

$

84.3

 

2

 

$

19.6

 

 

In addition to the above, we have credit exposure to counterparties under long-term sales contracts.

 

The maximum credit exposure to any one customer for commodity trading operations, excluding the ISO and PX discussed earlier, and including the fair value of open trading positions, is $11.3 million.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK

 

Liquidity risk relates to our commitments to meet collateral requirements under these contracts.  We are exposed to liquidity risk under certain electricity and natural gas purchase and sale contracts entered into for the purposes of asset-backed sales and proprietary trading.  The terms and conditions of these contracts require us to provide collateral when the fair value of these contracts is in excess of any credit limits granted by our counterparties and the contract obliges us to provide the collateral.  The fair value of these contracts change due to changes in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates.  These contracts include: (i) purchase agreements, when forward commodity prices are less than contracted prices; and (ii) sales agreements, when forward commodity prices exceed contracted prices.    Downgrades in our creditworthiness by certain credit rating agencies may decrease the credit limits granted by our counterparties and accordingly increase the amount of collateral we may have to provide.

 

The maximum amount of collateral that we would have to provide under existing contracts for our commodity trading operations and with our existing credit ratings is $41.9 million at Dec. 31, 2006. Total collateral available to the corporation was approximately $840 million.

 

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INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE

 

Changes in interest rates can impact our borrowing costs and the capacity revenues we receive from our Alberta PPA plants.  We address this risk by employing a combination of fixed and floating rate debt instruments.  Carrying a proportion of our debt that is exposed to floating interest rates also allows us to take advantage of changes in the market and reduced interest costs. At Dec. 31, 2006, approximately 28.4 per cent (2005 — 24.8 per cent) of the corporation’s total debt portfolio was subject to movements in floating interest rates through a combination of floating rate debt and interest rate swaps.

 

OPERATIONAL RISK

 

Our plants are exposed to operational risks such as fatigue cracks in boilers, corrosion in boiler tubing, turbine failures and other issues that can lead to outages.  A comprehensive plant maintenance program and regular turnarounds reduce this exposure.  If the plants do not meet the availability or production targets specified in the PPAs or other long-term contracts, we must either compensate the purchaser for the loss in the availability of production or suffer a reduction in electrical or capacity payments.  For merchant facilities, an extended outage can result in lost merchant opportunities. Therefore, an extended outage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or our cash flows.  Insurance and force majeure clauses in the PPAs and other long-term contracts partially mitigate this exposure.

 

The construction, development and acquisitions of generating facilities are subject to various environmental, engineering and construction risks relating to cost-overruns, delays and performance.  We attempt to minimize these risks by performing detailed analysis of project economics prior to construction or acquisition and by securing favourable power sales agreements.

 

Of the corporation’s labour, 56 per cent is covered under 13 collective bargaining agreements. Four agreements were renegotiated in 2006 and we anticipate the renewal of nine agreements in 2007.  We do not anticipate any significant issues in the renewal of these agreements.

 

Our hydro operations financial performance is partially dependent upon the availability of water in a given year.  The availability of water is difficult to forecast as it is primarily driven by weather. Such water availability introduces a degree of volatility in revenues earned by our hydro operations from year to year.  This risk is complicated by obligations imposed within the PPA applicable to the corporation’s Alberta hydro facilities.  A monthly financial obligation must be paid to the PPA buyer, based on a predetermined quantity of energy and ancillary services at market prices, regardless of our ability to generate such quantities.  We manage these risks on a real-time basis by monitoring water resources throughout Alberta to the best of our ability and optimizing this resource against real-time electricity market opportunities.  We also play an important role in the management of water flows and levels in several key areas of Alberta, including two major cities.  We carefully balance all of these factors together to achieve optimal productivity with the water resources available.

 

Our wind and geothermal operations are dependant upon the availability of wind and geothermal resources. While we have placed our facilities in locations which we believe to have sufficient resources in order for us to be able to generate sufficient electricity to meet the requirements of contracts and investors, we cannot guarantee that these resources will be available when we need them or in the quantities that we require.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK (EHS)

 

Our approach to managing our EHS risk has four elements:

                  compliance-based activities, such as permitting and reporting,

                  ISO-based EHS Management systems and programs, such as safety programs and auditing,

                  longer-term strategic initiatives, including climate change and government policy development and

                  a process for confidentially reporting any potential ethical concerns from employees.

 

These elements are integrated into our corporate-wide operations and management systems. They are designed to mitigate risks of our activities to employees, the public and the environment, and to address potential competitive risks from future changes in environmental policy.  They are also supportive of our corporate commitment to sustainability.

 

We strive to maintain compliance with all environmental regulations relating to operations and facilities.  Quarterly reports on all EHS regulatory changes are provided to each facility to ensure compliance is maintained.  As well, we produce and distribute annual public reports on our performance.  We seek continuous improvement in numerous performance metrics such as emissions, safety, land and water impacts and environmental incidents.

 

We have implemented an ISO-based EHS management system, designed to continuously improve environmental and safety performance.  All of our plants have implemented the system, with one plant having an equivalent variation as required by our partner.  Compliance with both regulatory requirements and management system standards is regularly audited through our Performance Assurance policy and results are reported quarterly to our Board of Directors. In 2006, TransAlta spent approximately $49 million (2005 - $47 million) on environmental management.

 

TransAlta commits significant effort to work with regulators in Canada and the United States to ensure regulatory changes are well-designed and cost-effective.  New emission reduction objectives for the power sector are being established by governments in Canada and the United States.  We have compliance plans over the next decade for greenhouse gases, mercury, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, which will be adjusted as regulations are finalized.  Where capital investment for control equipment may be required, we have technology review processes underway.

 

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TransAlta has implemented a four-component strategy on climate change that manages future regulation risk and develops competitive business advantages.  The cornerstones of the strategy are:

                  Internal operational improvements that lower the emissions of our generation operations.  These improvements include plant upgrades, intensive equipment maintenance, efficiency improvements, and fuel decision choices.

                  Purchase of emission reduction offsets outside our operations.  TransAlta has been a leader in Canada in this area and has created an offsets portfolio that will assist us in meeting emission targets at a competitive cost.

                  Renewable energy investments, such as in wind capacity, which reduce our emissions intensity and diversify our fuel mix.

                  Investments in clean coal technology development, which provide long-term promise for large emission reductions from fossil-fired generation.  TransAlta is a founder of the Canadian Clean Power Coalition, which is an industry consortium developed to build Canada’s first clean coal power plant.

 

We anticipate continued and growing scrutiny by investors relating to sustainability performance.  The Dow Jones Sustainability Index has again recognized TransAlta as one of the world’s best utility companies in terms of sustainability performance, for the eighth year in a row. In Alberta, we are preparing to install mercury capture equipment at our coal-fired plants to achieve a 70 per cent reduction of mercury emissions by 2010.  The exact technology and performance requirements have not yet been finalized, however, TransAlta will soon begin long-term, full scale testing of technology to reduce mercury emission. Our PPAs will also provide an opportunity to recover these costs under “Change-in-Law” provisions. In the United States, our Centralia plant may also be subject to mercury reduction requirements within the next five to seven years.

 

We are dedicated to operating a safe and ethical organization. We have a system in place where employees may report any potential ethical concerns. These concerns are directed to the Director, Corporate Security and Corporate Secretary where any follow-up or action is initiated.

 

REGULATORY AND POLITICAL RISK

 

Certain of the markets in which the corporation operates are subject to significant regulatory oversight and control.  The corporation is not able to predict whether there will be any changes in the regulatory environment or the ultimate effect of changes in the regulatory environment on its business.  TransAlta manages these risks by working with governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to attempt to resolve issues.

 

In Ontario, new Legislation was passed in December 2004 outlining a new electricity market structure.  The new market design provides for a mix of: i)  regulated assets, ii)  unregulated assets, and  iii) government-backed long-term contracts. TA Cogen’s assets have retained their existing government contracts in the restructured market.  On Feb. 14, 2006, TransAlta signed a five-year contract with the Ontario Power Authority for its Sarnia cogeneration plant. Under the terms of the contract, the plant will be available to supply an average of 400 MW of power to the Ontario electricity market. New generation in Ontario will continue to be procured by the government and backed by government contracts.  In Alberta, TransAlta received regulatory approval in November 2006 for a 53 MW capacity increase at its Sundance 4 generating unit.  The increase will be operational in late 2007.  TransAlta also received regulatory approval on Feb.14, 2007 for a new 450 MW unit at its Keephills power plant.  The new unit will be commissioned in 2011 and is 50 per cent owned by EPCOR.

 

Also in Alberta, a wholesale market review task force and a retail market review were initiated in 2004 to evaluate the functioning of the electricity market and to consider market design changes.  A market design policy recommendation was completed in 2005.  It supported the continuation of an energy-only market in Alberta along with a number of rule changes related to reliability and short-term adequacy.  In 2006, several of these changes were implemented and others are expected during 2007. The Alberta Department of Energy is undertaking a review of the regulation and rules associated with Market Power.  That review is expected to be complete by June 2007.  The outcome of this Market Power committee’s work is important to TransAlta as it may include, but is not limited to: increased compliance, growth restrictions in Alberta, increased operating or capital costs, reduced operational flexibility, or reduced power prices and volatility.

 

International investments are subject to unique risks and uncertainties relating to the political, social, and economic structures of the respective country and such country’s regulatory regime. The corporation may mitigate this risk through the use of non-recourse financing and political risk insurance.

 

TRANSMISSION RISKS

 

In August 2003, a blackout cut off electricity to millions of residents in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada.  This type of event, although extremely unusual, is an ongoing risk for electric companies.  This risk is mitigated through force majeure clauses in the Alberta PPAs and power sales contracts and access to multiple transmission lines.

 

Transmission constraints are a risk for generators as they can result in curtailment of output at generation facilities and may restrict development and interconnection of future generation facilities.  This risk is managed by working with governments, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure that transmission constraints are removed through timely transmission development or technology additions.

 

55



CORPORATE STRUCTURE

 

We conduct a significant amount of business through subsidiaries and partnerships.  Our ability to meet and service debt obligations is dependent upon the results of operations of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by such subsidiaries to the corporation in the form of distributions, loans, dividends, or otherwise.  In addition, our subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions which limit their ability to distribute cash to the ultimate shareholder, the corporation.

 

GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

 

Changes in general economic conditions impact product demand, revenue, operating costs, timing and extent of capital expenditures, the net recoverable value of PP&E, results of financing efforts, credit risk, and counterparty risk.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

Our operations are complex, and the computation of the provision for income taxes involves tax interpretations, regulations, and legislation that are continually changing.  Our tax filings are subject to audit by taxation authorities.  Management believes that it has adequately provided for income taxes based on all information currently available.

 

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES

 

We are occasionally named as a defendant in various claims and legal actions.  Exposure to these claims is mitigated through levels of insurance coverage considered appropriate by management and active management of these claims.  Except as disclosed in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements, the corporation does not expect the outcome of the claims or potential claims to have a materially adverse effect on the corporation as a whole.

 

OTHER CONTINGENCIES

 

The corporation maintains a level of insurance coverage deemed appropriate by management.  There were no significant changes to our insurance coverage during 2006.  The corporation’s insurance coverage may not be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms.  There can be no assurance that insurance proceeds received by the corporation for any loss or damage will be sufficient.

 

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

 

The following table shows the after-tax effect on net earnings and cash flows of changes in certain key variables.  The analysis is based on business conditions and production volumes in 2006.  Each separate item in the sensitivity assumes the others are held constant.  While these sensitivities are applicable to the period and magnitude of changes on which they are based, they may not be applicable in other periods, under other economic circumstances, or for greater magnitude of changes.

 

SENSITIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate impact

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings and

 

 

 

 

 

cash flow

 

 

 

Increase

 

(after-tax)

 

Factor

 

or decrease

 

(millions)

 

Electricity price

 

$1.00/MWh

 

$

8.5

 

Natural gas price

 

$0.1/GJ

 

1.3

 

Availability/production

 

1%

 

16.7

 

Exchange rate (US$ per Cdn$)

 

US$0.01

 

1.4

 

Interest rate

 

1%

 

6.2

 

Tax rate

 

1%

 

4.3

 

 

The impact of a $1.00 per MWh change in electricity prices has minimal impact on our after-tax cash flow and earnings, as approximately 95 per cent of output is at contractually fixed prices through short-term or long-term contracts and hedges.  A change in natural gas prices also has minimal impact as substantially all of our gas costs have been contractually fixed or flow through to customers under terms of agreements.

 

The calculation of the impact of a one per cent change in availability assumes that production levels will change by an equivalent amount at the contracted plants.  An increase in availability at the merchant gas plants may not result in increased production.

 

Our hedging strategies have minimized the impact of changes in exchange rates and interest rates as our net investments in foreign operations have been hedged and interest rates on approximately 71.6 per cent of our debt have been fixed.

 

The income tax rate can change depending on the mix of earnings from various countries.  Increased operating income will incur income tax expense at a rate of approximately 32 per cent compared to the forecasted overall range of 23 to 28 per cent.

 

56



NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Effective Jan. 1, 2006, TransAlta early adopted the CICA Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) Abstract 160 Stripping Costs Incurred in the Production of a Mining Operation (EIC-160). Under EIC-160, stripping costs to remove overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits should be accounted for as variable production costs during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. Previously, a portion of the stripping costs would have been carried forward to future periods as part of inventory or prepaid expenses.

 

We have considered costs incurred during 2005 and previous years which meet the definition of stripping costs under EIC-160. Factors considered in the analysis include stripping costs, tons of coal produced, and whether the stripping costs could be capitalized.

 

As a result of this review, we determined that costs incurred during 2005 and previous years did meet the definition of stripping costs under EIC-160 and therefore stripping costs have been accounted for as period costs. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change in accounting policy.  The 2005 after-tax impact of the adjustment was $12.5 million ($0.06 per common share).  Prepaid assets and inventory were reduced by $66.0 million and $4.6 million, respectively. For the year ended Dec. 31, 2004, the after-tax impact of the adjustment was $1.0 million ($nil per common share).

 

In January 2005, the CICA issued four new accounting standards which are effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after Oct. 1, 2006. These new standards include Section 1530, Comprehensive Income, Section 3251, Equity, Section 3855, Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement and Section 3865, Hedges. The corporation adopted these standards as of Jan. 1, 2007. These standards are expected to have a minimal impact on the presentation of the financial statements.

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 is intended to provide a single model to address accounting for uncertain tax positions by establishing a recognition threshold and measurement for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Further, clarification on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition is also provided. The guidance in FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2006. The corporation will adopt FIN 48 as of Jan. 1, 2007, as required. The corporation is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of FIN 48.

 

In July 2006, the EIC issued EIC-162, Stock-based compensation for employees eligible to retire before the vesting date (EIC-162). This abstract accelerates the recognition of compensation costs for stock-based awards based on the retirement eligibility of the employee at the grant date and during the vesting period. EIC-162 is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after Dec. 31, 2006 and should be applied retroactively.  We adopted this standard effective in the fourth quarter of 2006. Comparative balances have not been restated as the impact on prior periods is not significant.

 

In June 2006, the EITF issued EITF Issue No. 06-2 Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43, Accounting for Compensated Absences (Issue No. 06-2). Under Issue No. 06-2, a company should accrue for sabbatical leave or other similar benefits if the employee is required to complete a minimum service period to be entitled to the benefit, there is no increase to the benefit if the employee provides additional years of service, the employee continues to be a compensated employee during his/her absence and the employer does not require the employee to perform any duties during his/her absence. Issue No. 06-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has evaluated the accounting guidance and has adopted the consensus effective Jan. 1, 2007. Comparative balances have not been restated as the impact on prior periods is not significant.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires companies to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension plans on the balance sheet with changes in the funded status recognized in other comprehensive income in the year of the change. SFAS 158 also requires additional disclosure. SFAS 158 is effective for years ending after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has adopted the requirements of SFAS 158 and the results have been reflected in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation (Note 30).

 

57



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The selection and application of accounting policies is an important process that has developed as our business activities have evolved and as accounting rules have changed.  Accounting rules generally do not involve a selection among alternatives, but involve an implementation and interpretation of existing rules and the use of judgment relative to the circumstances existing in the business.  Every effort is made to comply with all applicable rules on or before the effective date, and we believe the proper implementation and consistent application of accounting rules is critical.

 

However, not all situations are specifically addressed in the accounting literature.  In these cases, our best judgment is used to adopt a policy for accounting for these situations.  We draw analogies to similar situations and the accounting guidelines governing them, consider foreign accounting standards, and consult with our independent auditors about the appropriate interpretation and application of these policies.  Each of the critical accounting policies involves complex situations and a high degree of judgment either in the application and interpretation of existing literature or in the development of estimates that impact the corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  The most critical of these policies are those related to revenue recognition, PP&E, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, income taxes and employee future benefits (Notes 1(C), (F), (G), (I), (L) and (M), respectively).  Each policy involves a number of estimates and assumptions to be made about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made.  Different estimates, with respect to key variables used for the calculations, or changes to estimates, could potentially have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

We have discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with our A&E Committee and our independent auditors.  The A&E Committee has reviewed and approved our disclosure relating to critical accounting estimates in this MD&A.

 

Tables are provided in the following discussion to reflect the sensitivities associated with changes in key assumptions used in the estimates.  The tables reflect an increase or decrease in the percentage or other factor for each assumption.  The inverse of each change is generally expected to have a similar opposite impact.  Each separate item in the sensitivity assumes all other factors remain constant.

 

These critical accounting estimates are described below.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The majority of our revenues are derived from the sale of physical power and from energy marketing and trading activities.  Revenues under long-term electricity and thermal sales contracts generally include one or more of the following components: fixed capacity payments for being available, energy payments for generation of electricity, availability incentives or penalties for exceeding or not meeting availability targets, excess energy payments for power generation above committed capacity and ancillary services.  Each of these components is recognized upon output, delivery, or satisfaction of contractually specific targets.  Revenues from non-contracted capacity are comprised of energy payments for each MWh produced at market prices and are recognized upon delivery.

 

Trading activities use derivatives such as physical and financial swaps, forward sales contracts and futures contracts and options, which are used to earn trading revenues and to gain market information.  These derivatives are accounted for using fair value accounting.  Derivatives, other than real-time physical contracts, are presented on a net basis in the statements of earnings.  The initial recognition of fair value and subsequent changes in fair value affect reported earnings in the period the change occurs.  The fair values of those instruments that remain open at the balance sheet date represent unrealized gains or losses and are presented on the balance sheets as price risk management assets or liabilities.  Non-derivative contracts are accounted for using the accrual method.  To be consistent with the EITF 03-11, TransAlta has concluded that real-time physical contracts meet the definition of derivative contracts held for delivery and therefore realized gains and losses are reported gross in the statements of earnings.

 

The determination of the fair value of energy trading contracts and derivative instruments is complex and relies on judgments concerning future prices, volatility and liquidity, among other factors.  The majority of derivatives traded by TransAlta have quoted market prices or over-the-counter quotes available from brokers.  However, some derivatives are not traded on an active exchange or extend beyond the time period for which exchange-based quotes are available.  These derivatives require the use of internal valuation techniques or models (mark-to-model accounting).

 

Mark-to-model accounting is currently used for physical and financial forward contracts and option contracts on transmission and transmission congestion.  Accrual accounting is used for transmission rights acquired to sell production from our plants and physical transmission rights used by the CD&M segment.  Changes in fair value of derivatives subsequent to inception are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as price risk management assets or liabilities with the offset recorded in revenues.  The values can be favourable or unfavourable, and depending on current market conditions, values can fluctuate significantly with the effect of changes being recorded through earnings in the period of the change.  Modeling techniques require the corporation to model future prices, price correlation, market volatility, liquidity, and other forecasted market intelligence, as well as the use of mathematical extrapolation techniques.  Where appropriate, the estimates used to derive fair value reflect the potential impact for uncertainties in the modeling process, the potential impact of liquidating the corporation’s position in an orderly manner over a reasonable period of time under present market conditions and operational risk.  We validate our mark-to-model results by comparing them against settled data.  The amounts reported in the financial statements may change as estimates are revised to reflect actual results or new information, changes in market conditions, or other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and may be material.

 

 

58



 

Key variables used in the models are uncertain.  The estimated value of these contracts at Dec. 31, 2006 using mark-to-model methodology was $1.1 million.  Sensitivities of the valuation, which would have been recorded in earnings in the current year, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Impact on

 

 

 

Change in

 

pre-tax

 

Assumption

 

assumption

 

earnings

 

Change in volatility

 

1

%

$

0.4

 

Change in commodity price

 

1

%

$

1.2

 

 

There have been no significant changes to the modeling techniques in the past three years.

 

Valuation of PP&E

 

PP&E makes up 67.6 per cent of our assets, of which 99 per cent relates to the Generation segment.  On an annual basis, and when indicators of impairment exist, we determine whether the net carrying amount of PP&E is recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.  Factors which could indicate that an impairment exists include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, significant changes in the manner or use of the assets, the strategy for the corporation’s overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends.  In some cases, these events are clear.  However, in many cases, a clearly identifiable event indicating possible impairment does not occur.  Instead, a series of individually insignificant events occur over a period of time leading to an indication that an asset may be impaired.  This can be further complicated in situations where we are not the operator of the facility.  Events can occur in these situations that may not be known until a date subsequent to their occurrence.

 

Our businesses, the markets and the business environment are continually monitored, and judgments and assessments are made to determine whether an event has occurred that indicates possible impairment.  If such an event has occurred, an estimate is made of the future undiscounted cash flows from the asset.  If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows (excluding financing charges, with the exception of plants that have specifically dedicated debt), is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an asset impairment charge must be recognized in our financial statements.  The amount of the impairment recognized is calculated by subtracting the fair value of the asset from the carrying value of the asset.  Fair value is the amount at which an item could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, and is best estimated by calculating the net present value of future expected cash flows related to the asset.  Both the identification of events that may trigger an impairment and the estimates of future cash flows and the fair value of the asset require considerable judgment.

 

The assessment of asset impairment requires management to make significant assumptions about future sales prices, cost of sales, production and fuel consumed over the life of the plants (up to 30 years), retirement costs and discount rates.  In addition, when impairment tests are performed, the estimated useful lives of the plants are reassessed, with any change accounted for prospectively.

