FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of March, 2002
TRANSALTA CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
110-12th Avenue S.W., Box 1900, Station "M", Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M1
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form
20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F____ Form 40-F X
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing 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.
Yes ..... No ..X...
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-________
EXHIBITS
| Exhibit 1 |
Management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| Exhibit 2 |
Audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
Exhibit 1
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and Auditors' Report included in the Annual Report. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). The effect of significant differences between Canadian and United States
GAAP have been disclosed in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements. All tabular
amounts in the following discussion are in millions of Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and
anticipated financial performance of TransAlta Corporation ("TransAlta" or the "corporation").
These statements involve known and unknown risks and relate to future events, future financial
performance