 

In estimating future cash flows of the plants, we use estimates of contracted and future market prices based on expected market supply and demand in the region in which the plant operates, anticipated production levels, planned and unplanned outages, and transmission capacity or constraints for the remaining life of the plant.  Actual results can, and often do, differ from the estimates, and can have either a positive or negative impact on the estimate of the impairment charge, and may be material.

 

On an annual basis, or as events indicate, we perform an impairment review of our plants.  As a result of this review, in 2006 we recorded an impairment charge for the Centralia Gas plant as the full book value of this plant was unlikely to be recovered from future cash flows due to changes in outlook for dispatch rates and trading values and their impact on plant profitability (Note 3).

 

As a result of the decision to stop mining at the Centralia Coal mine, we wrotedown mining and reclamation equipment as well as mining infrastructure to the lower of net book value and fair value (Note 2).

 

In 2005, we determined that the Ottawa plant was impaired in the accounts of TA Cogen. A fundamental shift in the gas markets and forecast increases in the cost of natural gas lowered expected margins from the Ottawa plant as TA Cogen does not have a gas supply contract in place for the period 2008 — 2012 to match the contract to provide electricity under predetermined prices to the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation (OEFC). Based upon the current view of gas costs and market conditions for that period and the likelihood that the plant will not operate as extensively beyond 2012, a reduction in the carrying value was required and a charge of $36.2 million was recognized in 2005. The discussion of significant events discloses our treatment of this item.

 

From the results of our current impairment review, had assumptions been made that resulted in future cash flows of the plants declining by 10 per cent, none of our plants would have been impaired at Dec. 31, 2006.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

We recognize AROs for PP&E in the period in which they are incurred if there is a legal obligation for us to reclaim the plant and/or site and if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be determined.  The fair value of the liability is described as the amount at which the liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing parties.  Expected values are probability weighted to deal with the risks and uncertainties inherent in the timing and amount of settlement of many AROs.  Expected values are discounted at the risk-free interest rate adjusted to reflect the market’s evaluation of the entity’s credit standing.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the AROs recorded on the consolidated balance sheets were $328.5 million.  We estimate the undiscounted amount of cash flow required to settle the AROs is approximately $1.1 billion, which will be incurred between 2008 and 2012.  The majority of the costs will be incurred between 2020 and 2030.  A discount rate of eight per cent was used to calculate the carrying value of the AROs.

 

59



 

Sensitivities for the major assumptions are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Impact on

 

 

 

Change in

 

pre-tax

 

Assumption

 

assumption

 

earnings

 

Discount rate

 

1%

 

$

3.3

 

Undiscounted AROs

 

1%

 

$

0.3

 

 

Useful Life of PP&E

 

PP&E is depreciated over its estimated useful life.  Estimated useful lives were determined based on current facts and past experience, and take into consideration the anticipated physical life of the asset, existing long-term sales agreements and contracts, current and forecasted demand and the potential for technological obsolescence.  Major components of plants are depreciated over their own useful lives.  A component is a tangible asset that can be separately identified as an asset and is expected to provide a benefit of greater than one year.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $437.8 million in 2006, of which $49.0 million relates to mining equipment, and is included in fuel and purchased power.

 

The rates used are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to be appropriate, and are also reviewed in conjunction with impairment testing, as discussed above.

 

A five per cent change in the estimated useful life of depreciable assets will result in a change of $19.2 million in depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, any excess represents a goodwill impairment loss. A reporting unit is a portion of the business for which we can identify specific cash flows.

 

Goodwill was recorded on the acquisitions of Merchant Energy Group of the America, Vision Quest and CE Gen.  At Dec. 31, 2006, this goodwill had a total carrying value of $137.5 million.

 

We reviewed the recorded value of goodwill and determined that the fair values of our reporting units, based on historical cash flows and estimates of future cash flows, exceeded their carrying values and therefore no impairment charges were recorded.

 

Determining the fair value of the reporting units is susceptible to changes from period to period as management is required to make assumptions about future cash flows, production and trading volumes, margins and fuel and operating costs.  Had assumptions been made that resulted in fair values of the reporting units declining by 10 per cent from current levels, there would not have been any impairment of goodwill.

 

Income Taxes

 

In accordance with Canadian GAAP, we use the liability method of accounting for future income taxes and provide future income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences.

 

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires an estimate of income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  The process involves an estimate of our actual current tax exposure and an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation and amortization, for tax and accounting purposes.  These differences result in future tax assets and liabilities which are included in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

An assessment must also be made to determine the likelihood that our future tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income.  To the extent that recovery is not considered likely, a valuation allowance must be determined.  Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, future income tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance.  To the extent a valuation allowance is created or revised, current period earnings will be affected.

 

Future tax assets of $319.8 million have been recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at Dec. 31, 2006.  These assets are comprised primarily of unrealized losses on electricity trading contracts, asset retirement obligation costs, and net operating and capital loss carryforwards.  We believe there will be sufficient taxable income and capital gains that will permit the use of these deductions and carryforwards in the tax jurisdictions where they exist.

 

Future tax liabilities of $718.5 million have been recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at Dec. 31, 2006.  These liabilities are comprised primarily of unrealized gains on electricity trading contracts and income tax deductions in excess of related depreciation of PP&E.

 

Judgment is required to assess continually changing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation, to ensure liabilities are complete and to ensure assets, net of valuation allowances, are realizable.  The impact of different interpretations and applications could be material.

 

Our tax filings are subject to audit by taxation authorities.  The outcome of some audits may change the tax liability of the corporation, although we believe that we have adequately provided for income taxes based on all information currently available.  The outcome of the audits is not known nor is the potential impact on the financial statements determinable.

 

Employee Future Benefits

 

As explained in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, we provide post-retirement benefits to employees.  The cost of providing these benefits is dependent upon many factors which result from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience.

 

The liability for future benefits and associated pension costs included in annual compensation expenses are impacted by employee demographics, including age, compensation levels, employment periods, the level of contributions made to the plans and earnings on plan assets.

 

 

60



 

Changes to the provisions of the plans may also affect current and future pension costs.  Pension costs may also be significantly impacted by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets and the discount rates used in determining the projected benefit obligation and pension costs.

 

The plan assets are comprised primarily of equity and fixed income investments.  Fluctuations in actual equity market returns and changes in interest rates may result in increased or decreased pension costs in future periods.

 

The following chart reflects the sensitivities associated with a change in certain actuarial assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

Impact on

 

Impact on

 

 

 

 

 

accrued

 

pension cost

 

 

 

Change in

 

benefit

 

reported

 

Actuarial assumption

 

assumption

 

obligation

 

in earnings

 

Discount rate

 

1%

 

$

45.8

 

$

2.6

 

Rate of return on plan assets

 

1%

 

$

 

$

3.6

 

 

 

The discount rate used reflects high-quality fixed income securities currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefits.  We do not expect to make any changes to the rate in 2007.

 

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plan.  For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, the plan assets had a return of $35.4 million compared to a return of $43.9 million in 2005 and $33.4 million in 2004.  The 2006 actuarial valuation used the same rate of return on plan assets (7.0 per cent) as was used in 2005 and 2004.

 

As a result of our plan asset return experience for our U.S. registered pension plan, at Dec. 31, 2005, the corporation was required under U.S. GAAP to recognize an additional minimum liability (Note 30).  The liability was recorded as a reduction in common equity through a charge to other comprehensive income (OCI), and did not affect net income for 2005.

 

The amount of the additional pension liability recognized for U.S. GAAP depended on a number of factors, including the discount rate and asset returns experienced, contributions made by the corporation and any resulting change in management’s assumptions.  Pension cost and cash funding requirements could increase in future years.

 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

 

We evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments using a variety of measures.  Those discussed below are not defined under GAAP and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity.  These measures are not necessarily comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company.

 

Each business unit assumes responsibility for its operating results measured to operating income.  Operating income is a measure of financial performance used by our analysts and investors to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance.

 

Operating income provides us with a measurement of operating performance which is readily comparable from period to period. For the period below, the write-down of coal inventory at Centralia in 2006 has been removed from the calculation as it distorts the comparability of operating income.

 

Gross margin less operating expenses and operating income are reconciled to net earnings below:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Gross margin, excluding coal inventory writedown

 

$

1,535.8

 

$

1,442.0

 

$

1,353.3

 

Operating expenses

 

(1,012.9

)

(985.2

)

(925.5

)

 

 

522.9

 

456.8

 

427.8

 

Mine closure charges, including inventory writedown

 

(236.3

)

 

 

Asset impairment charges

 

(130.0

)

(36.2

)

 

Gain on sale of Meridian cogeneration facility

 

 

 

17.7

 

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units

 

 

 

44.8

 

Prior period regulatory decision

 

 

 

(22.9

)

Operating income

 

156.6

 

420.6

 

467.4

 

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

 

(0.5

)

1.3

 

0.7

 

Net interest expense

 

(168.5

)

(188.6

)

(207.4

)

Equity loss

 

(17.0

)

(0.9

)

(8.5

)

(Loss) earnings before non-controlling interests and income taxes

 

(29.4

)

232.4

 

252.2

 

Non-controlling interests

 

51.5

 

18.5

 

46.0

 

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

 

(80.9

)

213.9

 

206.2

 

Income tax (recovery) expense

 

(125.8

)

39.6

 

46.6

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

44.9

 

174.3

 

159.6

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

12.0

 

9.6

 

Net earnings

 

$

44.9

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

 

 

61



 

Presenting earnings on a comparable basis from period to period provides us with the ability to evaluate earnings trends more readily in comparison with prior periods’ results.  To do so, the following items which we believe would otherwise affect the comparability of our operating results from period to period, are excluded from net earnings: gains on sale of Sheerness, TA Power units, the Meridian Cogeneration Facility, mine closure charges, including inventory write-downs, and asset impairment charges, prior period regulatory decisions, and earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax.

 

Earnings presented on a comparable basis from period to period is reconciled to net earnings below:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Earnings on a comparable basis

 

$

233.8

 

$

161.3

 

$

127.1

 

Turbine impairment, net of tax

 

(6.2

)

 

 

Change in tax rate related to prior periods

 

55.3

 

 

 

Centralia Gas impairment, net of tax

 

(84.4

)

 

 

Centralia Coal writedown, net of tax

 

(153.6

)

 

 

Prior period regulatory decision, net of tax

 

 

 

(14.9

)

New Zealand tax settlement

 

 

 

6.8

 

Gain on sale of Meridian Cogeneration facility, net of tax

 

 

 

11.5

 

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units, net of tax

 

 

 

29.1

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

12.0

 

9.6

 

Tax settlement on deferred receivable

 

 

13.0

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

44.9

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding in the period

 

200.8

 

196.8

 

192.7

 

Earnings on a comparable basis per share

 

$

1.16

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.66

 

 

Free cash flow is intended to demonstrate the amount of cash we have available to invest in capital growth initiatives, repay recourse debt or repurchase common shares.

 

The reconciliation between cash flow from operating activities and free cash flow is calculated below:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

$

489.6

 

$

619.8

 

$

591.2

 

Add (Deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustaining capital expenditures

 

(206.7

)

(286.5

)

(203.7

)

Dividends on common shares

 

(121.0

)

(79.6

)

(134.3

)

Distribution to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interest

 

(74.4

)

(77.5

)

(48.4

)

Non-recourse debt repayments

 

(51.3

)

(36.1

)

(29.5

)

Timing of contractually scheduled payments

 

185.0

 

 

 

Cash flows from equity investments

 

(4.0

)

19.6

 

(5.2

)

Free cash flow

 

$

217.2

 

$

159.7

 

$

170.1

 

 

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

2006 Quarters

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

Revenue

 

$

733.7

 

$

599.0

 

$

684.0

 

$

779.8

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

69.2

 

86.4

 

35.3

 

(146.0

)

Net earnings (loss)

 

69.2

 

86.4

 

35.3

 

(146.0

)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

0.35

 

0.43

 

0.18

 

(0.72

)

Net earnings (loss)

 

0.35

 

0.43

 

0.18

 

(0.72

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

0.35

 

0.43

 

0.18

 

(0.72

)

Net earnings (loss)

 

0.35

 

0.43

 

0.18

 

(0.72

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005 Quarters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

Revenue

 

$

684.3

 

$

621.2

 

$

722.9

 

$

810.1

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

49.4

 

25.8

 

51.2

 

59.9

 

Net earnings

 

49.4

 

25.8

 

51.2

 

59.9

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

0.25

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

0.24

 

Net earnings

 

0.25

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

0.30

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

0.25

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

0.24

 

Net earnings

 

0.25

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

0.30

 

 

62



 

Our results are partly seasonal due to the nature of the electricity market and related fuel costs.  Higher maintenance costs are ordinarily incurred in the second and third quarters when electricity prices are expected to be lower, as electricity prices generally increase in the winter months in the Canadian market.    Margins are also typically impacted in the second quarter due to the volume of hydro production resulting from spring runoff and rainfall in the Canadian and U.S. markets.  Our results reflect the completion, acquisition and disposition of plants and facilities throughout 2004, 2005 and 2006 as described previously within this MD&A.

 

CERTIFICATION

 

TransAlta’s President & Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) certifications regarding the quality of TransAlta’s public disclosures relating to its fiscal 2006 reports filed with the SEC.

 

As at Dec. 31, 2006, our Management, together with our President & Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon this evaluation, our President & Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal year that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of TransAlta.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘enable’, ‘continue’, or other comparable terminology.  These statements are not guarantees of TransAlta’s future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the corporation’s actual performance to be materially different from those projected.  Some of the risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to: legislative and regulatory developments that could affect revenues, costs, and the speed and degree of competition entering the market; global capital markets activity; timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, prevailing interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation levels and general economic conditions in geographic areas where TransAlta operates; results of financing efforts; changes in counterparty risk; and the impact of accounting policies issued by Canadian and U.S. standard setters.  Given these uncertainties, the reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  See additional discussion under Risk Factors and Risk Management in this MD&A.

 

TransAlta measures capacity as net maximum capacity (see glossary for definition of this and other key terms), which is consistent with industry standards.  Capacity figures represent capacity owned and in operation unless otherwise stated.

 

 

63



 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT

 

 

 

To the Shareholders of TransAlta Corporation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial information included in this annual report have been prepared by management. It is management’s responsibility to ensure that sound judgment, appropriate accounting principles and methods and reasonable estimates have been used in the preparation of this information. They also ensure that all information presented is consistent.

 

Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls and procedures over the financial reporting process. The internal control system includes an internal audit function and an established business conduct policy that applies to all employees. In addition, the company has a code of conduct that applies to all employees and is signed annually. The code of conduct can be viewed on TransAlta’s website (www.transalta.com). Management believes the system of internal controls, review procedures and established policies provides reasonable assurance as to the reliability and relevance of financial reports. Management also believes that TransAlta’s operations are conducted in conformity with the law and with a high standard of business conduct.

 

Each year we document the design and operating effectiveness of internal control over external financial reporting. The results of this work have been subjected to an audit by the shareholders’ auditors. As at year end, we have reported that internal controls over financial reporting is effective.  In compliance with Section 302 of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, TransAlta’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will provide to the Securities and Exchange Commission a certification related to TransAlta’s annual disclosure document in the U.S. (Form 40-F). The same certification will be provided to the Canadian Securities Administrators.

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal control. The Board carried out its responsibility principally through its Audit and Environment Committee. The Committee, which consists solely of independent directors, reviews the financial statements and annual report and recommends them to the Board for approval. The Committee meets with management, internal auditors and external auditors to discuss internal controls, auditing matters and financial reporting issues. Internal and external auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Audit and Environment Committee. The Committee also recommends the firm of external auditors to be appointed by the shareholders.

 

STEPHEN G. SNYDER

BRIAN BURDEN

President & Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer

February 27, 2007

 

 

 

64



 

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

 

 

To the Shareholders of TransAlta Corporation

 

The following report is provided by management in respect of TransAlta Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15f and 15d-15f under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

TransAlta’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for TransAlta.

 

Management has used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework to evaluate the effectiveness of TransAlta Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Management believes that the COSO framework is a suitable framework for its evaluation of TransAlta Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting because it is free from bias, permits reasonably consistent qualitative and quantitative measurements of TransAlta Corporation’s internal controls, is sufficiently complete so that those relevant factors that would alter a conclusion about the effectiveness of TransAlta Corporation’s internal controls are not omitted and is relevant to an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures.  Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper overrides.  Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting.  However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process, and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

 

TransAlta Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Sheerness, CE Generation and Genesee 3 joint ventures via proportionate consolidation in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Management does not have the contractual ability to assess the internal controls of these joint ventures but through commercial agreements, representation on boards of directors of these joint ventures and through our daily interactions, management is able to assess that key financial and commercial transactions are occurring properly.  Once the financial information is obtained from the joint ventures it falls within the scope of TransAlta Corporation’s internal controls framework.  Management’s conclusion regarding the effectiveness of internal controls does not extend to the internal controls at the transactional level of the joint ventures.  The 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements of TransAlta Corporation included $1,749.5 million and $839.8 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of Dec. 31, 2006, and $498.7 million and $96.6 million of revenues and operational earnings, respectively, for the year then ended related to these joint ventures.

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of TransAlta Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, as at Dec. 31, 2006, and has concluded that such internal control over financial reporting is effective. There are no material weaknesses in TransAlta Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that have been identified by management.

 

Ernst & Young LLP, who has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements of TransAlta Corporation for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, has also issued a report on management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting under Auditing Standard No. 2 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). This report is located on Page 66 of this Annual Report.

 

Stephen G. Snyder

Brian Burden

President & Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer

February 27, 2007

 

 

 

65



 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS UNDER STANDARDS OF THE PUBLIC COMPANY ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT BOARD (UNITED STATES)

 

 

 

To the Shareholders of TransAlta Corporation

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included on page 65 of this annual report, that TransAlta Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).  The Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company’ and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

As indicated in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of the CE Generation, Sheerness or Genesee 3 joint ventures, included in the Corporation’s 2006 consolidated financial statements and constituting $1,749.5 million and $839.8 million of total and net assets, respectively, as at December 31, 2006, and $498.7 million and $96.6 million of revenues and net earnings, respectively, for the year then ended.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting at these joint ventures because the Corporation does not have the ability to dictate or modify the controls of the joint ventures, nor the ability, in practice, to assess those controls.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Corporation did not include an evaluation of the internal controls over financial reporting of these joint ventures.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria.  Also, in our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of TransAlta Corporation as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated February 27, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chartered Accountants

 

Calgary, Canada

February 27, 2007

 

 

66



 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

To the Shareholders of TransAlta Corporation

 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of TransAlta Corporation as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2006.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As discussed in Note 1 (R) to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 the Corporation changed its method of accounting for stripping costs incurred in the production of a mining operation, stock-based compensation for employees eligible to retire before the vesting period and defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chartered Accountants

 

Calgary, Canada

February 27, 2007

 

 

67



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Revenues

 

$

2,796.5

 

$

2,838.5

 

$

2,586.2

 

Trading purchases

 

(118.9

)

(174.1

)

(197.7

)

Fuel and purchased power (Note 2)

 

(1,186.2

)

(1,222.4

)

(1,035.2

)

Gross margin

 

1,491.4

 

1,442.0

 

1,353.3

 

Operations, maintenance and administration

 

581.3

 

596.0

 

547.5

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

410.3

 

367.9

 

357.5

 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

21.3

 

21.3

 

20.5

 

Operating expenses

 

1,012.9

 

985.2

 

925.5

 

Mine closure charges (Note 2)

 

191.9

 

 

 

Asset impairment charges (Note 3)

 

130.0

 

36.2

 

 

Gain on sale of Meridian Cogeneration facility (Note 20)

 

 

 

(17.7

)

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units (Note 20)

 

 

 

(44.8

)

Prior period regulatory decision (Note 4)

 

 

 

22.9

 

Operating income

 

156.6

 

420.6

 

467.4

 

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

 

(0.5

)

1.3

 

0.7

 

Net interest expense (Note 16)

 

(168.5

)

(188.6

)

(207.4

)

Equity loss

 

(17.0

)

(0.9

)

(8.5

)

(Loss) earnings before non-controlling interests and income taxes

 

(29.4

)

232.4

 

252.2

 

Non-controlling interests (Notes 3 and 18)

 

51.5

 

18.5

 

46.0

 

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

 

(80.9

)

213.9

 

206.2

 

Income tax (recovery) expense (Note 7)

 

(125.8

)

39.6

 

46.6

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

44.9

 

174.3

 

159.6

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 5)

 

 

12.0

 

9.6

 

Net earnings

 

44.9

 

186.3

 

169.2

 

Common share dividends

 

(201.0

)

(196.9

)

(192.7

)

Adjustment arising from normal course issuer bid (Note 19)

 

 

 

(1.1

)

Retained earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening balance

 

866.1

 

876.7

 

901.3

 

Closing balance

 

$

710.0

 

$

866.1

 

$

876.7

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding in the period

 

200.8

 

196.8

 

192.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 19)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings from continuing operations

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.83

 

Earnings from discontinued operations

 

 

0.06

 

0.05

 

Net earnings

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.88

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

68



 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1

)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 65.6

 

$

 79.3

 

Accounts receivable (Note 21)

 

618.3

 

593.4

 

Prepaid expenses

 

9.1

 

9.8

 

Price risk management assets (Note 6)

 

61.0

 

63.8

 

Future income tax assets (Note 7)

 

25.8

 

26.6

 

Income taxes receivable

 

47.6

 

48.8

 

Inventory

 

53.0

 

23.1

 

Current portion of other assets (Note 14)

 

16.6

 

10.9

 

 

 

897.0

 

855.7

 

Restricted cash (Note 8)

 

347.8

 

6.3

 

Investments (Note 9)

 

154.5

 

414.3

 

Long-term receivables (Note 10)

 

32.2

 

 

Property, plant and equipment (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

8,588.0

 

8,572.9

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(3,546.1

)

(3,021.4

)

 

 

5,041.9

 

5,551.5

 

Assets held for sale, net (Note 12)

 

109.8

 

 

Goodwill

 

137.5

 

137.6

 

Intangible assets (Note 13)

 

292.1

 

343.7

 

Future income tax assets (Note 7)

 

294.0

 

170.1

 

Price risk management assets (Note 6)

 

21.9

 

13.8

 

Other assets (Note 14)

 

131.4

 

200.1

 

Total assets

 

$

 7,460.1

 

$

 7,693.1

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt (Note 15)

 

$

361.9

 

$

13.1

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

441.9

 

590.3

 

Price risk management liabilities (Note 6)

 

30.3

 

58.3

 

Income taxes payable

 

22.3

 

13.8

 

Future income tax liabilities (Note 7)

 

19.9

 

18.2

 

Dividends payable

 

51.5

 

50.5

 

Deferred credits and other current liabilities (Note 17)

 

50.6

 

33.8

 

Current portion of long-term debt recourse (Note 16)

 

205.0

 

354.2

 

Current portion of long-term debt non-recourse (Note 16)

 

44.7

 

42.2

 

Preferred securities (Note 16)

 

175.0

 

 

 

 

1,403.1

 

1,174.4

 

Long-term debt recourse (Note 16)

 

1,681.5

 

1,887.0

 

Long-term debt non-recourse (Note 16)

 

289.6

 

321.6

 

Preferred securities (Note 16)

 

 

175.0

 

Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17)

 

423.4

 

332.1

 

Future income tax liabilities (Note 7)

 

698.6

 

738.8

 

Price risk management liabilities (Note 6)

 

1.0

 

8.6

 

Non-controlling interests (Note 18)

 

535.0

 

558.6

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares (Note 19)

 

1,782.4

 

1,697.9

 

Retained earnings

 

710.0

 

866.1

 

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

(64.5

)

(67.0

)

 

 

2,427.9

 

2,497.0

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

7,460.1

 

$

7,693.1

 

 

Contingencies (Notes 21 and 22)

Commitments (Notes 22 and 23)


On behalf of the Board:

DONNA SOBLE KAUFMAN

WILLIAM D. ANDERSON

Director

Director

 

See accompanying notes.

 

69



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

44.9

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

Depreciation and amortization (Note 24)

 

437.8

 

400.9

 

390.1

 

Prior period regulatory decision (Note 4)

 

 

 

22.9

 

Non-controlling interests (Notes 3 and 18)

 

51.5

 

18.5

 

46.0

 

Asset retirement obligation accretion (Note 17)

 

21.5

 

19.3

 

19.3

 

Future income taxes (Note 7)

 

(163.7

)

5.6

 

17.8

 

Asset retirement obligation costs settled (Note 17)

 

(29.2

)

(29.4

)

(19.7

)

Unrealized (gains) losses from risk management activities

 

(32.2

)

4.9

 

(9.7

)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

 

0.5

 

(1.3

)

(0.7

)

Mine closure charges (Note 2)

 

191.9

 

 

 

Asset impairment charges (Note 3)

 

130.0

 

36.2

 

 

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units (Note 20)

 

 

 

(44.8

)

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 

(24.7

)

Equity loss

 

17.0

 

0.9

 

8.5

 

Other non-cash items

 

8.8

 

(3.0

)

 

 

 

678.8

 

638.9

 

574.2

 

Change in non-cash operating working capital balances

 

(189.2

)

(19.1

)

17.0

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

489.6

 

619.8

 

591.2

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(223.7

)

(325.9

)

(345.7

)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment (Note 12)

 

29.4

 

1.6

 

43.2

 

Equity investment

 

226.4

 

(9.3

)

(10.1

)

Long-term receivables

 

 

 

90.8

 

Restricted cash (Note 8)

 

(333.1

)

2.3

 

1.1

 

Proceeds on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units (Note 20)

 

 

 

116.5

 

Acquisitions (Note 20)

 

(1.2

)

 

 

Realized foreign exchange gain on net investments (Note 6)

 

53.9

 

89.8

 

47.8

 

Proceeds on sale of long-term investments

 

3.0

 

 

 

Deferred charges and other

 

(16.0

)

(1.0

)

(1.0

)

Cash flow used in investing activities

 

(261.3

)

(242.5

)

(57.4

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in (repayment of) short-term debt

 

348.1

 

(23.6

)

(85.4

)

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(396.7

)

(139.3

)

(284.7

)

Dividends on common shares

 

(133.9

)

(99.2

)

(135.4

)

Issuance of long-term debt

 

 

200.0

 

2.7

 

Redemption of preferred securities

 

 

(300.0

)

 

Net proceeds on issuance of common shares

 

12.9

 

19.6

 

1.1

 

Distributions to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests

 

(74.4

)

(77.5

)

(48.4

)

Deferred financing charges and other

 

 

 

(1.2

)

Reduction in advance to TransAlta Power (Note 20)

 

0.8

 

23.7

 

2.0

 

Cash flow used in financing activities

 

(243.2

)

(396.3

)

(549.3

)

Cash flow used in operating, investing and financing activities

 

(14.9

)

(19.0

)

(15.5

)

Effect of translation on foreign currency cash

 

1.2

 

(2.9

)

(7.1

)

(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(13.7

)

(21.9

)

(22.6

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

79.3

 

101.2

 

123.8

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

65.6

 

$

79.3

 

$

101.2

 

Cash taxes paid

 

$

35.6

 

$

14.7

 

$

4.6

 

Cash interest paid

 

$

181.2

 

$

183.7

 

$

218.2

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

70



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)

 

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

A.  Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (Canadian GAAP).  These accounting principles are different in some respects from United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).  The significant differences are described in Note 30.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the corporation), all subsidiaries and the proportionate share of the accounts of joint ventures and jointly controlled corporations.

 

B.  Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates due to factors such as fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation levels and commodity prices, changes in economic conditions and legislative and regulatory changes (Notes 6, 13, 22 and 26).

 

C.  Revenue Recognition

The majority of the corporation’s revenues are derived from the sale of physical power and from energy marketing and trading activities.  Revenues under long-term electricity and thermal sales contracts generally include one or more of the following components:  fixed capacity payments for being available, energy payments for generation of electricity, incentives or penalties for exceeding or not meeting availability targets, excess energy payments for power generation above committed capacity and ancillary services.  Each is recognized upon output, delivery, or satisfaction of specific targets, all as specified by contractual terms.  Revenues from non-contracted capacity are comprised of energy payments for each megawatt hour (MWh) produced at market prices and are recognized upon delivery.

 

Derivatives used in trading activities include physical and financial swaps, forward sales contracts, futures contracts and options, which are used to earn trading revenues and to gain market information.  These derivatives are accounted for using the fair value method of accounting.  Derivatives, other than real-time physical contracts, are presented on a net basis in the statements of earnings.  Real-time physical contracts meet the definition of derivative contracts held for delivery and therefore realized gains and losses are reported gross in the consolidated statements of earnings. The initial recognition of fair value and subsequent changes in fair value affect reported earnings in the period the change occurs.  The fair values of those instruments that remain open at the balance sheet date represent unrealized gains or losses and are presented on the balance sheets as price risk management assets and liabilities.  Non-derivative trading contracts are accounted for using the accrual method.

 

The majority of the corporation’s derivatives have quoted market prices on active exchanges or over-the-counter quotes are available from brokers.  However, some derivatives are not traded on an active exchange or the contracts extend beyond the time period for which market-based quotes are available, requiring the use of internal valuation techniques or models (mark-to-model accounting).

 

D.  Discontinued Operations

The results of discontinued operations are presented net of tax on a one-line basis in the consolidated statements of earnings. Interest expense, direct corporate overheads and income taxes are allocated to discontinued operations. General corporate overheads are not allocated to discontinued operations.

 

E.  Inventory

The corporation’s inventory balance represents fuel which is valued at the lower of cost and market value, defined as net replacement value.  Inventory cost is determined using moving average cost.  The costing method used is direct costing, which is determined as the sum of all applicable expenditures and charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing an inventory item to its existing condition and location.

 

F.  Property, Plant and Equipment

The corporation’s investment in property, plant and equipment (PP&E) is stated at original cost at the time of construction, purchase or acquisition.  Original cost includes items such as materials, labour, interest and other appropriately allocated costs.  As costs are expended for new construction, the entire amount is capitalized as PP&E on the consolidated balance sheet and is subject to depreciation upon commencement of commercial operations.  The cost of routine maintenance and repairs, such as inspections and corrosion removal, and the replacement of minor parts, are charged to expense as incurred.  Certain expenditures relating to replacement of components incurred during major maintenance are capitalized and amortized over the estimated benefit period of such expenditures.  A

 

 

71



 

component is a tangible portion of the asset that can be separately identified as an asset and depreciated over its own expected useful life, and is expected to provide a benefit of greater than one year.

 

The estimate of the useful life of PP&E is based on current facts and past experience, and takes into consideration existing long-term sales agreements and contracts, current and forecasted demand, and the potential for technological obsolescence.  The useful life is used to estimate the rate at which the PP&E is depreciated or amortized.  These estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on new or additional information.  Depreciation and amortization are calculated using straight-line and unit of production methods.  Coal rights are amortized on a unit of production basis, based on the estimated mine reserves.

 

TransAlta capitalizes interest on capital invested in projects under construction.  Upon commencement of commercial operations, capitalized interest, as a portion of the total cost of the plant, is amortized over the estimated useful life of the plant.

 

On an annual basis, and when indicators of impairment exist, TransAlta determines whether the net carrying amount of PP&E is recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.  Factors that could indicate an impairment exists include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner or use of the assets, significant negative industry or economic trends, or a change in the strategy for the corporation’s overall business.  In some cases, these events are clear.  However, in many cases, a clearly identifiable event indicating possible impairment does not occur.  Instead, a series of individually insignificant events occur over a period of time leading to an indication that an asset may be impaired.  This can be further complicated where TransAlta is not the operator of the facility.  Events can occur in these situations that may not be known until a date subsequent to their occurrence.

 

The corporation’s businesses, the markets and business environment are continually monitored, and judgments and assessments are made to determine whether an event has occurred that indicates possible impairment.  If such an event has occurred, an estimate is made of future undiscounted cash flows from the PP&E.  If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding financing charges with the exception of plants that have specifically dedicated debt, is less than the carrying amount of the PP&E, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements.  The amount of the impairment charge to be recognized is calculated by subtracting the fair value of the asset from the carrying value of the asset.  Fair value is the amount at which an item could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, and is normally estimated by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows related to the asset.

 

During the annual review of the generating assets, changes in the outlook for dispatch rates and trading values and their impact on plant profitability resulted in a $130 million pre-tax impairment charge to write the Centralia Gas plant down to its fair value (Note 3).

 

On Nov. 27, 2006, TransAlta stopped mining at the Centralia Coal mine as a result of increased costs and unfavourable geological events.  All associated mining and reclamation equipment was written down to the lower of net book value or anticipated realized proceeds (Note 2).

 

 

G.  Goodwill

Goodwill is the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net assets of an acquired business.  Goodwill and certain intangibles are not subject to amortization, but are instead tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if an analysis of events and circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may arise earlier.  These events could include a significant change in financial position of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates or significant negative industry or economic trends.  To test for impairment, the fair value of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates is compared to the carrying values of the reporting units.  The corporation determined that the fair values of the reporting units, based on historical cash flows and estimates of future cash flows, exceeded their carrying values.  There was no impairment of goodwill at Dec. 31, 2006 or 2005.

 

H.  Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of power sale contracts, with rates higher than market rates at the date of acquisition, acquired in the purchase of CE Generation LLC (CE Gen), a jointly controlled enterprise (Note 27).  Sale contracts are valued at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract period, which ranges from three to 28 years at the date of acquisition.

 

I.  Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

The corporation recognizes ARO in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be determined.  The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.  The liability is accrued over the estimated time period until settlement of the obligation and the asset is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset.  Reclamation costs for mining assets are recognized on a unit of production basis.

 

TransAlta recorded an ARO for all generating facilities for which it is legally required to remove the facilities at the end of their useful lives and restore the plant and mine sites to their original condition.  For some hydro facilities, the corporation is required to remove the generating equipment, but is not legally required to remove the structures.  TransAlta has recognized legal obligations arising from government legislation, written agreements between entities and case law.  The asset retirement liabilities are recognized when the ARO is incurred.  Asset retirement liabilities for coal mines are incurred over time, as new areas are mined, and a portion of the liability is settled over time as areas are reclaimed prior to final pit reclamation.

 

J.  Investments

Effective Jan. 1, 2005, TransAlta retroactively adopted the new CICA Accounting Guideline 15 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (VIE). The wholly owned subsidiaries that hold TransAlta’s interests in the Campeche and Chihuahua power plants are considered VIEs and are shown as equity investments.

 

Investments in shares of companies over which the corporation exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.  Other investments are carried at cost.  If there is other than a temporary decline in the value of an investment, it is written down to net realizable value.

 

 

72



 

K.  Other Assets

Deferred license fees and deferred contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the related assets or long-term contracts.

 

Financing costs for the issuance of long-term debt and preferred securities are amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the term of the related issue.

 

Other costs capitalized on the balance sheet include project development costs, which includes external, direct and incremental costs that are necessary for completion of a potential acquisition or construction project.  Such costs are included in operating expenses until construction of a plant or acquisition of an investment is likely to occur, there is reason to believe that future costs are recoverable and that efforts will result in future value to the corporation, at which time the future costs are included in PP&E or investments.  The appropriateness of the carrying value of these costs is evaluated each reporting period, and unrecoverable amounts of capitalized costs for projects no longer probable of occurring are charged to expense in the current period.

 

L.  Income Taxes

The corporation uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes for its operations.  Under the liability method, income taxes are recognized for the differences between financial statement carrying values and the respective income tax basis of assets and liabilities (temporary differences), and the carry forward of unused tax losses.  Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using income tax rates expected to apply in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is included in earnings in the period the change is substantively enacted.  Future income tax assets are evaluated annually and if realization is not considered ‘more likely than not’, a valuation allowance is provided.

 

M.  Employee Future Benefits

The corporation accrues its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other post-employment and post-retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method pro-rated on services and management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs.  The defined benefit pension plans are based on an employee’s final average earnings and years of service.  Pension benefits will increase annually by two per cent.  The expected return on plan assets is based on the historical returns earned by assets of similar risk and performance.  The discount rate used to calculate the interest cost on the accrued benefit obligation is determined by reference to market interest rates at the balance sheet date on high-quality debt instruments with cash flows that match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. Past service costs from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average remaining service period of employees active at the date of amendment (EARSL). The excess of the net cumulative unamortized actuarial gain or loss over 10 per cent of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the market value of plan assets is amortized over the estimated average remaining service period of the active employees. When the restructuring of a benefit plan gives rise to both a curtailment and settlement of obligations, the curtailment is accounted for prior to the settlement.  Transition obligations and assets arising from the prospective adoption of new accounting standards are amortized over EARSL.

 

N.  Foreign Currency Translation

The corporation’s self-sustaining foreign operations are translated using the current rate method. Translation gains and losses are deferred and included in the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) account in shareholders’ equity.  Foreign currency denominated monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date.


Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the transaction date.  The resulting exchange gains and losses on these items are included in net earnings.

 

O.  Derivatives and Financial Instruments

Derivatives used in trading activities are described in Note 1(C).

 

Physical and financial swaps, forward sales contracts, futures contracts and options are used to hedge the corporation’s exposure to fluctuations in electricity and natural gas prices related to output from the plants.  Under Canadian GAAP, if hedging criteria are met (described below), gains and losses on these derivatives are recognized in earnings in the same period and financial statement caption as the hedged exposure (settlement accounting).  The derivatives are not recorded on the balance sheet.

 

Cross-currency interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency debts are used to hedge exposure to changes in the carrying values of the corporation’s net investments in foreign operations as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates.  Under Canadian GAAP, gains and losses on the principal component of the cross-currency interest rate swaps as well as gains and losses on the forward sales contracts and foreign currency long-term debt are deferred and included in CTA.  The gains and losses on the principal component of the cross-currency interest rate swaps as well as the gains and losses on forward sales contracts are deferred and recorded in other assets (Note 14) or deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17) as appropriate.

 

Foreign currency forward contracts are used to hedge the foreign exchange exposures resulting from anticipated contracts and firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies.  Under Canadian GAAP, if hedge criteria are met, these derivatives are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Upon settlement of the derivative, any gain or loss on the forward contracts are deferred and included in other assets (Note 14) or deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17), and is included in the cost of the asset or liability when the asset is purchased and depreciated over the asset’s estimated useful life (settlement accounting).

 

Interest rate swaps are used to manage the impact of fluctuating interest rates on existing debt.  These instruments are not recognized on the balance sheet under Canadian GAAP.  Interest rate swaps require the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of the notional

 

 

73



 

principal amount on which the payments are based.  If hedge criteria are met, interest expense on the debt is adjusted to include the payments made or received under the interest rate swaps (settlement accounting).

 

To be accounted for as a hedge under both Canadian and U.S. GAAP, a derivative must be designated and documented as a hedge, and must be effective at inception and on an ongoing basis.  The documentation defines all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the corporation’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  The process includes linking derivatives to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or anticipated transactions.  The corporation also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.  Hedge effectiveness of cash flows is achieved if the derivatives’ cash flows substantially offset the cash flows of the hedged item and the timing of the cash flows is similar.  Hedge effectiveness of fair values is achieved if changes in the fair value of the derivative substantially offset changes in the fair value of the item hedged.  If a hedge is determined to be ineffective, U.S. and Canadian GAAP require the ineffective portion to be recognized in earnings in the current period.  If the above hedge criteria are not met, the derivative is accounted for on the balance sheet at fair value, with the initial fair value and subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings in the period of change.

 

If a derivative that has been accorded hedge accounting matures, expires, is sold, terminated or cancelled, and is not replaced as part of the corporation’s hedging strategy, the termination gain or loss is deferred and recognized when the gain or loss on the item hedged is recognized.  If a designated hedged item matures, expires, is sold, extinguished or terminated, or the hedged item is no longer probable of occurring, any previously deferred amounts associated with the hedging item are recognized in current earnings along with the corresponding gains or losses recognized on the hedged item.  If a hedging relationship is terminated or ceases to be effective, hedge accounting is not applied to subsequent gains or losses.  Any previously deferred amounts are carried forward and recognized in earnings in the same period as the hedged item.

 

P.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The corporation has three types of stock-based compensation plans comprised of two stock option-based plans, and a Performance Share Ownership Plan (PSOP), described in Note 25.  Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date at fair value and recognized over the service period.  Effective Jan. 1, 2003, the corporation elected to prospectively use the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation arrangements.  In 2006, the corporation did not grant options to its employees.  Note 25 provides pro forma measures of net earnings and earnings per share had compensation expense been recognized for awards granted prior to 2003 based on the estimated fair value of the options on the grant date in accordance with the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation.

 

Stock grants under PSOP are accrued in corporate operations, maintenance and administration (OM&A) expense as earned to the balance sheet date, based upon the percentile ranking of the total shareholder return of the corporation’s common shares in comparison to the total shareholder returns of companies comprising the S&P/TSX Composite Index.  Compensation expense under the phantom stock option plan is recognized in OM & A expense for the amount by which the quoted market price of TransAlta’s shares exceeds the option price, and adjusted for changes in each period for changes in the excess over the option price.  If stock options or stock are repurchased from employees, the excess of the consideration paid over the carrying amount of the stock option or stock cancelled is charged to retained earnings.

 

Q.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

R.  Accounting Changes

 

Effective Jan. 1, 2006, TransAlta early adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (CICA) Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 160 (EIC-160) Stripping Costs Incurred in the Production of a Mining Operation. Under EIC-160, stripping costs to remove overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits should be accounted for as variable production costs during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. Previously, a portion of the stripping costs would have been carried forward to future periods as part of inventory or prepaid expenses.

 

The corporation has considered costs incurred during 2005 and previous years, which meet the definition of stripping costs under EIC-160. Factors considered in the analysis include stripping costs, tons of coal produced and whether the stripping costs could be capitalized.

 

As a result of this review, the corporation determined that costs incurred during 2005 and previous years did meet the definition of stripping costs under EIC-160 and therefore stripping costs have been accounted for as period costs. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change in accounting policy.  The impact on the balance sheets and income statements are as follows:

 

 

 

As previously

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

disclosed

 

Change

 

As restated

 

2005 Prepaid expenses

 

$

75.8

 

$

(66.0

)

$

9.8

 

2005 Inventory

 

27.7

 

(4.6

)

23.1

 

2005 Net earnings

 

198.8

 

(12.5

)

186.3

 

2004 Prepaid expenses

 

52.3

 

(47.1

)

5.2

 

2004 Inventory

 

39.9

 

(3.3

)

36.6

 

2004 Net earnings

 

170.2

 

(1.0

)

169.2

 

 

 

74



During the first quarter of 2006, there was a change in the amortization period of the Ottawa, Mississauga, Windsor-Essex Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants. Previously, these plants were being amortized using the units of production method over the life of the plants.  After reviewing the estimated useful life and considering the uncertainty for the plants’ operations beyond the terms of the current sales contracts, TransAlta determined that it was more reasonable to allocate the remaining net book value of the plants on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the respective contracts.  For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 the amortization related to the Ottawa, Mississauga, Windsor-Essex, Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants is $13.4 million higher than the same period in 2005.

 

In January 2005, the CICA issued four new accounting standards that are effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after Oct. 1, 2006. These new standards include Section 1530, Comprehensive Income, Section 3251, Equity, Section 3855, Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement, and Section 3865, Hedges. The corporation adopted these standards as of Jan. 1, 2007. These standards are expected to have a minimal impact on the presentation of the financial statements.

 

Stock-Based Compensation for Employees Eligible to Retire Before the Vesting Period

In July 2006, the Emerging Issues Committee issued EIC-162, Stock-Based Compensation for Employees Eligible to Retire Before the Vesting Date (EIC-162). This abstract accelerates the recognition of compensation costs for stock-based awards based on the retirement eligibility of the employee at the grant date and during the vesting period. EIC-162 is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after Dec. 31, 2006 and should be applied retroactively.  TransAlta adopted this standard effective in the fourth quarter of 2006. Comparative balances have not been restated as the impact on prior periods is not significant.

 

Issue 06-2 - Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to
FASB Statement No. 43, Accounting for Compensated Absences

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF Issue No. 06-2 Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43, Accounting for Compensated Absences (Issue No. 06-2). Under Issue No. 06-2 a company should accrue for sabbatical leave or other similar benefits if (i) the employee is required to complete a minimum service period to be entitled to the benefit, (ii) there is no increase to the benefit if the employee provides additional years of service, (iii) the employee continues to be a compensated employee during his or her absence, and (iv) the employer does not require the employee to perform any duties during his or her absence. Issue No. 06-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has evaluated the accounting guidance and has adopted the consensus effective Jan. 1, 2007. Comparative balances have not been restated as the impact on prior periods is not significant.

 

Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Plans

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires companies to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension plans on the balance sheet with changes in the funded status recognized in other comprehensive income in the year of the change. SFAS 158 also requires additional disclosure. SFAS 158 is effective for years ending after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has adopted the requirements of SFAS 158 and the results have been reflected in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation (Note 30).

 

2. MINE CLOSURE CHARGES

 

On Nov. 27, 2006, TransAlta stopped mining at the Centralia Coal mine as a result of increased costs and unfavourable geological conditions.  All associated mining and reclamation equipment was written down to the lower of net book value or anticipated realized proceeds.  Mine infrastructure, including coal processing equipment and structures, haul roads and other equipment were written down to anticipated net salvage value.  Asset retirement costs, representing the unamortized cost of future reclamation, was also written off.  In addition, employee termination costs and other miscellaneous expenses were recorded. The total of these writedowns and provisions was $191.9 million.

 

As a result of the closure, all internally produced coal was also written down to fair market value, which is replacement cost, resulting in an expense of $44.4 million being recorded in fuel and purchased power. The total amounts are summarized in the table below:

 

Writedown of coal inventory

 

$

 44.4

 

Impact on gross margin

 

(44.4

)

Mine closure charges

 

 

 

Mine equipment and infrastructure writedown

 

72.1

 

ARO writedown

 

81.3

 

Severance costs and other

 

38.5

 

Total mine closure charges

 

191.9

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(236.3

)

Income tax recovery

 

82.7

 

Net loss impact of event

 

$

(153.6

)

 

75



 

3. ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

 

During the annual review of its generating assets, changes in the outlook for dispatch rates and trading values and their impact on plant profitability resulted in the determination that the full book value of the Centralia Gas facility was unlikely to be recovered from future cash flows. As a result of a market valuation, TransAlta recorded a $130 million pre-tax impairment charge to write this plant down to its fair value. This asset is included in the Generation segment.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, TA Cogen, a subsidiary that is owned 50.01 per cent by TransAlta and 49.99 per cent by TA Power, a publicly traded entity, recorded an impairment charge of $78.3 million in respect of the Ottawa facility as the net book value of that facility exceeded its net recoverable amount, measured as the future cash flows from the facility.  The net book value of the Ottawa facility in the accounts of the corporation is lower than that in TA Cogen.  The carrying value in TransAlta is fully recoverable from future cash flows of the facility. The difference in net book value between the accounts of the corporation and TA Cogen is due to the higher purchase price of the plant by TA Cogen. The corporation has recognized an increase in depreciation expense of $36.2 million related to TA Power’s share of the impairment charge.  This amount is offset by a recovery in the earnings attributable to non-controlling interests in the corporation’s income statement.

 

4. PRIOR PERIOD REGULATORY DECISION

 

In response to a complaint filed by San Diego Gas & Electric Company under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) established a claim of approximately US$46 millions in refunds owing by TransAlta for sales made by it in the organized markets of the California Power Exchange (PX) and the California Independent System Operator (ISO) during the Oct. 2, 2000 through June 20, 2001 period (the Main Refund Transactions).  TransAlta has provided US$46 million to account for refund liabilities relating to Main Refund Transactions.

TransAlta filed a cost of service based petition for relief from these refund obligations. FERC rejected TransAlta’s relief petition. On Dec. 1, 2006 TransAlta filed for rehearing of FERC’s rejection. FERC has not yet issued a decision on rehearing.

 

During settlement negotiations, the complaintants have sought to obtain refunds for two sets of transactions beyond the Main Refund Transactions.  The first set includes sales made by sellers in the PX and ISO markets in the period May 1 to Oct. 1, 2001 (The Summer Transactions).  The other set includes bilateral transactions between all sellers and a component of the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) referred to as CERS (The CERS Transactions).  FERC has specifically rejected attempts to introduce refunds for the Summer and CERS Transactions.  Nonetheless, the California parties have sought rehearing of FERC’s refusal and appealed the refusal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  TransAlta does not presently believe the California parties will be successful in obtaining refunds alleged for the Summer and CERS transactions.  TransAlta has not made any provision for such alleged refunds at this time.

 

5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

A. Transmission

 

In June 2004, a settlement was reached to finalize the sale of the corporation’s Transmission operations.  In April 2002, the Transmission operations were sold for proceeds of $820.7 million.  The disposal resulted in an after-tax gain on sale of $120.0 million that was recorded in 2002.  During 2004, final working capital adjustments were made to reflect post-closing adjustments and other provisions related to closing costs, which resulted in an additional $9.6 million after-tax gain.

 

B. Alberta Distribution and Retail (D&R)

 

In August 2000, the corporation sold its Alberta D&R business for proceeds of $857.3 million.  The original gain recorded on this transaction was $262.4 million.   During the fourth quarter of 2005, the corporation settled an outstanding income tax dispute related to this business.  Included in earnings from discontinued operations for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005 is $12.0 million related to this matter.  The settlement of this issue brings the final gain on disposal of the Alberta D&R business to $274.4 million.

 

6. PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

A. Foreign Exchange Rate Risk Management

I. Hedges of Foreign Operations

 

The corporation has exposure to changes in the carrying values of its self-sustaining foreign operations as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates. The corporation uses cross-currency interest rate swaps at fixed and floating rate terms, forward sales contracts, and direct foreign currency debt to hedge these exposures. The principal component of the cross-currency interest rate swaps and direct foreign currency debt hedge a portion of the carrying value of foreign operations. Translation gains and losses related to these components are deferred and included in CTA in shareholders’ equity on a net of tax basis.

 

Realized gains and losses arising from the hedging of net investments and inter-company transactions are reflected as an investing activity in the statement of cash flows.  Upon the settlement of certain financial instruments designated as net investment hedges, a foreign exchange gain of $53.9 million was realized in 2006 (2005 - $89.8 million; 2004 - $47.8 million).  This is recorded in the corporation's cumulative translation account in total equity.

 

76



 

Details of the notional amounts of cross-currency interest rate swaps are as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Amount

 

Fair value

 

Maturities

 

Amount

 

Fair value

 

Maturities

 

Australian dollars

 

AUD$34.0

 

$

(0.6

)

2009

 

AUD$34.0

 

$

0.8

 

2009

 

U.S. dollars

 

US$528.2

 

$

41.1

 

2007-2014

 

US$752.1

 

$

101.9

 

2007-2015

 

 

In addition, the corporation has designated U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt (Note 16) in the amount of US$600.0 million (2005 - US$600.0 million) as a hedge of its net investment in U.S. denominated companies with $173.6 million of related foreign currency losses (2005 - $177.0 million loss) deferred and included in CTA.

 

The corporation has also hedged a portion of its net investment in self-sustaining subsidiaries with foreign currency forward sales contracts as shown below:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Amount

 

Fair value

 

Maturities

 

Amount

 

Fair value

 

Maturities

 

U.S. dollars

 

US$472.5

 

$

9.9

 

2007-2008

 

US$339.9

 

$

15.8

 

2006-2008

 

Australian dollars

 

AUD$48.8

 

$

(0.2

)

2007

 

AUD$22.8

 

$

(0.1

)

2006

 

Mexican pesos

 

MXN -

 

$

-

 

-

 

MXN 871.6

 

$

(11.9

)

2009

 

 

In addition, the corporation has hedged foreign currency denominated inter-company loans to self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries using forward contracts with a notional amount of US$37.1 million (2005 - US$49.2 million) and a net fair value liability of $2.3 million (2005 - $0.7 million).

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, a $54.0 million asset (2005 - $101.9 million) and a $16.8 million liability (2005 - $14.7 million) related to the cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward sales contracts were recorded in other assets (Note 14) and deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17), respectively.

 

II. Hedges of Future Foreign Currency Obligations

 

The corporation has hedged future foreign currency obligations through forward purchase contracts as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

 

Currency

 

Amount

 

Currency

 

Amount

 

asset

 

 

 

Amount

 

Amount

 

asset

 

 

 

sold

 

sold

 

purchased

 

purchased

 

(liability)

 

Maturities

 

Sold

 

Purchased

 

(liability)

 

Maturities

 

Canadian dollars

 

$

32.90

 

US$

 

US$28.8

 

$

0.31

 

2007

 

-

 

US$6.6

 

$

(0.2

)

2006

 

U.S. dollars

 

$

2.10

 

Cdn$

 

  $

2.3

 

$

-

 

2007

 

71.4

 

$

83.0

 

$

0.4

 

2006

 

Mexican pesos

 

-

 

US$

 

-

 

$

-

 

N/A

 

MXN 160.75

 

US$15.1

 

$

0.1

 

2006

 

Canadian dollars

 

$

36.90

 

Euro

 

EUR24.2

 

$

(0.2

)

2007-2008

 

-

 

EUR$-

 

$

-

 

N/A

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, a $0.5 million asset (2005 - $0.7 million) and a $0.3 million liability (2005 - $0.2 million) related to these hedges was recorded in other assets (Note 14) and deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 17), respectively.

 

B. Interest Rate Risk Management

I. Existing Debt

 

The corporation has converted fixed interest rate debt with rates ranging from 5.75 per cent to 6.90 per cent to floating rates through receive fixed pay floating interest rate swaps (Note 14) as shown below:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Notional

 

Fair value

 

 

 

Notional

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

amount

 

of swaps

 

Maturities

 

amount

 

of swaps

 

Maturities

 

Fixed rate debt

 

$

 200.0

 

$

 15.2

 

2011

 

$

 375.0

 

$

 30.8

 

2006 - 2011

 

 

 

US$300.0

 

($9.7

)

2013

 

US$300.0

 

$

 (4.8

)

2013

 

 

The corporation has a forward start pay fixed swap outstanding at fixed rates ranging from 4.39 per cent to 4.50 per cent.  In 2005, the corporation had converted debt at floating interest rates to a fixed rate of 7.2 per cent through a receive floating rate pay fixed interest rate swaps (Note 6), as shown below:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Notional

 

Fair value

 

 

 

Notional

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

amount

 

of swaps

 

Maturity

 

amount

 

of swaps

 

Maturity

 

Floating rate debt

 

125

 

$

0.2

 

2017

 

USD$37.1

 

$

(1.3

)

2008

 

 

Including the interest rate swaps above, 28.4 per cent of the corporation’s debt is subject to floating interest rates (2005 - 24.8 per cent).

 

The fair value of the corporation’s fixed interest long-term debt changes as interest rates change, with details as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

 

amount

 

value

 

amount

 

value

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

$

2,395.8

 

$

2,505.4

 

$

2,780.0

 

$

2,905.0

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, a $25.8 million asset (2005 - $38.4 million) related to the interest rate swaps was recorded in other assets (Note 14).

 

77



C. Energy Commodities Price Risk Management

I. Trading Activities

 

The corporation markets energy derivatives, including physical and financial swaps, forwards and options, to optimize returns from assets, to earn trading revenues, and to gain market information.

 

At Dec. 31, 2006 and 2005, details of the corporation’s fixed price trading positions were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Natural

 

 

 

Electricity

 

Gas

 

Units (thousands)

 

(MWh)

 

(GJ)

 

Fixed price payor, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2006

 

13,944

 

20,289

 

Fixed price payor, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2005

 

19,315

 

11,126

 

Fixed price receiver, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2006

 

21,536

 

26,231

 

Fixed price receiver, notional amounts, Dec. 31, 2005

 

19,047

 

12,158

 

Maximum term in months, Dec. 31, 2006

 

33

 

16

 

Maximum term in months, Dec. 31, 2005

 

24

 

12

 

 

The carrying and fair value of energy commodity trading assets and liabilities included on the balance sheets are as follows:

 

Balance Sheet

 

Dec. 31, 2006

 

Dec. 31, 2005

 

Price risk management assets

 

 

 

 

 

- Current

 

$

61.0

 

$

63.8

 

- Long-term

 

21.9

 

13.8

 

Price risk management liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

- Current

 

(30.3

)

(58.3

)

- Long-term

 

(1.0

)

(8.6

)

Net price risk management assets outstanding

 

$

51.6

 

$

10.7

 

 

The change in fair value of contracts outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006 and 2005, as well as the changes in fair value of the net price risk management assets for 2006, is attributed to the following:

 

 

 

Mark-to-

 

Mark-to-

 

 

 

Change in fair value of net assets

 

Market

 

Model

 

Total

 

Net price risk management assets outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

7.4

 

$

3.3

 

$

10.7

 

Contracts realized, amortized, or settled during the period

 

(3.8

)

(4.8

)

(8.6

)

Changes in values attributable to market price and other market changes

 

(6.0

)

0.3

 

(5.7

)

New contracts entered into during the current calendar year

 

10.4

 

0.1

 

10.5

 

Changes in values attributable to discontinued hedge treatment of certain contracts

 

44.7

 

 

44.7

 

Net price risk management assets outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

52.7

 

$

(1.1

)

$

51.6

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, net price risk management assets and liabilities increased $40.9 million compared to Dec. 31, 2005 primarily due to certain contracts at Centralia Coal no longer receiving hedge accounting treatment.

 

II. Hedging Activities

 

The corporation uses energy derivatives, including physical and financial swaps, and forwards to manage its exposure to changes in electricity and natural gas prices. At Dec. 31, 2006, details of the corporation’s hedging position were as follows:

 

 

 

Fixed price

 

Fixed price

 

 

 

 

 

payor

 

receiver

 

Maximum

 

 

 

notional

 

notional

 

term in

 

 

 

amount (GJ)

 

amount (MWh)

 

months

 

Commodity hedges (thousands)

 

4,340.2

 

31,272.9

 

72

 

 

The fair value of these hedges is a $272.8 million liability (2005 - $382.6 million).

 

D.   CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The corporation actively manages its exposure to credit risk by assessing the ability of counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the related contracts prior to entering into such contracts, and continually monitors these exposures.  For commodity trading and origination, the corporation sets strict credit limits for each counterparty and halts trading activities with the counterparty if the limits are exceeded.   The corporation makes detailed assessments of the credit quality of all counterparties and, where appropriate, obtains corporate guarantees and/or letters of credit to support the ultimate collection of these receivables.  TransAlta is exposed to minimal credit risk for Alberta Generation Power Purchase Arrangements (PPA) as all receivables are guaranteed by letters of credit.

 

The maximum credit exposure to any one customer for commodity trading, excluding the California market receivables discussed above and including the fair value of open trading positions, is $11.3 million.

 

78



7. INCOME TAXES

 

The corporation follows Canadian GAAP for non-regulated entities for all electricity generation operations and as a result, future income taxes have been recorded for all operations.

 

A. STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

I. RATE RECONCILIATIONS

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005
(Restated, Note 1)

 

2004
(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

(80.9

)

$

213.9

 

$

206.2

 

Statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate (%)

 

32.5

 

33.6

 

33.9

 

Expected (recovery) taxes on income

 

$

(26.3

)

$

71.9

 

$

69.8

 

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower effective foreign tax rates

 

(32.5

)

(29.2

)

(22.1

)

Asset impairment and mine closure charges recognized at higher tax rate

 

(9.2

)

 

 

Resolution of uncertain tax positions

 

 

(13.0

)

(6.8

)

Resource allowance (net of non-deductible royalties)

 

(0.8

)

(1.4

)

(1.6

)

Manufacturing and processing rate reduction

 

 

(1.3

)

(1.7

)

Capital taxes

 

3.2

 

10.0

 

10.3

 

Effect of tax rate changes 1

 

(55.3

)

 

(7.8

)

Statutory and other rate differences 2

 

(4.4

)

3.3

 

2.4

 

Unrecognized future income tax assets

 

5.1

 

1.5

 

6.1

 

Other

 

(5.6

)

(2.2

)

(2.0

)

Income tax (recovery) expense

 

$

(125.8

)

$

39.6

 

$

46.6

 

Effective tax rate (%)

 

155.5

 

18.5

 

22.6

 

 

1   Effect of tax rate changes - Effect of tax rate changes on opening future income tax assets/liabilities.

2   Statutory and other rate differences - Adjustment of different statutory rates applied to current year’s earnings that are taxed in future years or other jurisdictions.

 

The corporation’s operations are complex, and the computation and provision for income taxes involves tax interpretations, regulations and legislation that are continually changing.  The corporation’s tax filings are subject to audit by taxation authorities.  The outcome of some audits may change the tax liability of the corporation.  Management believes it has adequately provided for income taxes based on all information currently available.

 

II.  COMPONENTS OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005
(Restated, Note 1)

 

2004
(Restated, Note 1)

 

Current tax expense

 

$

37.9

 

$

34.0

 

$

33.6

 

Future income tax (benefit) expense related to the origination and reversal of temporary differences

 

(108.4

)

9.4

 

20.8

 

Future income tax (benefit) expense resulting from changes in tax rates or laws

 

(55.3

)

(3.8

)

(7.8

)

Income tax (recovery) expense

 

$

(125.8

)

$

39.6

 

$

46.6

 

 

B.   BALANCE SHEETS

 

Significant components of the corporation’s future income tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005
(Restated, Note 1)

 

Net operating and capital loss carry forwards

 

255.4

 

260.5

 

Future site restoration costs

 

79.5

 

82.6

 

Unrealized losses on electricity trading contracts

 

27.9

 

10.5

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

(803.6

)

(947.8

)

Unrealized gains on electricity trading contracts

 

(43.0

)

(12.6

)

Other deductible temporary differences

 

85.1

 

46.5

 

 

 

$

(398.7

)

$

(560.3

)

 

79



Presented in the balance sheet as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005
(Restated, Note 1)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

- current

 

$

25.8

 

$

26.6

 

- long-term

 

294.0

 

170.1

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

- current

 

(19.9

)

(18.2

)

- long-term

 

(698.6

)

(738.8

)

 

 

$

(398.7

)

$

(560.3

)

 

As at Dec. 31, 2006, there are income tax loss carryforwards of $35.7 million (2005 - $37.5 million) for which no tax benefit has been recognized. These losses begin to expire in 2013.

 

 

8.  RESTRICTED CASH

 

Restricted cash is mostly comprised of an investment in Notes held in trust as security for a subsidiary’s obligation under a credit derivative agreement.  Should the subsidiary fail to perform its obligations under this agreement, the counterparty has the right to retain the Notes in satisfaction of the subsidiary’s obligation.  The Notes earn interest at six month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and mature in 2016.

 

Restricted cash is also comprised of debt service funds which are legally restricted, and require the maintenance of specific minimum balances equal to the next debt service payment, and amounts restricted for capital and maintenance expenditures.

 

 

9.  INVESTMENTS

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

Investment in oil and gas companies

 

$

-

 

$

3.0

 

Investment in Mexico

 

154.5

 

411.3

 

 

 

$

154.5

 

$

414.3

 

 

 

10. LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES

 

The company has a right to recover a portion of future asset retirement costs. The estimated present value of these payments have been recorded as a long-term receivable.

 

 

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

and

 

Net Book

 

 

 

and

 

Net Book

 

As at Dec. 31

 

Rates

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

value

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

value

 

Thermal generation

 

3% - 33%

 

$

3,685.1

 

$

1,368.8

 

$

2,316.3

 

$

3,621.7

 

$

1,202.6

 

$

2,419.1

 

Thermal environmental equipment

 

4% - 13%

 

611.5

 

288.5

 

323.0

 

608.5

 

279.5

 

328.9

 

Mining property & equipment

 

4% - 33%

 

693.5

 

508.8

 

184.7

 

806.7

 

408.4

 

398.3

 

Gas generation

 

2% - 50%

 

2,276.5

 

980.9

 

1,295.6

 

2,182.9

 

702.2

 

1,480.7

 

Geothermal generation

 

3% - 33%

 

306.2

 

18.3

 

287.9

 

389.2

 

90.8

 

298.4

 

Hydro generation

 

2% - 5%

 

376.6

 

212.3

 

164.3

 

348.9

 

197.2

 

151.7

 

Wind generation

 

2% - 3%

 

207.8

 

25.2

 

182.6

 

205.5

 

17.9

 

187.7

 

Captial spares and other

 

2% - 50%

 

251.3

 

101.0

 

150.3

 

246.5

 

87.9

 

158.6

 

Assets under construction

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Coal rights 1

 

-

 

82.1

 

25.4

 

56.7

 

82.1

 

20.1

 

62.0

 

Land

 

-

 

53.7

 

-

 

53.7

 

40.0

 

-

 

40.0

 

Transmission systems

 

2% - 20%

 

43.7

 

16.9

 

26.8

 

40.9

 

14.8

 

26.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,588.0

 

$

3,546.1

 

$

5,041.9

 

$

8,572.9

 

$

3,021.4

 

$5,551.5

 

1   Coal rights are amortized on a unit of production basis, based on the estimated mine reserve.

 

The corporation had no capitalization of interest to PP&E in 2006 (2005 - $3.4 million; 2004 - $20.0 million).

 

On Nov. 27, 2006, TransAlta stopped mining at the Centralia Coal mine as a result of increased costs and unfavourable geological events.  As a result, the associated mining and reclamation equipment including coal processing equipment and structures, haul roads and other equipment were written down to the lower of net book value and net realizable value and are classified as assets held for sale (Note 12).

 

80



12. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

 

As a result of the decision to stop mining at Centralia, all associated mining and reclamation equipment is being held for sale.  All equipment has been recorded at the lower of net book value or anticipated realized proceeds.  Due to the strong market for this equipment, it is anticipated that these assets will be sold during 2007. These assets are included in the Generation segment.

 

13.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets consist of power sale contracts, with rates higher than market rates at the date of acquisition, acquired in the purchase of CE Gen. Sales contracts are valued at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract period, which ranges from three to 28 years at the date of acquisition.

                                                                                                                                         

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

Net book

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

Net book

 

 

 

Cost

 

amortization

 

value

 

Cost

 

amortization

 

value

 

Sales contracts

 

$

473.0

 

$

180.9

 

$

292.1

 

$

473.7

 

$

130.0

 

$

343.7

 

 

14. OTHER ASSETS

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts (Note 6)

 

$

54.4

 

$

102.6

 

Interest rate swaps (Note 6)

 

25.8

 

38.4

 

Deferred financing costs

 

12.2

 

18.7

 

Deferred license fees

 

26.8

 

27.1

 

Deferred contract costs

 

16.1

 

17.1

 

Deferred project development costs and other

 

12.7

 

2.7

 

Long term gas transportation deals

 

-

 

4.4

 

 

 

148.0

 

211.0

 

Less current portion

 

(16.6

)

(10.9

)

 

 

$

131.4

 

$

200.1

 

 

Deferred financing costs are costs associated with the issuance of long-term debt, preferred shares and preferred securities and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related issue.

 

Deferred license fees consist primarily of an Australian license which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the power station assets to which the license relates.

 

Deferred contract costs consist of prepayments related to long-term contracts, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related contracts.

 

15. SHORT-TERM DEBT

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

As at Dec. 31

 

Outstanding

 

Interest 1

 

Outstanding

 

Interest 1

 

Commercial paper

 

$

199.3

 

4.3

%

$

12.5

 

3.3

%

Bank debt2

 

162.6

 

4.4

%

0.6

 

0.0

%

 

 

$

361.9

 

 

 

$

13.1

 

 

 

 

 

1 Interest is an average rate weighted by principal amounts outstanding before the effect of hedging.

2 Bank debt is in the form of Bankers’ Acceptances.

 

The short-term debt instruments are drawn on the $1.5 billion committed syndicated bank credit facility.

 

 

16. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NET INTEREST EXPENSE

 

A. Amounts Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

As at Dec. 31

 

Outstanding

 

Interest 1

 

Outstanding

 

Interest 1

 

Debentures, due 2007 to 2033

 

$

1,146.4

 

6.1

%

$

1,496.1

 

6.2

%

Senior notes, USD$600.0 million

 

693.2

 

6.3

%

694.0

 

6.3

%

Non-recourse debt

 

334.3

 

7.7

%

363.8

 

7.7

%

Notes payable - Windsor-Essex plant, due 2007 to 2014

 

46.9

 

7.4

%

51.1

 

7.4

%

Preferred securities, due 2050

 

175.0

 

7.8

%

175.0

 

7.8

%

 

 

$

2,395.8

 

 

 

$

2,780.0

 

 

 

Less current portion

 

424.7

 

 

 

396.4

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,971.1

 

 

 

$

2,383.6

 

 

 

 

1Interest is an average rate weighted by principal amounts outstanding before the effect of hedging.

 

81



The debentures bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 4.2 per cent to 7.3 per cent.  A floating charge on the property and assets of TransAlta Utilities (TAU) has been provided as collateral for $265.0 million of the debentures as at Dec. 31, 2006.  The interest rate on $200.0 million of the debentures has been converted to floating rates based on bankers’ acceptance rates using receive fixed, pay floating interest rate swaps maturing in 2011 (Note 6).  Debentures of $100.0 million maturing in 2023 and $50.0 million maturing in 2033 are redeemable at the option of the holder in 2008 and 2009, respectively.  Debentures in the amount of $350.0 million matured in 2006.

 

The senior notes bear an interest rate of 5.75 per cent and mature in 2013.  The USD$300.0 million has been converted to a floating rate based on LIBOR using receive fixed, pay floating interest rate swaps maturing in 2013.  The notes bear interest at 6.75 per cent and mature on July 15, 2012.  All senior notes have been designated as a hedge of the corporation’s net investment in U.S. and Mexican operations (Note 6).

 

The non-recourse debt consists of project financing debt, debt securities and senior secured bonds of CE Gen and debt related to the Wailuku acquisition. The CE Gen related assets have been pledged as security for the project financing debt, which has maturity dates ranging from 2007 to 2008 with a fixed interest rate of 8.56 per cent.  The CE Gen debt securities are non-recourse, have maturity dates ranging from 2010 to 2018 and interest rates ranging from 7.48 per cent to 8.30 per cent.  The outstanding balance of the non-recourse senior secured bonds as of Dec. 31, 2006 was $173.2 million, bear interest at 7.42 per cent, and are due in 2018.  The Wailuku debt at Dec. 31, 2006 is USD$9.2 million and bears interest at a floating rate of 3.65%.

 

The Windsor-Essex plant notes bear interest at fixed rates and are recourse to the corporation through a standby letter of credit.

 

The preferred securities bear interest of 7.75 per cent and are due in 2050.  In 2006, the corporation provided irrevocable notice to redeem the preferred securities on Jan. 2, 2007 at a redemption price equal to 100 per cent of the principal amount of the preferred securities plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of such redemption.  The corporation had the option to elect to defer coupon payments on the preferred securities and settle deferred coupon payments in either cash or common shares of the corporation.  Historically, the coupon payments have been in cash; therefore, the preferred securities have no dilutive effect on earnings per share. Supplemental diluted earnings per share for 2006 from continuing operations and net earnings as though the coupon payments were settled with shares were $0.22 (2005 - $0.88; 2004 - $0.82) and $0.22 (2005 - $0.94; 2004 - $0.87).  Interest accretion at the coupon rate is included in interest expense.

 

B. Principal Repayments

 

2007

 

$

424.7

 

2008

 

157.1

 

2009

 

241.3

 

2010

 

33.0

 

2011

 

251.9

 

2012 and thereafter

 

1,287.8

 

Total

 

$

2,395.8

 

 

 

C. Interest Expense

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Interest on long-term debt

 

$155.5

 

$169.3

 

$181.4

 

Interest on short-term debt

 

12.7

 

14.9

 

11.4

 

Interest on preferred securities

 

13.6

 

16.5

 

44.5

 

Interest income

 

(13.3

)

(8.7

)

(9.9

)

Capitalized interest

 

 

(3.4

)

(20.0

)

Net interest expense

 

$168.5

 

$188.6

 

$207.4

 

 

D. Guarantees

In the normal course of operations, TransAlta and certain of its subsidiaries enter into agreements to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties.  This includes guarantees and letters of credit which are entered into to support or enhance creditworthiness in order to facilitate the extension of sufficient credit for CD&M trading activities, treasury hedging, Generation construction projects, equipment purchases and mine reclamation obligations.

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had letters of credit outstanding of $234.0 million and USD$344.9 million.  The letters of credit were issued to counterparties that have credit exposure to certain subsidiaries.  If the corporation or its subsidiary does not pay amounts due under the contract, the counterparty may present its claim for payment to the financial institution, which in turn will request payment from the corporation.   Any amounts owed by the corporation or its subsidiaries are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.  All letters of credit expire in 2007 and are expected to be renewed, as needed, through the normal course of business.

The corporation has arranged for the issuance of a surety bond in the amount of USD$192.0 million in support of mine reclamation obligations at the Centralia mine.

TransAlta has provided guarantees of subsidiaries’ obligations under contracts that facilitate physical and financial transactions in various derivatives.  To the extent liabilities related to these guaranteed contracts exist for trading activities, they are included in the consolidated

 

82



 

balance sheet.  To the extent liabilities exist related to these guaranteed contracts for hedges, they are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet.  The guarantees provided for under all contracts facilitating physical and financial transactions in various derivatives at Dec. 31, 2006 were to a maximum of $1.9 billion.  In addition, the corporation has a number of unlimited guarantees.  The fair value of the trading and hedging positions under contracts where TransAlta has a net liability at Dec. 31, 2006, under the limited and unlimited guarantees, was $285.3 million (2005 - $559.6 million).

 

TransAlta has also provided guarantees of subsidiaries’ obligations to perform and make payments under various other contracts.  The amount guaranteed under these contracts at Dec. 31, 2006 was $788.3 million (2005- $645.3 million).  To the extent actual obligations exist under the performance guarantees at Dec. 31, 2006, they are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

 

The corporation has approximately $840 million of undrawn collateral available to secure these exposures.

 

A subsidiary of the corporation has entered into a credit derivative agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, upon any specified credit event by the corporation or any named subsidiary, the counterparty would have the right to deliver senior debt of the corporation or any named subsidiary in return for payment. The debt obligations referenced by this agreement have been included in the consolidated balance sheet and also include USD$295 million of loans made to subsidiaries of the corporation (Note 8).

 

 

17. DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

$

328.5

 

$

249.2

 

Anticipated future Centralia mine closure liability (Note 2)

 

25.6

 

-

 

Deferred revenues and other

 

19.7

 

21.8

 

Power purchase arrangement in limited partnership

 

27.1

 

29.2

 

Accrued benefit liability (Note 26)

 

58.0

 

49.3

 

Cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts (Note 6)

 

15.1

 

14.8

 

Fair value of swap transaction with limited partnership

 

-

 

1.6

 

 

 

$

474.0

 

$

365.9

 

Less current portion

 

(50.6

)

(33.8

)

 

 

$

423.4

 

$

332.1

 

 

The power purchase arrangement in the limited partnership represents the fair value adjustments for the Sheerness Generating Station to deliver power at less than the prevailing market price at the time of the acquisition of the plant by TA Cogen.

 

Deferred revenue and other includes future revenues related to the sale of emission credits.

 

Anticipated future Centralia mine closure liability is the expected future amount of severance payments and other expenses incurred as a result of closing the mine.

 

A reconciliation between the opening and closing asset retirement obligation balances is provided below:

 

Balance, Dec. 31, 2004

 

$

238.1

 

Liabilities incurred in period

 

12.3

 

Liabilities settled in period

 

(29.4

)

Accretion expense

 

19.3

 

Revision in estimated timing and amount of cash flows

 

25.6

 

Change in foreign exchange rates

 

(16.7

)

Balance, Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

249.2

 

Liabilities incurred in period

 

7.6

 

Liabilities settled in period

 

(29.2

)

Accretion expense

 

21.5

 

Revisions in estimated timing and amount of cash flows

 

79.1

 

Change in foreign exchange rates

 

0.3

 

Balance, Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

328.5

 

 

 

As a result of the decision to stop mining at Centralia, reclamation activities have been accelerated from the original end of mine life of 2032. This change in timing of cash flows increased the asset retirement by $34.0 million. The remainder of the change is from revised estimates at our other facilities.

 

TransAlta estimates the undiscounted amount of cash flow required to settle the asset retirement obligations is approximately $1.1 billion, which will be incurred between 2007 and 2072.  The majority of the costs will be incurred between 2020 and 2030.  A discount rate of eight per cent and an inflation rate of 2 per cent were used to calculate the carrying value of the asset retirement obligations.  At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had a surety bond in the amount of USD$192.0 million (2005 - USD$192.0 million) in support of future retirement obligations at the Centralia mine. At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had letters of credit in the amount of $47.3 million (2005 - $60.8 million) in support of future retirement obligations at the Alberta mines.

 

83



 

18. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

A. Statements of Earnings

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

TransAlta Power’s limited partnership interest in TA Cogen (Note 27)

 

$

35.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

31.5

 

25 per cent interest in Saranac Partnership not owned by CE Gen

 

16.2

 

16.4

 

14.5

 

 

 

$

51.5

 

$

18.5

 

$

46.0

 

 

B. Balance Sheets

 

As at Dec. 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

TransAlta Power’s limited partnership interest in TA Cogen

 

 

 

$

502.6

 

$

525.0

 

25 per cent interest in Saranac Partnership not owned by CE Gen

 

 

 

32.4

 

33.6

 

 

 

 

 

$

535.0

 

$

558.6

 

 

 

19. COMMON SHARES

A. Issued and Outstanding

 

The corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares without nominal or par value.

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

shares

 

 

 

shares

 

 

 

shares

 

 

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Amount

 

(millions)

 

Amount

 

(millions)

 

Amount

 

Issued and outstanding, beginning of year

 

198.7

 

$1,697.9

 

194.1

 

$1,611.9

 

190.7

 

$1,555.7

 

Issued as a public offering and other

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Issued under dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan

 

3.0

 

70.0

 

3.5

 

68.1

 

3.4

 

55.3

 

Issued on purchase of Vision Quest

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.2

 

-

 

0.7

 

Issued for cash under stock option plans

 

0.6

 

14.3

 

1.0

 

16.3

 

0.1

 

1.1

 

Issued under Performance Share Ownership Plan

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

1.2

 

-

 

1.1

 

Repurchased by the corporation

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(0.1

)

(1.2

)

Employee share purchase loans

 

-

 

0.1

 

-

 

0.2

 

-

 

(0.8

)

 

 

202.4

 

$1,782.4

 

198.7

 

$1,697.9

 

194.1

 

$1,611.9

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had 202.4 million (2005 - 198.7 million; 2004 - 194.1 million) common shares issued and outstanding plus outstanding employee stock options to purchase an additional 2.2 million shares (2005 - 2.9 million; 2004 - 2.9 million).

 

In February 2004, TransAlta announced a normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3.0 million common shares for cancellation. In 2005, no shares were repurchased.  In 2004, 143,500 shares were repurchased and no shares were repurchased during 2003.   The $1.1 million in 2004 in excess of the repurchase price over the average net book value of the common shares was charged to retained earnings.

 

B. Shareholder Rights Plan

 

The primary objective of the shareholder rights plan is to provide the corporation’s Board of Directors sufficient time to explore and develop alternatives for maximizing shareholder value if a takeover bid is made for the corporation and to provide every shareholder with an equal opportunity to participate in such a bid.  The plan was originally approved in 1992, and has been revised from time to time for conformity with current practices.

 

When an acquiring shareholder acquires 20 per cent or more of the outstanding common shares of the corporation and that shareholder does not make a bid for all of the common shares outstanding, each shareholder other than the acquiring shareholder may receive one right for each common share owned. Each right will entitle the holder to acquire an additional $160 worth of common shares for $80.

 

C. Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase (DRASP) Plan

 

Under the terms of the DRASP plan, participants are able to purchase additional common shares by reinvesting dividends. In 2006, 3.0 million (2005 - 3.5 million; 2004 - 3.4 million) common shares were purchased under this program for $70.0 million (2005 - $68.1 million; 2004 - $55.3 million). In 2006, the corporation announced that effective Jan. 1, 2007, the corporation will amend the DRASP plan. As a result, after, Dec. 31, 2006, the five per cent discount on the price of shares purchased through the DRASP plan and issued from treasury will be suspended. After Dec. 31, 2006, shares purchased under the DRASP plan will be acquired in the open market at 100 per cent of the average purchase price of common shares acquired on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the investment dates. Shares issuable under the DRASP plan have not been registered under any U.S. Federal or State Securities laws and U.S. persons or residents are not eligible to participate in the DRASP plan.

 

84



 

D. Earnings Per Share (EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

2004

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

 

 

Numerator

 

Denominator

 

Numerator

 

Denominator

 

Numerator

 

Denominator

 

Basic EPS from continuing operations

 

44.9

 

200.8

 

174.3

 

196.8

 

159.6

 

192.7

 

Impact of PSOP

 

 

0.4

 

 

0.4

 

 

0.1

 

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

 

44.9

 

201.2

 

174.3

 

197.2

 

159.6

 

192.8

 

 

20.  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 

A.  Acquisitions

 

On Feb. 17, 2006, the corporation acquired a 50 per cent ownership in Wailuku River Hydroelectric L.P. (Wailuku) for US$1.0 million (CDN$1.2 million). The acquisition is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The financial operations of Wailuku have been proportionately consolidated with those of TransAlta.

 

Net assets acquired at assigned values:

 

 

 

Working capital, including cash of $0.3 million

 

$

(2.7

)

Property, plant and equipment

 

26.2

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

(22.3

)

Total

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

Consideration:

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1.2

 

 

B. Disposals

On Dec. 1, 2004, TransAlta completed the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the 220 megawatt (MW) Meridian cogeneration facility located in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan to TransAlta Cogeneration, L.P. (TA Cogen), owned 50.01 per cent by TransAlta and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, L.P. (TA Power), for its fair value of $110.0 million.  TA Cogen financed the acquisition through the use of $50.0 million of cash on hand, by the issuance of $30.0 million of units to each of TransAlta Energy Corporation (TEC) and TA Power and by an advance to TEC for $30.0 million.  The advance outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006 was $5.0 million (2005 - $5.0 million) and is included in accounts receivable.

 

On July 31, 2003, TransAlta completed the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the two-unit 756 MW coal-fired Sheerness Generation Station to TA Cogen for $630.0 million. TransAlta received cash proceeds of $149.9 million, $315.0 million in TA Cogen units and $165.1 million in TransAlta Power units. As part of the financing, and concurrent with the sale, TransAlta Power issued 17.75 million partnership units and 17.75 million warrants to the public for gross proceeds of $165.1 million, and 17.75 million partnership units to TransAlta for gross proceeds of $165.1 million. As a result of the unit issuance, TransAlta’s ownership interest in TransAlta Power on July 31, 2003 was approximately 26 per cent. Each warrant, when exercised, was exchangeable for one TA Power unit at any time until Aug. 3, 2004. As the warrants were exercised, TransAlta sold TransAlta Power units back to TransAlta Power for $9.30 per unit, reducing its ownership interest in TransAlta Power and increasing cash proceeds. As a result of exercising warrants and the subsequent sale of TA Power units by the corporation, TransAlta’s ownership interest in TA Power was reduced to 0.01 per cent held by TransAlta Power Ltd., the general partner of TransAlta Power, as at Dec. 31, 2004.

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2004, TransAlta recognized $44.8 million of dilution gains on the exercise of warrants and subsequent sale of units.

 

21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In August 2006, TransAlta entered into an agreement with CE Gen, a corporation jointly controlled by TransAlta and MidAmerican, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, whereby TransAlta buys available power from certain CE Gen subsidiaries at a fixed price.  In addition, CE Gen has entered into contracts with related parties to provide administrative and maintenance services.

 

On March 8, 2006, TransAlta Cogeneration LP (TA Cogen) entered into an agreement with TEC whereby TEC provided a financial fixed-for-floating price swap to TA Cogen at market prices during planned maintenance at the Sheerness plant in the second quarter of 2006.  The swap was settled in the second quarter of 2006 and did not have a material effect on the financial statements. TA Cogen is 50.01 per cent owned by TransAlta and TEC is 100 per cent owned by TransAlta.

 

For the period November 2002 to November 2012, TA Cogen entered into various transportation swap transactions with a wholly owned subsidiary of TransAlta, TEC (Note 6).  TEC operates and maintains TA Cogen's three combined-cycle power plants in Ontario and a plant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.  TEC also provides management services to Sheerness, which is operated by Canadian Utilities.  The business purpose of these transportation swaps is to provide TA Cogen with the delivery of fixed price gas without being exposed to escalating costs of pipeline transportation for three of its plants over the period of the swap.  The notional gas volume in the transaction was the total delivered fuel for each of the facilities.  Exchange amounts are based on the market value of the contract.  TransAlta entered into an offsetting contract with an external third party, therefore TransAlta has no risk other than counterparty risk.

 

85



 

On March 8, 2005, TA Cogen entered into an agreement with TEC whereby TEC provided a financial fixed-for-floating price swap to TA Cogen during planned maintenance at Sheerness in the second quarter of 2005.  This transaction did not have a material impact upon the financial statements of TransAlta.

 

On Dec. 1, 2004, TransAlta completed the sale of its 50 per cent interest in the 220 MW Meridian cogeneration facility located in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan to TA Cogen for its fair value of $110.0 million. TA Cogen (owned 50.01 per cent by TransAlta and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power) financed the acquisition through the use of $50.0 million of cash on hand and by the issuance of $30.0 million of units to each of TransAlta Power and TEC. TA Cogen also issued an advance to TEC for $30.0 million. The advance outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005 was $5.0 million (2004 - $28.0 million) and is included in accounts receivable. TransAlta recorded a gain of $11.5 million after-tax or $0.06 per common share ($17.7 million pre-tax) in 2004.

 

22. OTHER CONTINGENCIES

 

In March 2003, FERC completed its investigation of natural gas and power markets and indicated that the total industry refunds for price overcharges will be higher than originally anticipated.

 

In June 2003, FERC issued two show cause orders, the Partnership Gaming Order and the Gaming Practices Order, in which TransAlta’s U.S. subsidiaries were named.  These orders required TransAlta to justify certain trading activities in California between Oct. 1, 2000 and June 20, 2001.  In response to FERC’s show cause orders, TransAlta confirmed that it did not engage in gaming behavior.  Based on the information provided by TransAlta, FERC Trial Staff filed a Motion to Dismiss with respect to TransAlta in the two show cause proceedings.  On Jan. 22, 2004, FERC granted the FERC Trial Staff’s motion to dismiss TransAlta from both the Partnership Gaming Order and the Gaming Practices Order.  FERC found that TransAlta did not engage in prohibited gaming practices.

 

On May 30, 2002, the California Attorney General’s Office filed civil complaints in the state court of California against eight wholesale power companies, including TransAlta.  The complaint alleges violations of California’s unfair business practices law in connection with rates charged for wholesale electricity sales.  The state court denied the Attorney General’s complaint and granted an order to dismiss the claims against TransAlta.  The Attorney General dropped its appeal of this decision on November 2, 2004; therefore, the decision is final as of such date.

 

The Canadian Government introduced its Clean Air Act on Oct. 19, 2006, designed to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.  The proposed Act is currently under review in Parliament and may be subject to changes.  Neither targets for emission reductions nor the associated compliance mechanisms have been announced, and, we are therefore unable to estimate the impact on our operations.  Emission targets under the Clean Air Act are also anticipated for mercury; however they are expected to be superseded by provincial standards already in place, requiring a 70 per cent reduction in emissions by 2010.  TransAlta is in the process of meeting that requirement.

 

The corporation is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising from the normal course of business.  The corporation does not expect that the outcome of these proceedings, having regard to insurance available to it, and the amounts reserved in respect of such claims, will have a materially adverse effect on the corporation as a whole.

 

23. COMMITMENTS

 

A significant portion of the corporation’s electricity and thermal sales revenues are subject to PPAs and long-term contracts.  Commencing Jan. 1, 2001, a large portion of Alberta’s coal generating assets became subject to long-term PPAs for a period approximating the remaining life of each plant or unit.  These PPAs set a production requirement and availability target for each plant or unit and the price at which each MWh will be supplied to the customer. Remaining coal capacity in Alberta is sold on the open electricity market.

 

A portion of Poplar Creeks’ gas-fired capacity and all of its steam is committed to the customer under a long-term contract. The remaining capacity may be taken by the customer at specified rates or sold on the open electricity market by TransAlta. Other gas-fired facilities in Alberta supply steam and/or electricity to specified customers under long-term contracts with additional requirements for availability, reliability and other plant-specific performance measures.

 

For Mexico, the plants’ energy production is subject to 25-year contracts with the Comisión Federal de Electricidad.  These contracts set availability targets and the price at which the plant will be paid per kilowatt of available capacity, as well as plant efficiency targets for recovery of fuel costs based on market prices.

 

At Sarnia, there are 20-year contracts with a customer group with three five-year options for extensions to the contracts.  The contracts allow for up to 40 per cent of the plant’s maximum capacity.  These contracts set payments for peak megawatts, total megawatt hours and steam consumed, while TransAlta assumes the availability and heat rate risk.  Effective Jan. 1, 2006, TransAlta signed a five-year agreement with the Ontario Power Authority to supply 400 MW of electricity to the Ontario electricity market. The remaining capacity is available for export to the merchant market, based on market conditions.  Production at the remaining Ontario plants is subject to contracts expiring in seven to 12 years.

 

Mississauga and Windsor-Essex have contracts that set availability targets and the price at which the plant will be paid per MWhs produced, as well as risk sharing of fuel costs based on market prices.  The terms of the Ottawa plant for electricity are similar, except the risk sharing of fuel costs. Thermal energy contracts for these Ontario plants expire the same time as the energy production contracts and are with a different customer base.  These contracts set payments for volumes consumed, while TA Cogen assumes the heat rate risk.

 

At Centralia Coal, a significant portion of production is subject to short- to medium-term energy sales contracts.  In addition, a portion of the corporation’s energy sales from its gas plants are subject to medium- to long-term energy sales contracts.

 

 

86



 

Centralia Coal has various coal supply and associated rail transport contracts to provide Powder River Basin (PRB) coal for the use in production. At Alberta Thermal, the mines are operated by a third party who is paid a fixed amount to provide a budgeted supply of coal. Both of these amounts are included under coal supply and mining agreements.

 

The corporation has entered into a number of long-term gas purchase agreements, transportation and transmission agreements, royalty and right-of-way agreements in the normal course of operations.

 

Approximate future payments under the fixed price purchase contracts, operating lease and mining agreements are as follows:

 

 

 

Fixed price
gas purchase
contracts

 

Operating
leases

 

Coal supply
and mining
agreements

 

Total

 

2007

 

$

52.2

 

$

14.8

 

$

183.6

 

$

250.6

 

2008

 

54.0

 

11.1

 

169.4

 

234.5

 

2009

 

31.0

 

9.9

 

64.4

 

105.3

 

2010

 

8.2

 

9.1

 

20.9

 

38.2

 

2011

 

8.2

 

9.2

 

20.4

 

37.8

 

2012 and thereafter

 

55.0

 

79.3

 

271.6

 

405.9

 

Total

 

$

208.6

 

$

133.4

 

$

730.3

 

$

1,072.3

 

 

24. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

 

A.  Description of Reportable Segments
The corporation has two reportable segments: Generation and Corporate Development & Marketing (CD&M).  TransAlta’s segments are supported by a corporate group that provides finance, treasury, legal, environmental health & safety, sustainable development, corporate communications, government relations, information technology, human resources, and other administrative support.

 

Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured as operating income or loss.

 

The Generation segment owns coal, gas, wind, geothermal, and hydro power plants in Canada, the United States and Australia, and generates its revenue from the sale of electricity, steam, gas, and ancillary services.  Generation expenses include CD&M’s intersegment charge for energy marketing and financial risk management services in the amount of $27.8 million (2005 - $26.0 million; 2004 - $26.0 million).

 

The CD&M segment derives revenue and earnings from the wholesale trading of electricity and other energy-related commodities and derivatives not supported by TransAlta-owned generation assets. CD&M also utilizes contracts of various durations for the forward sales of electricity and purchases of natural gas and transmission capacity to effectively manage available generating capacity and fuel and transmission needs on behalf of Generation. These results are included in the Generation segment. Operating expenses are net of the intersegment charges for provision of these energy marketing, financial risk management, commercial, portfolio and regulatory management services of $27.8 million (2005 - $26.0 million; 2004 - $26.0 million).

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Intersegment transactions are accounted for on a cost recovery basis that approximates market rates.  Segment revenues are net of intersegment transactions.

 

B.  Reported Segment Earnings and Segment Assets

 

I.  Earnings information

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

2,611.9

 

$

184.6

 

$

 

$

2,796.5

 

Trading purchases

 

 

(118.9

)

 

(118.9

)

Fuel and purchased power (Note 2)

 

(1,186.2

)

 

 

(1,186.2

)

Gross margin

 

1,425.7

 

65.7

 

 

1,491.4

 

Operations, maintenance and administration

 

458.3

 

36.9

 

86.1

 

581.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

396.9

 

1.3

 

12.1

 

410.3

 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

21.1

 

 

0.2

 

21.3

 

Intersegment cost allocation

 

27.8

 

(27.8

)

 

 

Operating expenses

 

904.1

 

10.4

 

98.4

 

1,012.9

 

Mine closure charges (Note 2)

 

191.9

 

 

 

191.9

 

Asset impairment charges (Note 3)

 

130.0

 

 

 

130.0

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

199.7

 

$

55.3

 

$

(98.4

)

$

156.6

 

Foreign exchange loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.5

)

Net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(168.5

)

Equity loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17.0

)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
and non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(29.4

)

 

 

87



 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005 (Restated, Note 1)

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

2,607.5

 

$

231.0

 

$

 

$

2,838.5

 

Trading purchases

 

 

(174.1

)

 

(174.1

)

Fuel and purchased power

 

(1,222.4

)

 

 

(1,222.4

)

Gross margin

 

1,385.1

 

56.9

 

 

1,442.0

 

Operations, maintenance and administration

 

481.1

 

38.5

 

76.4

 

596.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

354.9

 

1.7

 

11.3

 

367.9

 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

21.3

 

 

 

21.3

 

Intersegment cost allocation

 

26.0

 

(26.0

)

 

 

Operating expenses

 

883.3

 

14.2

 

87.7

 

985.2

 

Asset impairment charges (Note 3)

 

36.2

 

 

 

36.2

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

465.6

 

$

42.7

 

$

(87.7

)

420.6

 

Foreign exchange gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

Net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(188.6

)

Equity loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.9

)

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

232.4

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2004 (Restated, Note 1)

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

2,341.7

 

$

244.5

 

$

 

$

2,586.2

 

Trading purchases

 

 

(197.7

)

 

(197.7

)

Fuel and purchased power

 

(1,035.2

)

 

 

(1,035.2

)

Gross margin

 

1,306.5

 

46.8

 

 

1,353.3

 

Operations, maintenance and administration

 

450.0

 

31.3

 

66.2

 

547.5

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

343.5

 

2.0

 

12.0

 

357.5

 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

20.5

 

 

 

20.5

 

Intersegment cost allocation

 

26.0

 

(26.0

)

 

 

Operating expenses

 

840.0

 

7.3

 

78.2

 

925.5

 

Prior period regulatory decision (Note 4)

 

 

(22.9

)

 

(22.9

)

Gain on sale of TransAlta Power partnership units (Note 20)

 

44.8

 

 

 

44.8

 

Gain on sale of Meridian cogeneration facility (Note 20)

 

17.7

 

 

 

17.7

 

Operating income (loss) before corporate allocations

 

529.0

 

16.6

 

(78.2

)

467.4

 

Foreign exchange gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

Net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(207.4

)

Equity loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8.5

)

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

252.2

 

 

II. Selected Balance Sheet Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2006

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Goodwill

 

$

108.0

 

$

29.5

 

$

 

$

137.5

 

Total Segment assets

 

$

6,159.3

 

$

185.0

 

$

1,115.8

 

$

7,460.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2005 (Restated, Note 1)

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Goodwill

 

$

108.1

 

$

29.5

 

$

 

$

137.6

 

Total Segment assets

 

$

6,460.6

 

$

293.2

 

$

939.3

 

$

7,693.1

 

 

III. Selected Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Generation

 

CD&M

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

205.9

 

$

1.6

 

$

16.2

 

$

223.7

 

Acquisitions

 

$

1.2

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

313.6

 

$

1.5

 

$

10.8

 

$

325.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

332.3

 

$

2.3

 

$

11.1

 

$

345.7

 

 

 

88



 

IV. Reconciliation

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for reportable segments

 

 

 

$

410.3

 

$

367.9

 

$

357.5

 

Mining equipment depreciation, included in fuel and purchased power

 

 

 

49.0

 

49.9

 

53.3

 

Accretion expense, included in depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

 

(21.5

)

(19.3

)

(19.3

)

Other

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

(1.4

)

Depreciation and amortization expense per statements of cash flows

 

 

 

$

437.8

 

$

400.9

 

$

390.1

 

 

C. Geographic information

 

I. Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Canada

 

 

 

$

1,771.5

 

$

1,716.1

 

$

1,662.7

 

U.S.

 

 

 

934.2

 

1,026.2

 

833.0

 

Australia

 

 

 

90.8

 

96.2

 

90.5

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,796.5

 

$

2,838.5

 

$

2,586.2

 

 

II. Property, Plant and Equipment and Goodwill

 

 

 

PP&E

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Canada

 

$

3,694.2

 

$

3,789.3

 

$

56.5

 

$

56.5

 

U.S.

 

1,182.2

 

1,591.0

 

81.0

 

81.1

 

Australia

 

165.5

 

171.2

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,041.9

 

$

5,551.5

 

$

137.5

 

$

137.6

 

 

25. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had three types of stock-based compensation plans and an employee share purchase plan.

 

The corporation is authorized to grant employees options to purchase up to an aggregate of 13.0 million common shares at prices based on the market price of the shares as determined on the grant date. The corporation has reserved 13.0 million common shares for issue.

 

A.  FIXED STOCK OPTION PLANS

 

I.  MANAGEMENT PLAN

The granting of options under this fixed stock option plan was discontinued in 1997.  Options were granted under this plan to certain eligible employees.  The options could not be exercised until one year after grant and thereafter at an amount not exceeding 20 per cent of the grant per year on a cumulative basis until the sixth year, after which the entire grant may be exercised until the tenth year, which is the expiry date.

 

II.  CANADIAN EMPLOYEE PLAN

This plan is offered to all full-time and part-time employees in Canada at or below the level of manager.  Options granted under this plan may not be exercised until one year after grant and thereafter at an amount not exceeding 25 per cent of the grant per year on a cumulative basis until the fifth year, after which the entire grant may be exercised until the tenth year, which is the expiry date.

 

III.  U.S.  PLAN

This plan is offered to all full-time and part-time employees in the U.S. at or below the level of manager.  Options granted under this plan may not be exercised until one year after grant and thereafter at an amount not exceeding 25 per cent of the grant per year on a cumulative basis until the fifth year, after which the entire grant may be exercised until the tenth year, which is the expiry date.

 

IV.  AUSTRALIAN PHANTOM PLANS

This plan came into effect in 2001 and was offered to all full-time and part-time employees in Australia, excluding directors and officers.  Options under this plan are not physically granted, rather employees receive the equivalent value of shares in cash when exercised.  Options granted under this plan may not be exercised until one year after grant and thereafter at an amount not exceeding 25 per cent of the grant per year on a cumulative basis until the fifth year, after which the entire grant may be exercised until the tenth year, which is the expiry date.

 

 

89



 

 

V. Mexican Phantom Plan

The Mexican phantom plan mirrors the rules of the Australian plan, with the first grant occurring in 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding

 

Options exercisable

 

 

 

Number
outstanding at
Dec. 31, 2006
(millions)

 

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

 

Weighted
average
exercise
price

 

Number
exercisable at
Dec. 31, 2006
(millions)

 

Weighted
average
exercise
price

 

Range of exercise prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$13.12 - $18.00

 

1.3

 

7.1

 

$16.87

 

0.5

 

$16.00

 

$18.01 - $23.00

 

0.3

 

5.0

 

21.05

 

0.3

 

21.04

 

$23.01 - $27.70

 

0.4

 

4.3

 

27.70

 

0.5

 

27.70

 

$13.12 - $27.70

 

2.0

 

6.1

 

$19.95

 

1.3

 

$21.55

 

 

B.  PERFORMANCE STOCK OPTION PLAN

In 1999, the corporation expanded enrolment in the share option program to include all Canadian employees of the corporation, excluding the level of director and above, by issuing stock options with an expiry date of 2009 and vesting dependent upon achieving certain earnings per share targets.

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Number of
share options
(millions)

 

Weighted
average
exercise
price

 

Number of
share options
(millions)

 

Weighted
average
exercise
price

 

Number of
share options
(millions)

 

Weighted
average
exercise
price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, beginning of year

 

0.2

 

$

22.62

 

0.2

 

$

22.44

 

0.2

 

$

22.44

 

Exercised

 

 

21.99

 

 

21.33

 

 

 

Cancelled or expired

 

 

23.05

 

 

23.05

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of year

 

0.2

 

$

22.73

 

0.2

 

$

22.62

 

0.2

 

$

22.44

 

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had 6,000 options under this plan with an exercise price of $14.15 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.0 years and 159,500 options with an exercise price of $23.05 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.1 years outstanding.  At Dec. 31, 2006, all outstanding options had vested.

 

C. PERFORMANCE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN (PSOP)

 

Under the terms of the PSOP, which commenced in 1997, the corporation was authorized to grant to employees and directors up to an aggregate of 2.0 million common shares. The number of common shares which could be issued under both the PSOP and the share option plans, however, could not exceed 6.0 million common shares. Participants in the PSOP receive awards which, after three years, make them eligible to receive a set number of common shares or cash equivalent up to the maximum of the award amount plus any accrued dividends thereon. The actual number of common shares or cash equivalent a participant may receive is determined by the percentile ranking of the total shareholder return over three years of the corporation’s common shares amongst the companies comprising the S&P/TSX composite index.

 

On Dec. 31, 2001, the plan was modified so that after three years, once the PSOP eligibility has been determined, 50 per cent of the shares may be released to the participant, while the remaining 50 per cent will be held in trust for one additional year.  In addition, the number of common shares the corporation is authorized to grant under the terms of the PSOP was increased to 4.0 million common shares and the maximum number of common shares which may be issued under both the PSOP and share option plans was increased to 13.0 million common shares.

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Number of awards outstanding; beginning of year (in millions)

 

1.1

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

Granted

 

0.6

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Awarded

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

 

Cancelled or expired

 

(0.4

)

(0.7

)

(0.4

)

Number of awards outstanding; end of year

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

1.5

 

 

In 2006, PSOP compensation expense was $5.2 million (2005 - $10.6 million; 2004 - $3.4 million), which is included in OM&A expense in the statements of earnings.  In 2006, 137,039 common shares were issued at $25.41 per share. In 2005, 65,332 common shares were issued at $25.41 per share. In 2004, 16,457 common shares were issued at $17.11 per share and 44,846 common shares were issued at $18.53 per share.

 

90



 

D. EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN

 

Under the terms of the employee share purchase plan, the corporation will extend an interest-free loan (up to 30 per cent of an employee’s base salary) to employees below executive level and allow for payroll deductions over a three-year period to repay the loan.  Executives are no longer eligible for this program in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation.  The corporation will purchase these common shares on the open market on behalf of employees at prices based on the market price of the shares as determined on the date of purchase.  Employee sales of these shares are handled in the same manner. At Dec. 31, 2006, accounts receivable from employees under the plan totalled $0.4 million (2005 - $0.6 million).

 

E. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation had 2.2 million outstanding employee stock options (Dec. 31, 2005 – 2.9 million).

 

The corporation uses the fair value method of accounting for awards granted under its fixed stock option plans and its performance stock option plan. In March 2005, 1.2 million options were granted. One quarter of the options granted vest on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant and expire after 10 years. The estimated fair value of these options granted was determined using the binomial model using the following assumptions, resulting in a fair value of $6.84 per option;

 

Risk free interest rate

 

4.3

%

Life of the options (years)

 

10

 

Dividend rate

 

5.6

%

Volatility in the price of the corporation’s shares

 

47.0

%

 

The following table provides pro forma measures of net earnings and earnings per share had compensation expense been recognized based on the estimated fair value of the options on the grant date in accordance with the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation for grants made in 2002:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2005

 

2004

 

Reported net earnings

 

$

186.3

 

$

169.2

 

Compensation expense

 

1.5

 

1.7

 

Pro forma net earnings

 

$

184.8

 

$

167.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported basic earnings per share

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.88

 

Compensation expense per share

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.88

 

Compensation expense per share

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.87

 

 

The estimated fair value of these stock options granted in 2002 and prior was determined using the binomial model using the following assumptions, resulting in a weighted-average fair value of $4.25;

 

Risk free interest rate (%)

 

5.9

 

Expected hold period to exercise (years)

 

7.0

 

Volatility in the price of the corporation’s shares (%)

 

28.3

 

 

 

91



 

26. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

 

A.   Description
The corporation has registered pension plans in Canada and the U.S. covering substantially all employees of the corporation in these countries and specific named employees working internationally. These plans have defined benefit and defined contribution options and in Canada, there is an additional supplemental defined benefit plan for Canadian-based defined contribution members whose annual earnings exceed the Canadian income tax limit.  The defined benefit option of the registered pension plans have been closed for new employees for all periods presented.

 

The latest actuarial valuations of the registered and supplemental pension plans were as at Dec. 31, 2005.  The measurement date used to determine plan assets and accrued benefit obligation was Dec. 31, 2006.  The effective date of the next required valuation for funding purposes is Dec. 31, 2007.  The supplemental pension plan is solely the obligation of the corporation.  The corporation is not obligated to fund the supplemental plan but is obligated to pay benefits under the terms of the plan as they come due.  The corporation has posted a letter of credit in the amount of $45.3 million to secure the obligations under the supplemental plan.

 

The corporation provides other health and dental benefits to the age of 65 for both disabled members (other post-employment benefits) and retired members (other post-retirement benefits). The latest actuarial valuation of these other plans was as at Dec. 31, 2004.  The measurement date used to determine the accrued benefit obligation was also Dec. 31, 2006.  The effective date of the next required valuation for funding purposes is Dec. 31, 2007.

 

B.   Costs Recognized

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Total

 

Current service cost

 

$

4.4

 

$

1.2

 

$

1.5

 

$

7.1

 

Interest cost

 

19.7

 

2.0

 

1.1

 

22.8

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

(35.4

)

 

 

(35.4

)

Actuarial (gains) losses in 2006

 

(0.5

)

1.0

 

(0.2

)

0.3

 

Difference between expected return and actual return on plan assets

 

10.2

 

 

 

10.2

 

Difference between actuarial (gain) loss recognized for the year and actual actuarial (gain) loss on accrued benefit obligation for year

 

3.1

 

 

0.5

 

3.6

 

Difference between amortization of past service costs for the year and actual plan amendments for the year

 

0.1

 

(0.2

)

0.3

 

0.2

 

Centralia mine closure charges

 

1.4

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net transition obligation (asset)

 

(9.2

)

0.3

 

 

(8.9

)

Defined benefit (income) cost

 

(6.2

)

4.3

 

3.2

 

1.3

 

Defined contribution option expense of registered pension plan

 

17.5

 

 

 

17.5

 

Net expense

 

$

11.3

 

$

4.3

 

$

3.2

 

$

18.8

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Total

 

Current service cost

 

$

4.2

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.3

 

$

6.6

 

Interest cost

 

20.4

 

2.0

 

1.2

 

23.6

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

(43.9

)

 

 

(43.9

)

Actuarial losses in 2005

 

26.3

 

4.6

 

0.9

 

31.8

 

Past service cost in 2005

 

0.5

 

(1.2

)

 

(0.7

)

Difference between expected return and actual return on plan assets

 

19.8

 

 

 

19.8

 

Difference between actuarial (gain) loss recognized for the year and actual actuarial (gain) loss on accrued benefit obligation for year

 

(23.9

)

(4.3

)

(0.6

)

(28.8

)

Difference between amortization of past service costs for the year and actual plan amendments for the year

 

(0.4

)

1.2

 

0.3

 

1.1

 

Amortization of net transition obligation (asset)

 

(9.2

)

0.3

 

 

(8.9

)

Defined benefit (income) cost

 

(6.2

)

3.7

 

3.1

 

0.6

 

Defined contribution option expense of registered pension plan

 

16.1

 

 

 

16.1

 

Net expense

 

$

9.9

 

$

3.7

 

$

3.1

 

$

16.7

 

 

 

92



 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2004

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Total

 

Current service cost

 

$

4.2

 

$

1.1

 

$

0.6

 

$

5.9

 

Interest cost

 

20.5

 

2.1

 

1.0

 

23.6

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

(33.4

)

 

 

(33.4

)

Actuarial (gains) losses in 2004

 

14.4

 

(1.5

)

0.2

 

13.1

 

Plan amendments in 2004

 

 

 

3.8

 

3.8

 

Difference between expected return and actual return on plan assets

 

9.6

 

 

 

9.6

 

Difference between actuarial (gain) loss recognized for the year and actual actuarial (gain) loss on accrued benefit obligation for year

 

(12.3

)

2.0

 

0.3

 

(10.0

)

Difference between amortization of past service costs for the year and actual plan amendments for the year

 

0.1

 

(0.1

)

(3.8

)

(3.8

)

Amortization of net transition obligation (asset)

 

(9.2

)

0.3

 

 

(8.9

)

Defined benefit (income) cost

 

(6.1

)

3.9

 

2.1

 

(0.1

)

Defined contribution option expense of registered pension plan

 

10.4

 

 

 

10.4

 

Net expense

 

$

4.3

 

$

3.9

 

$

2.1

 

$

10.3

 

 

In 2006, 2005, and 2004, the entire net expense related to continuing operations.

 

C.  Status of Plans

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

$

374.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

 

Accrued benefit obligation

 

398.6

 

43.6

 

23.5

 

Funded status - plan deficit

 

(24.3

)

(41.5

)

(23.5

)

Amounts not yet recognized in financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized past service costs

 

0.8

 

(1.4

)

3.2

 

Unamortized transition (asset) obligation

 

(36.6

)

2.3

 

 

Unamortized net actuarial gains

 

46.3

 

10.7

 

5.5

 

Total recognized in financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

$

(13.8

)

$

(29.9

)

$

(14.8

)

Amortization period in years (EARSL)

 

7

 

7

 

15

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

$

369.4

 

$

1.7

 

$

 

Accrued benefit obligation

 

402.7

 

41.2

 

23.4

 

Funded status - plan deficit

 

(33.3

)

(39.5

)

(23.4

)

Amounts not yet recognized in financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized past service costs

 

1.0

 

(1.6

)

3.5

 

Unamortized transition (asset) obligation

 

(45.8

)

2.6

 

 

Unamortized net actuarial gains

 

60.9

 

10.7

 

6.6

 

Total recognized in financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

$

(17.2

)

$

(27.8

)

$

(13.3

)

Amortization period in years (EARSL)

 

8

 

8

 

15

 

 

The current portion of the accrued benefit liability is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion is included in deferred credits and other long-term liabilities.

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Accrued current liabilities

 

$

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.5

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

13.8

 

29.4

 

13.3

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

$

13.8

 

$

29.9

 

$

14.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Accrued current liabilities

 

$

7.2

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.3

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

10.0

 

27.3

 

12.0

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

$

17.2

 

$

27.8

 

$

13.3

 

 

 

93



 

D.  Contributions

 

Expected cash flows are as follows:

 

 

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Total

 

Employer contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 (expected)

 

$

4.8

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.6

 

$

5.9

 

Expected benefit payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

24.2

 

2.0

 

1.5

 

27.7

 

2008

 

24.7

 

2.0

 

1.5

 

28.2

 

2009

 

25.6

 

2.1

 

1.6

 

29.3

 

2010

 

26.1

 

2.3

 

1.7

 

30.1

 

2011

 

26.8

 

2.4

 

1.9

 

31.1

 

2012 - 2016

 

141.6

 

13.3

 

10.5

 

165.4

 

 

E.  Plan Assets

 

 

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31, 2004

 

$

352.0

 

$

1.3

 

$

 

Contributions

 

2.1

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

Transfers

 

0.1

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(27.7

)

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

Effect of translation on U.S. plans

 

(1.0

)

 

 

Actual return on plan assets 1

 

43.9

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

369.4

 

$

1.7

 

$

 

Contributions

 

3.8

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

Transfers

 

(6.4

)

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(27.6

)

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

Effect of translation on U.S. plans

 

(0.4

)

 

 

Actual return on plan assets 1

 

35.5

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

374.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

 

1 Net of expenses.

 

The corporation’s investment policy is to achieve a consistently high investment return over time while maintaining an acceptable level of risk to satisfy the benefit obligations of the pension plans.  The goal is to maintain a long-term rate of return on the fund that at least equals the growth of liabilities, currently seven per cent. The pension fund may be invested in publicly traded common or preferred equity shares, rights or warrants; convertible debentures or preferred securities; bonds, debentures, mortgages, notes or other debt instruments of government agencies or corporations; private company securities; guaranteed investment contracts; term deposits; cash or money market securities; and mutual or pooled funds eligible for pension fund investment.  The target allocation percentages are 60 per cent equity and 40 per cent fixed income.  Cash and money market instruments may be held from time-to-time as short-term investment decisions or as defensive reserves within the portfolios of each asset class.  The fund may invest in derivatives for the purpose of hedging the portfolio or altering the desired mix of the fund.  Derivative transactions that leverage the fund in any way are not permitted without the specific approval of the corporation’s pension committee.

 

The allocation of plan assets by major asset category at Dec. 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Equity securities

 

62.3

%

 

Debt securities

 

37.4

%

 

Cash equivalents

 

0.3

%

100.0

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Equity securities

 

62.8

%

 

Debt securities

 

36.7

%

 

Cash equivalents

 

0.5

%

100.0

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Plan assets include common shares of the corporation having a fair value of $1.1 million at Dec. 31, 2006 (2005- $1.0 million). The corporation charged the registered plan $0.1 million for administrative services provided for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 (2005 - $0.1 million).

 

 

94



 

F.  Reconciliation of Accrued Benefit Obligations

 

 

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Accrued benefit obligation as at Dec. 31, 2004

 

$

379.0

 

$

36.5

 

$

21.7

 

Current service cost

 

4.2

 

1.1

 

1.3

 

Interest cost

 

20.4

 

2.0

 

1.2

 

Expected benefits paid

 

(25.7

)

(1.8

)

(1.2

)

Past service cost

 

0.5

 

(1.2

)

 

Effect of translation on U.S. plans

 

(2.0

)

 

(0.5

)

Actuarial loss

 

26.3

 

4.6

 

0.9

 

Accrued benefit obligation as at Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

402.7

 

$

41.2

 

$

23.4

 

Current service cost

 

4.3

 

1.2

 

1.5

 

Interest cost

 

19.7

 

2.1

 

1.2

 

Expected benefits paid

 

(25.9

)

(1.8

)

(1.2

)

Past service cost

 

 

 

 

Effect of translation on U.S. plans

 

(0.7

)

 

(0.2

)

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

(1.5

)

0.9

 

(1.2

)

Accrued benefit obligation as at Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

398.6

 

$

43.6

 

$

23.5

 

 

G.  Assumptions

 

The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the corporation’s accrued benefit obligations were as follows:

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2006

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Accrued benefit obligation at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.1

%

5.0

%

5.3

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.8

%

3.8

%

 

Benefit cost for year ended Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.0

%

5.0

%

5.2

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.5

%

3.5

%

 

Expected rate of return on plan assets

 

7.1

%

 

 

Assumed health care cost trend rate at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost escalation

 

 

 

9.0% - 9.5

%1

Dental care cost escalation

 

 

 

4.0

%

Provincial health care premium escalation

 

 

 

2.5

%

 

Year ended Dec. 31, 2005

 

Registered

 

Supplemental

 

Other

 

Accrued benefit obligation at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.0

%

5.0

%

5.2

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.5

%

3.5

%

 

Benefit cost for year ended Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.5

%

5.5

%

5.6

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.5

%

3.5

%

 

Expected rate of return on plan assets

 

7.1

%

 

 

Assumed health care cost trend rate at Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost escalation

 

 

 

9.5% - 11.5

%1

Dental care cost escalation

 

 

 

4.0

%

Provincial health care premium escalation

 

 

 

2.5

%

1 Decreasing gradually to 5.0 per cent by 2015 for Canadian plans and by 2012 for U.S. plans and remaining at that level thereafter.

 

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plan.  The estimated rate of return is lower than the historical returns of the appropriate indices.

 

Sensitivity to changes in assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:

 

 

 

One
percentage
point
increase

 

One
percentage
point
decrease

 

Effect on total service and interest costs

 

$

 0.3

 

$

 (0.2

)

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation

 

$

 1.4

 

$

 (1.3

)

 

 

95



27. JOINT VENTURES

Joint ventures at Dec. 31, 2006 included the following:

 

Joint venture

 

Ownership
interest

 

Description

Sheerness joint venture

 

50%

 

Coal-fired plant in Alberta, of which TA Cogen has a 50 per cent interest, and is operated by Canadian Utilities

Meridian joint venture

 

50%

 

Cogeneration plant in Alberta, of which TA Cogen has a 50 per cent interest, and is operated by TransAlta

Fort Saskatchewan joint venture

 

60%

 

Cogeneration plant in Alberta, of which TA Cogen has a 60 per cent interest, and is operated by TransAlta

McBride Lake joint venture

 

50%

 

Wind generation facilities in Alberta, operated by TransAlta

Goldfields Power joint venture

 

50%

 

Gas-fired plant in Australia, operated by TransAlta

CE Generation LLC

 

50%

 

Geothermal and gas plants in the United States, operated by CE Gen affiliates

Genesee 3

 

50%

 

Coal-fired plant in Alberta, operated by EPCOR Utilities Inc.

Wailuku

 

50%

 

A run-of-river generation facility in Hawaii, operated by MidAmerican Holdings Ltd.

 

Summarized information on the results of operations, financial position and cash flows relating to the corporation’s pro-rata interests in its jointly controlled corporations was as follows:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Results of operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

608.2

 

$

619.9

 

$

505.2

 

Expenses

 

(455.3

)

(481.1

)

(424.3

)

Non-controlling interests

 

(41.9

)

(43.7

)

(37.1

)

Proportionate share of net earnings

 

$

111.0

 

$

95.1

 

$

43.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operations

 

$

112.8

 

$

111.5

 

$

153.2

 

Cash flow used in investing activities

 

(30.7

)

(10.3

)

(21.6

)

Cash flow (used in) from financing activities

 

(63.2

)

(76.3

)

(129.1

)

Proportionate share of decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

18.9

 

$

24.9

 

$

2.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

146.3

 

$

162.5

 

$

112.7

 

Long-term assets

 

1,797.9

 

1,895.4

 

2,033.7

 

Current liabilities

 

(115.4

)

(118.0

)

(110.9

)

Long-term liabilities

 

(489.7

)

(552.7

)

(635.6

)

Non-controlling interests

 

(376.3

)

(396.1

)

(416.3

)

Proportionate share of net assets

 

$

962.8

 

$

991.1

 

$

983.6

 

 

28.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On Feb. 14, 2007, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board approved the development of the 450 MW Keephills 3 coal-fired power plant. The plant will be developed jointly by EPCOR and TransAlta. On Feb. 26, 2007, TransAlta and EPCOR announced that they will proceed with building the Keephills 3 project. The capital cost of the project is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion.

 

On Jan. 19, 2007, the corporation announced that it had been awarded a 25-year long-term contract to provide 75 MW of wind power to New Brunswick Power Distribution and Customer Service Corporation. TransAlta will construct, own, and operate a wind power facility in New Brunswick. The cost of the project is estimated to be $130 million.  The co-development partner for this project is Natural Forces Technologies Inc. with commercial operations expected to begin at the end of 2008.

 

On Jan. 2, 2007, the corporation redeemed Preferred Securities which had an aggregate principal of $175.0 million.

 

29. COMPARATIVE FIGURES

 

Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.  Such reclassification did not impact previously reported net income or retained earnings.

 

96



 

30.  UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, which, in most respects, conform to U.S. GAAP.  Significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

A.  EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 

 

 

Reconciling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

items

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Earnings from continuing operations - Canadian GAAP

 

 

 

$

44.9

 

$

174.3

 

$

159.6

 

Derivatives and hedging activities, net of tax

 

I

 

-

 

10.5

 

(3.8

)

Start-up costs, net of tax

 

III

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Amortization of pension transition adjustment

 

II

 

(4.4

)

(4.0

)

(4.5

)

Earnings from continuing operations - U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

40.4

 

180.7

 

151.2

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax - Canadian and U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

-

 

12.0

 

9.6

 

Net earnings before change in accounting principle - U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

40.4

 

192.7

 

160.8

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle- employee future benefits, net of tax

 

II

 

(40.7

)

-

 

-

 

Net earnings - U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

$

(0.3

)

$

192.7

 

$

160.8

 

Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment

 

I,VII

 

(4.8

)

(22.6

)

3.7

 

Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 

I,VII

 

80.5

 

(214.6

)

10.4

 

Registered pension alternate minimum liability

 

V,VII

 

13.2

 

(11.5

)

(0.6

)

Comprehensive income - U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

$

88.6

 

$

(56.0

)

$

174.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted EPS - U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

 

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.78

 

Earnings from discontinued operations

 

 

 

-

 

0.06

 

0.05

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - employee future benefits

 

 

 

(0.20

)

-

 

-

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

0.98

 

$

0.83

 

 

B.  BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciling

 

Canadian

 

2006

 

Canadian

 

2005

 

As at Dec. 31

 

items

 

GAAP

 

U.S. GAAP

 

GAAP

 

U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price risk management assets, current

 

I

 

61.0

 

99.1

 

63.8

 

77.7

 

Income taxes receivable

 

I

 

47.6

 

48.8

 

48.8

 

50.2

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

III

 

5,041.9

 

5,038.7

 

5,551.5

 

5,548.4

 

Price risk management assets, long-term

 

I

 

21.9

 

133.3

 

13.8

 

162.6

 

Other assets (including current portion)

 

I, II, III

 

148.0

 

34.2

 

211.0

 

46.3

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

V

 

441.9

 

432.6

 

590.3

 

587.5

 

Income taxes payable

 

III

 

22.3

 

16.9

 

13.8

 

8.4

 

Price risk management liabilities, current

 

I

 

30.3

 

122.6

 

58.3

 

229.7

 

Long-term debt

 

I

 

1,971.1

 

1,976.5

 

2,208.6

 

2,237.0

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities
(including current portion)

 

I, XI

 

474.0

 

508.0

 

365.9

 

365.9

 

Price risk management liabilities, long-term

 

I

 

1.0

 

283.8

 

8.6

 

259.3

 

Future or deferred income tax liabilities
(including current portion)

 

I, II, III

 

718.5

 

606.0

 

757.0

 

608.4

 

Non-controlling interest

 

I

 

535.0

 

534.3

 

558.6

 

557.9

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed surplus

 

IV

 

-

 

133.0

 

-

 

133.0

 

Retained earnings

 

I, II, III

 

710.0

 

552.7

 

866.1

 

710.7

 

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

I

 

(64.5

)

-

 

(67.0

)

-

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

I, III, VII

 

-

 

(293.1

)

-

 

(341.3

)

 

97



 

I.  Derivatives and Hedging Activities

 

Under U.S. GAAP, trading and non-trading activities are accounted for in accordance with Statement 133, which requires that derivative instruments be recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities, and that changes in fair value be recognized currently in earnings, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized currently in earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income, and the gains and losses related to these derivatives are recognized in earnings in the same period as the settlement of the underlying hedged transaction.  Any ineffectiveness relating to these hedges is recognized currently in earnings.  The assets and liabilities related to derivative instruments for which hedge accounting criteria are met are reflected as price risk management assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  Many of the corporation’s electricity sales and fuel supply agreements that otherwise would be required to follow derivative accounting qualify as normal purchases and normal sales under Statement 133 and are therefore exempt from fair value accounting treatment.  This exemption is available for the electricity industry as electricity cannot be stored and generators may be required to maintain sufficient capacity to meet customer demands.  This exemption is also available for some physically settled commodity contracts if certain criteria are met.  Non-derivatives used in trading activities are accounted for using the accrual method under U.S. GAAP.

 

 i   FAIR VALUE HEDGING STRATEGY

 

The corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge certain firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies to protect against adverse changes in exchange rates and uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate exposure.  The swaps modify exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of the corporation’s fixed-rate debt to a floating rate.

 

There was no ineffectiveness related to these hedges in the periods presented.

 

ii   CASH FLOW HEDGING STRATEGY

 

At Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation’s cash flow hedges of the forecasted sale of power and the forecasted purchase of natural gas for the corporation’s plants resulted in the recognition of an after-tax unrealized gain in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) of $71.0 million (2005 - $241.7 loss million; 2004 - $3.7 million loss). These hedges have been accounted for on an accrual basis under Canadian GAAP but have been recorded on the balance sheet at fair value for U.S. GAAP.

 

For the years ending Dec. 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, the corporation’s cash flow hedges resulted in no after-tax gain or loss on either designated or ineffective portions.

 

Over the next 12 months, the corporation estimates that $80.5 million of after-tax losses that arose from cash flow hedges from prior years will be reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) to net earnings.  These estimates assume constant gas and power prices, interest rates and exchange rates over time; however, the actual amounts that will be reclassified will vary based on changes in these factors.  Therefore, management is unable to predict what the actual reclassification from AOCI to earnings either positive or negative, will be for the next 12 months.

 

iii   NET INVESTMENT HEDGES

 

The company uses cross-currency interest rate swaps, forward sales contracts, and direct foreign currency debt to hedge its exposure to changes in the carrying value of its investments in its foreign subsidiaries in the U.S., Australia and Mexico.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these hedges are included in OCI, with the related amounts due to or from counterparties included in long-term derivative assets and liabilities and long-term debt.

 

In the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation recognized an after-tax loss of $4.8 million (2005 - $22.6 million loss; 2004 -$3.7 million income) on its net investment hedges, included in OCI.

 

For the years ending Dec. 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 the corporation recognized no after-tax gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of net investment hedges.

 

iv   TRADING ACTIVITIES

 

The corporation markets energy derivatives to optimize returns from assets, to earn trading revenues, and to gain market information.  Derivatives, as defined under Statement 133, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value under both Canadian and U.S. GAAP.  Non-derivative contracts entered into subsequent to the rescission of EITF 98-10 are accounted for using the accrual method.

 

v   OTHER HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

In the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, the corporation recognized pre-tax losses of $nil (2005 - $13.7 million, 2004 - $1.1 million) related to hedging activities that do not qualify for hedge accounting under Statement 133.

 

 

98



 

II.  Employee Future Benefits

 

U.S. GAAP requires that the cost of employee pension benefits be determined using the accrual method with application from 1989.   It was not feasible to apply this standard using this effective date.  The transition asset as at Jan. 1, 1998 was determined in accordance with elected practice prescribed by the SEC and is amortized over 10 years.

 

As a result of the corporation’s plan asset return experience for its U.S. registered pension plan, at Dec. 31, 2005, the corporation was required under U.S. GAAP to recognize an additional minimum liability.  The liability was recorded as a reduction in common equity through a charge to OCI, and did not affect net income for 2005.  The charge to OCI, will be restored through common equity in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158 (SFAS 158), Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires companies to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension plans on the balance sheet with changes in the funded status recognized in other comprehensive income in the year of the change. SFAS 158 also requires additional disclosure. SFAS 158 is effective for years ending after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has complied with the requirements of SFAS 158. The following chart outlines the deficiency of assets over projected benefits obligation (PBO).

 

 

 

Registered

Plan

 

Supplemental

Plan

 

Other

 

Total

 

Market value of plan assets

 

$

374.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

-

 

$

376.4

 

PBO projected benefit obligation

 

398.6

 

43.6

 

23.5

 

$

465.7

 

Deficiency of assets over PBO

 

$

(24.3

)

$

(41.5

)

$

(23.5

)

$

(89.3

)

 

The adjustments as a result of adopting this standard are outlined below:

 

 

 

Other

 

Accumulated
Other

 

 

 

Comprehensive

 

Comprehensive

 

Changes in shareholders’ equity

 

Income

 

Income

 

Retirement Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2005

 

$

-

 

$

(13.2

)

Decrease in additional liability included in OCI

 

13.2

 

13.2

 

Adjustment to adopt SFAS 158

 

-

 

(40.7

)

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2006

 

$

-

 

$

(40.7

)

 

III.  Start-up Costs

 

Under U.S. GAAP, certain start-up costs, including revenues and expenses in the pre-operating period, are expensed rather than capitalized to deferred charges and property, plant and equipment as under Canadian GAAP, which also results in decreased depreciation and amortization expense under U.S. GAAP.

 

IV.  Debt extinguishment

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the premium on redemption of long-term debt related to the 1998 limited partnership transaction was recorded when incurred, whereas for Canadian GAAP, the loss was being amortized to earnings over the period of the limited partnership (20 years).  As the buyback option was terminated in connection with the sale of the Sheerness plant, the deferred amount was recognized in earnings in 2003.

 

V.  Income taxes

 

Future income taxes under Canadian GAAP are referred to as deferred income taxes under U.S. GAAP.

 

Deferred income taxes under U.S. GAAP would be as follows:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1)

 

Future income tax liabilities (net) under Canadian GAAP

 

$

(398.7

)

$

(560.3

)

Derivatives

 

121.6

 

160.0

 

Start-up costs

 

(2.3

)

(2.3

)

Pensions

 

(6.8

)

(9.1

)

 

 

$

(286.2

)

$

(411.7

)

 

 

99



 

Comprised of the following:

 

As at Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated, Note 1

)

Current deferred income tax assets

 

$

25.8

 

$

26.6

 

Long-term deferred income tax assets

 

294.0

 

170.1

 

Current deferred income tax liabilities

 

(19.9

)

(15.5

)

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities

 

(586.1

)

(592.9

)

 

 

$

(286.2

)

$

(411.7

)

 

VI.  Joint Ventures

 

In accordance with Canadian GAAP, joint ventures are required to be proportionately consolidated regardless of the legal form of the entity.  Under U.S. GAAP, incorporated joint ventures are required to be accounted for by the equity method.  However, in accordance with practices prescribed by the SEC, the corporation, as a Foreign Private Issuer, has elected to disclose the amounts proportionately consolidated in Note 27.

 

VII.  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The changes in the components of OCI were as follows:

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net gain on derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss), net of taxes of $52.3 million

 

$

80.5

 

$

(204.4

)

$

7.0

 

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income

 

-

 

(10.2

)

3.4

 

Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 

80.5

 

(214.6

)

10.4

 

Translation adjustments

 

(4.8

)

(22.6

)

3.7

 

Change in accounting principle - employee future benefits

 

(40.7

)

-

 

-

 

Registered pension alternate minimum liability (netof tax)

 

13.2

 

(11.5

)

(0.6

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

48.2

 

$

(248.7

)

$

13.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The components of AOCI were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net loss on derivative instruments

 

$

(194.9

)

$

(275.4

)

$

(60.8

)

Translation adjustments

 

(57.5

)

(52.7

)

(30.1

)

Change in accounting principle - employee future benefits

 

(40.7

)

-

 

-

 

Registered pension alternate minimum liabilities

 

-

 

$

(13.2

)

(1.7

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(293.1

)

$

(341.3

)

$

(92.6

)

 

VIII.  Asset Retirement Obligations

 

FASB issued Statement 143, Asset Retirement Obligations, which requires asset retirement obligations to be measured at fair value and recognized when the obligation is incurred.  A corresponding amount is capitalized as part of the asset’s carrying amount and depreciated over the asset’s useful life.  TransAlta adopted the provisions of Statement 143 effective Jan. 1, 2003.

 

In accordance with Canadian GAAP, the asset retirement obligations standard was adopted retroactively with restatement of prior periods.  Under U.S. GAAP, the impact of adopting Statement 143 was recognized as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle as of Jan. 1, 2003, the beginning of the fiscal year in which the Statement was first applied.  The change resulted in an after-tax increase in net earnings of $52.5 million ($82.7 million pre-tax).

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. FIN No. 47 clarifies the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, and provides further guidance as to when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation.

 

The adoption of FIN No. 47 on Dec. 31, 2005 did not result in any impact to TransAlta’s results of operations or financial position for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005.

 

 

100



 

IX.  Limited Partnership Transaction

 

In 1998, the corporation transferred generation assets to its subsidiary TA Cogen. TA Power, an unrelated entity, concurrently subscribed to a minority interest in TA Cogen. The fair value paid by TA Cogen for the assets exceeded their historical carrying values. For Canadian GAAP, the corporation recognized a portion of this difference, to the extent it was funded by TA Power’s investment in TA Cogen, as a gain. As TA Power held an option to resell its interest in TA Cogen to the corporation in 2018, TA Power’s option to resell these units was eliminated and the unamortized balance of the gain was recognized in income.

 

Under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 51, the option initially held by TA Power to potentially resell TA Cogen units to the corporation in 2018 causes the excess of the consideration paid by TA Power over the corporation’s historical carrying value in these assets to be characterized as contributed surplus in 1998. This amount of contributed surplus is reduced by the related tax effect. As a result, under U.S. GAAP, there is no amortization of the gain into income in the period from 1998 to 2002 and no recognition of the unamortized balance of the gain in 2003.

 

X. Restatement

 

During the third quarter of 2005, the corporation determined, as described in footnote IX above, that the gain recognized under Canadian GAAP arising from 1998 transactions involving TA Cogen and TA Power is a capital transaction under U.S. GAAP. The corporation has retroactively corrected its reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. The impact of this adjustment on amounts previously reported under U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

(millions of dollars except per share amounts)

 

2004

 

Decrease in:

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

 

Net earnings

 

$

 

Net earnings per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

 

Discontinued operations

 

$

 

Basic

 

$

 

Diluted

 

$

 

 

The impact on previously reported balance sheet amounts for U.S. GAAP purposes is as follows:

 

(in millions of dollars)

 

2004

 

Increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

Contributed surplus

 

$

133.0

 

Retained earnings

 

$

(133.0

)

 

XI.  Changes in Accounting Standards

 

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF Issue No. 06-2 Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43, Accounting for Compensated Absences (Issue No. 06-2). Under Issue No. 06-2 a company should accrue for sabbatical leave or other similar benefits if (i) the employee is required to complete a minimum service period to be entitled to the benefit, (ii) there is no increase to the benefit if the employee provides additional years of service, (iii) the employee continues to be a compensated employee during his or her absence, and (iv) the employer does not require the employee to perform any duties during his or her absence. Issue No. 06-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2006. TransAlta has evaluated the accounting guidance and has adopted the consensus effective Jan. 1, 2007. The adoption does not have a material impact upon the corporation’s financial statements.

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 is intended to provide a single model to address accounting for uncertain tax positions by establishing a recognition threshold and measurement for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Further, clarification on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition is also provided. The guidance in FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006. The corporation will adopt FIN 48 as of Jan. 1, 2007, as required. The corporation is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of FIN 48.

 

 

101



 

SUMMARY

 

ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL & STATISTICAL SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

Year ended Dec. 31

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except where noted)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

2,796.5

 

$

2,838.5

 

$

2,838.3

 

$

2,508.6

 

Operating income

 

$

156.6

 

$

441.2

 

$

478.1

 

$

553.7

 

Net earnings applicable to common shareholders

 

$

44.9

 

$

198.8

 

$

170.2

 

$

234.2

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

7,460.1

 

$

7,740.7

 

$

8,133.0

 

$

8,420.2

 

Short-term debt, net of cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and interest-earning investments

 

$

296.3

 

$

(66.2

)

$

(102.7

)

$

(35.2

)

Long-term debt

 

$

2,220.8

 

$

2,605.0

 

$

3,057.9

 

$

3,162.1

 

Preferred shares of a subsidiary

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Other non-controlling interests

 

$

535.0

 

$

558.6

 

$

616.4

 

$

477.9

 

Preferred securities

 

$

175.0

 

$

175.0

 

$

175.0

 

$

450.8

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

2,427.9

 

$

2,543.1

 

$

2,472.7

 

$

2,460.6

 

Total invested capital

 

$

5,307.2

 

$

5,809.2

 

$

6,519.3

 

$

6,516.2

 

Cash flow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

$

489.6

 

$

619.4

 

$

613.4

 

$

756.5

 

Cash flow used in investing activities

 

$

261.3

 

$

(242.1

)

$

(65.4

)

$

(535.1

)

Common share information (per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

0.22

 

$

1.01

 

$

0.88

 

$

1.26

 

Dividends declared

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

Book value (at year-end)

 

$

11.99

 

$

12.80

 

$

12.74

 

$

12.90

 

Market price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

26.91

 

$

26.66

 

$

18.75

 

$

19.55

 

Low

 

$

20.22

 

$

17.67

 

$

15.25

 

$

15.36

 

Close (TSX at Dec. 31)

 

$

26.64

 

$

25.41

 

$

18.05

 

$

18.53

 

Ratios (percentage except where noted)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt/invested capital

 

40.9

 

43.6

 

47.4

 

47.9

 

Return on common shareholders’ equity

 

1.8

 

7.5

 

6.5

 

10.3

 

Return on invested capital

 

2.5

 

7.4

 

7.5

 

9.1

 

Cash flow to total debt

 

26.2

 

23.5

 

18.5

 

17.9

 

Cash flow to interest coverage (times)

 

5.5

 

4.8

 

4.1

 

3.3

 

Dividend payout

 

447.7

 

105.4

 

120.0

 

79.0

 

Dividend yield

 

3.8

 

3.9

 

5.5

 

5.4

 

Price/earnings multiple (times)

 

121.1

 

26.7

 

21.7

 

14.7

 

Weighted average common shares for the year (in millions)

 

200.8

 

196.8

 

192.7

 

185.3

 

Common shares outstanding at Dec. 31 (in millions)

 

202.4

 

198.7

 

194.1

 

190.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATISTICAL SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of employees

 

2,687

 

2,657

 

2,505

 

2,563

 

Generating capacity (net MW) 3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hydro

 

807

 

802

 

802

 

801

 

Coal

 

4,887

 

4,885

 

4,778

 

4,777

 

Gas

 

1,953

 

1,933

 

2,444

 

2,499

 

Renewables

 

315

 

315

 

313

 

245

 

Total generating capacity

 

7,962

 

7,935

 

8,337

 

8,322

 

Total generation production (GWh) 4

 

48,213

 

51,810

 

54,560

 

53,134

 

 

 

* Prior years have not been restated to conform with the current year’s presentation.

1 2002 and 2001 Energy Marketing real-time trading contract revenues restated to be presented on a gross basis.

2 Includes discontinued operations.

3 Represents TransAlta’s ownership.

4 Includes discontinued operations.

 

Ratio Formulas

 

Debt/invested capital = (short-term debt + long-term debt – cash and interest-earning investments)/(debt + preferred securities + non-controlling interests + common equity)

 

Return on common shareholders’ equity = net earnings excluding gain on discontinued operations/average of opening and closing common equity

 

 

102



 

SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

1997

 

1996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,814.9

1

$

2,559.5

1

$

1,587.0

 

$

1,029.4

 

$

1,089.9

 

$

1,656.4

 

$

1,515.6

 

 

$

223.9

2

$

468.9

2

$

604.6

2

$

442.0

2

$

660.1

2

$

586.6

 

$

570.6

 

 

$

189.9

 

$

214.6

 

$

279.8

 

$

170.1

 

$

211.4

 

$

182.6

 

$

181.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,419.6

 

$

7,877.9

 

$

7,627.1

 

$

6,038.4

 

$

5,392.6

 

$

4,882.2

 

$

4,804.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

146.7

 

$

475.2

 

$

220.5

 

$

(173.6

)

$

(149.4

)

$

(20.3

)

$

13.3

 

 

$

2,706.6

 

$

2,511.1

 

$

2,201.4

 

$

2,177.4

 

$

1,903.6

 

$

2,198.0

 

$

2,364.0

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

121.6

 

$

268.3

 

$

268.4

 

$

267.6

 

$

270.5

 

 

$

263.0

 

$

281.0

 

$

253.4

 

$

377.4

 

$

503.3

 

$

162.9

 

$

164.4

 

 

$

451.7

 

$

452.6

 

$

292.0

 

$

287.1

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

$

2,039.6

 

$

1,989.7

 

$

1,957.4

 

$

1,835.6

 

$

1,855.0

 

$

1,594.3

 

$

1,582.3

 

 

$

5,607.6

 

$

5,709.6

 

$

5,046.3

 

$

4,772.2

 

$

4,380.9

 

$

4,202.5

 

$

4,394.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

437.7

 

$

715.6

 

$

188.7

 

$

422.0

 

$

470.7

 

$

666.4

 

$

563.2

 

 

$

(36.2

)

$

(1,076.9

)

$

(205.0

)

$

(988.8

)

$

(137.2

)

$

(319.7

)

$

(459.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1.12

 

$

1.27

 

$

1.66

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.31

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.14

 

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

0.99

 

$

0.98

 

$

0.98

 

 

$

12.01

 

$

11.82

 

$

11.61

 

$

10.85

 

$

10.94

 

$

9.96

 

$

9.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

23.95

 

$

30.13

 

$

22.55

 

$

25.15

 

$

25.40

 

$

22.75

 

$

18.20

 

 

$

16.69

 

$

19.15

 

$

13.20

 

$

12.25

 

$

18.20

 

$

15.10

 

$

14.25

 

 

$

17.11

 

$

21.60

 

$

22.00

 

$

14.15

 

$

22.60

 

$

22.55

 

$

17.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50.9

 

52.3

 

48.0

 

45.6

 

40.0

 

51.8

 

54.1

 

 

3.5

 

10.9

 

11.7

 

9.2

 

12.3

 

11.5

 

11.6

 

 

4.0

 

8.7

 

12.3

 

9.7

 

15.4

 

13.7

 

13.6

 

 

16.1

 

21.8

 

25.3

 

21.7

 

22.8

 

22.0

 

22.1

 

 

3.8

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

241.8

 

78.5

 

75.8

 

99.7

 

75.8

 

85.7

 

86.2

 

 

5.8

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

7.1

 

4.4

 

4.4

 

5.7

 

 

41.7

 

17.3

 

16.7

 

14.2

 

17.3

 

19.8

 

15.1

 

 

169.6

 

169.0

 

168.8

 

169.5

 

161.3

 

159.7

 

159.2

 

 

169.8

 

168.3

 

168.6

 

169.2

 

169.6

 

160.0

 

159.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,573

 

2,656

 

2,363

 

2,679

 

2,455

 

2,667

 

3,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

801

 

800

 

800

 

800

 

800

 

800

 

800

 

 

4,966

 

5,090

 

5,016

 

3,676

 

3,676

 

3,676

 

3,676

 

 

1,333

 

1,108

 

1,054

 

1,464

 

1,008

 

832

 

815

 

 

44

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

7,144

 

6,998

 

6,870

 

5,940

 

5,484

 

5,308

 

5,291

 

 

46,877

 

44,136

 

40,644

 

37,771

 

39,001

 

36,401

 

34,264

 

 

Return on invested capital = earnings before non-controlling interests, income taxes and net interest expense/average annual invested capital

 

Cash flow to total debt = cash flow from operations before changes in working capital/two-year average of total debt

 

Dividend payout = dividends/net earnings excluding gain on discontinued operations

 

Dividend yield = common share dividends/current year's close price

 

Price/earnings multiple = current year's close/basic earnings per share from continuing operations

 

103



 

SHAREHOLDER

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING

 

The Annual meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m.

MST on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at the

Calgary Zoo, Safari Lodge Canada Room,

1300 Zoo Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta.

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

CIBC Mellon Trust Company

P.O. Box 7010

Adelaide Street Station

Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W9

 

Phone

 

North America:

1.800.387.0825 toll-free

Toronto/outside North America:

416.643.5500

 

E-mail

inquiries@cibcmellon.com

 

Fax

416.643.5501

 

Website

www.cibcmellon.com

 

EXCHANGES

Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

 

TICKER SYMBOLS

TransAlta Corporation common shares:

TSX: TA   NYSE: TAC

 

VOTING RIGHTS

Common shareholders receive one vote for each common share held

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Requests can be directed to:

Investor Relations

TransAlta Corporation

P.O. Box 1900, Station “M”

110 - 12th Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M1

 

Phone

North America:

1.800.387.3598 toll-free

Calgary/outside North America:

403.267.2520

 

E-mail

investor_relations@transalta.com

 

Fax

403.267.2590

 

Website

www.transalta.com

 

SPECIAL SERVICES FOR REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Service

Description

Dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan*

Conveniently reinvest your TransAlta dividends and purchase common shares without brokerage costs

 

 

Direct deposit for dividend payments

Automatically have dividend payments deposited to your bank account

 

 

Account consolidations

Eliminate costly duplicate mailings by consolidating account registrations

 

 

Address changes and share transfers

Receive tax slips and dividends without the delays resulting from address and ownership changes

 

 

To use these services please contact our transfer agent.

 

*      Also available to non-registered shareholders.

 

STOCK SPLITS AND SHARE CONSOLIDATIONS

 

Date

 

Events

 

Ratio

 

May 8, 1980

 

Stock split

 

3:1

 

Feb. 1, 1988

 

Stock split 1

 

2:1

 

Dec. 31, 1992

 

Reorganization – TransAlta Utilities

 

 

 

 

 

shares exchanged for

 

1:1

 

 

 

TransAlta Corporation shares 2

 

 

 

 

The valuation date value of common shares owned on Dec. 31, 1971, adjusted for stock splits, is $4.54 per share.

 

1      The adjusted cost base for shares held on Jan. 31, 1988 was reduced by $0.75 per share following the Feb.1, 1988 share split.

 

2      TransAlta Utilities Corporation became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransAlta Corporation as a result of this reorganization.

 

DIVIDEND DECLARATION

 

In declaring dividends, the directors consider several factors, including the corporation’s earnings, cash flow, capital requirements and the expectations of shareholders.

 

IMPORTANT DIVIDEND DATES

 

Payment Date

 

Record Date

 

Ex-Dividend Date

 

April 1, 2006

 

March 1, 2006

 

Feb. 27, 2006

 

July 1, 2006

 

June 1, 2006

 

May 30, 2006

 

Oct. 1, 2006

 

Sept. 1, 2006

 

Aug. 30, 2006

 

Jan. 1, 2007

 

Dec. 1, 2006

 

Nov. 29, 2006

 

April 1, 2007

 

March 1, 2007

 

Feb. 27, 2007

 

 

Dividends are paid on the first of the month in January, April, July and October. When a dividend payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the following business day. Only dividend payments that have been approved by the Board of Directors are included in this table.

 

SUBMISSION OF CONCERNS REGARDING ACCOUNTING OR AUDITING MATTERS

 

In 2002, TransAlta adopted a procedure for employees, shareholders or others to report concerns or complaints regarding accounting or auditing matters on an anonymous, confidential basis to the Audit and Environment Committee of the Board of Directors. Such submissions may be directed to the Audit and Environment Committee c/o the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation.

 

 

 

 

104



 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

 

105



 

CORPORATE

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION OFFICERS

 

 

 

Stephen G. Snyder

Mike Bartel

Parviz Mohamed

President &

Vice-President,

Vice-President,

Chief Executive Officer

Engineering Services

Information Technology

 

 

 

Brian Burden

William D.A. Bridge

Daniel Pigeon

Executive Vice-President &
Chief Financial Officer

Vice-President,
Western Canada Operations

Vice-President,
Portfolio Strategy & Execution

 

 

 

Linda K. Chambers

Jeff A. Curran

Gregory P. Reinhart

Executive Vice-President,
Generation Technology

Vice-President & Comptroller

Vice-President,
Generation Human Resources

 

Kelly L. Gunsch

 

Richard P. Langhammer

Vice-President,

Donald C. Thomas

Executive Vice-President,
Generation Operations

Commercial Portfolio Management

Vice-President, TransAlta Wind

 

David Koch

Marvin J. Waiand

Thomas M. Rainwater

Vice-President, Financial Operations

Vice-President & Treasurer

Executive Vice-President,

 

 

Corporate Development & Marketing

 

Jubran Whalan

 

Mark B. Mackay

Vice-President,

Ken Stickland

Vice-President,

Trading & Delivery Optimization

Executive Vice-President,

Energy Technology

 

Legal

 

Maryse St.-Laurent

 

Alex R. McFadden

Corporate Secretary

Michael Williams

Vice-President,

 

Executive Vice-President,

Major Maintenance

Frank Hawkins

Human Resources & Communications

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

TRANSALTA SUBSIDIARIES

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

ETHICS HELP-LINE

 

 

 

JoAnne C. Butler

TransAlta’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board Charter, Committee charters, position descriptions for the Chair, Committee Chair, President & CEO and codes of business conduct and ethics are available on our website at www.transalta.com. Also available on our website is a summary of the significant ways in which TransAlta’s corporate governance practices differ from those required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards.

The Audit and Environment Committee of the Board of Directors has established an anonymous and confidential toll-free telephone number for employees, contractors and others to call with respect to accounting irregularities and ethical violations. The Ethics Help-Line number is 1-888-806-6646.

President, TransAlta Mexico,
S.A. de C.V.

 

Colin J. Mills

Country Manager, TransAlta Mexico
S.A. de C.V.

 

Doug Jackson

President, TransAlta USA Inc.
Centralia Generation LLC

 

Troy A. Morrison

Country Manager,

TransAlta Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd.

 

 

In an effort to be environmentally responsible, please notify your financial institution to avoid duplicate mailings of this annual report.

 

> Design Karo > Photography Jason Stang, Yarko Yopyk and TransAlta employees Rick Lalonde, Randy Van Landeghem and Kevin Windenmaier. McBride Lake Wind farm photo by Mark Vitaris. BNSF Railway Company photo by Bob Heine > Production DaSilva Graphics > Printing Grafikom.MIL

 

* The TransAlta design and TransAlta wordmark are trademarks of TransAlta Corporation.

 

 

 

This report was printed in Canada by Grafikom.MIL on FSC Certified paper. The paper, paper mills and printer are all Forest Stewardship Council certified, which is an international network that promotes environmentally appropriate and socially beneficial management of the world’s eport was produced in a printing facility that resultsforests. in nearly zero volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

 

 

106



 

GLOSSARY

 

AIR EMISSIONS Substances released to the atmosphere through industrial operations. For the fossil-fuel fired power sector, the most common air emissions are sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, mercury and greenhouse gases.

 

AVAILABILITY A measure of time, expressed as a percentage of continuous operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year that a generating unit is capable of generating electricity, regardless of whether or not it is actually generating electricity.

 

BOILER A device for generating steam for power, processing or heating purposes or for producing hot water for heating purposes or hot water supply. Heat from an external combustion source is transmitted to a fluid contained within the tubes of the boiler shell.

 

BROWNFIELD ASSET A previously constructed electric power generating facility.

 

BTU (British Thermal Unit) A measure of energy. The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, when the water is near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

CAPACITY The rated continuous load carrying ability, expressed in megawatts, of generation equipment.

 

CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY New technologies such as gasification using solid fuels (coal and coke) to produce power and chemical products with very low emissions.

 

CO2 EMISSIONS INTENSITY Amount of carbon dioxide emitted per MWh produced.

 

COAL GASIFICATION The conversion of solid fuel to gaseous form, for subsequent conversion into power, synthetic gas, hydrogen or a variety of other chemical products.

 

COGENERATION A generating facility that produces electricity and another form of useful thermal energy (such as heat or steam) used for industrial, commercial, heating or cooling purposes.

 

COMBINED CYCLE An electric generating technology in which electricity is produced from otherwise lost waste heat exiting from one or more gas (combustion) turbines. The exiting heat is routed to a conventional boiler or to a heat recovery steam generator for use by a steam turbine in the production of electricity. This process increases the efficiency of the electric generating unit.

 

DERATE To lower the rated electrical capability of a power generating facility or unit.

 

EXPECTED CAPABILITY Plant capacity after consideration of station service use, planned outages, forced and maintenance outages and derates.

 

FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION UNIT (SCRUBBER) Equipment used to remove sulfur oxides from the combustion gases of a boiler plant before discharge to the atmosphere. Chemicals, such as lime, are used as the scrubbing media.

 

FORCE MAJEURE Literally means “greater force”. These clauses excuse a party from liability if some unforeseen event beyond the control of that party prevents it from performing its obligations under the contract.

 

GEOTHERMAL PLANT A plant in which the prime mover is a steam turbine. The turbine is driven either by steam produced from hot water or by natural steam that derives its energy from heat found in rocks or fluids at various depths beneath the surface of the earth. The energy is extracted by drilling and/or pumping.

 

GIGAJOULE (GJ) A metric unit of energy commonly used in the energy industry. One GJ equals 947,817 BTU.

 

GIGAWATT (GW) A measure of electric power equal to 1,000 megawatts.

 

GIGAWATT HOUR (GWh) A measure of electricity consumption equivalent to the use of 1,000 megawatts of power over a period of one hour.

 

GREENFIELD ASSET A new electric power generating facility built from the ground up on a new site.

 

GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) Gases having potential to retain heat in the atmosphere, including water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons.

 

HEAT RATE A measure of conversion, expressed as BTU/MWh, of the amount of thermal energy required to generate electrical energy.

 

MEGAWATT (MW) A measure of electric power equal to 1,000,000 watts.

 

MEGAWATT HOUR (MWh) A measure of electricity consumption equivalent to the use of 1,000,000 watts of power over a period of one hour.

 

NET MAXIMUM CAPACITY The maximum capacity or effective rating, modified for ambient limitations, that a generating unit or power plant can sustain over a specific period, less the capacity used to supply the demand of station service or auxiliary needs.

 

PEAKER PLANT A plant usually housing low-efficiency steam units, gas turbines, diesels or pumped-storage hydroelectric equipment normally used during peakload periods.

 

POWER PURCHASE ARRANGEMENT (PPA) A long-term arrangement established by regulation for the sale of electric energy from formerly regulated generating units to PPA buyers.

 

RENEWABLE POWER Power generated from renewable terrestrial mechanisms including wind, geothermal, solar and biomass with regeneration.

 

RESERVE MARGIN An indication of a market’s capacity to meet unusual demand or deal with unforeseen outages/shutdowns of generating capacity.

 

RUN RATE The result of extrapolating financial data collected from a period of time less than one year to a full year.

 

SPARK SPREAD A measure of gross margin per MW (sales price less cost of natural gas).

 

SUPERCRITICAL TECHNOLOGY The most advanced coal-combustion technology in Canada employing a supercritical boiler, high efficiency multi-stage turbine, flue gas desulfurization unit (scrubber), bag house and low nitrogen oxide burners.

 

TARGET ZERO TransAlta’s initiative designed to drive health, safety and environmental performance to zero losttime, medical aid and environmental incidents.

 

TURBINE A machine for generating rotary mechanical power from the energy of a stream of fluid (such as water, steam or hot gas). Turbines convert the kinetic energy of fluids to mechanical energy through the principles of impulse and reaction or a mixture of the two.

 

TURNAROUND Periodic planned shutdown of a generating unit for major maintenance and repairs. Duration is normally in weeks. The time is measured from unit shutdown to putting the unit back online.

 

UNPLANNED OUTAGE The shutdown of a generating unit due to an unanticipated breakdown.

 

UPRATE To increase the rated electrical capability of a power generating facility or unit.

 

VALUE AT RISK (VAR) A measure to manage earnings exposure from trading activities.

 

 

107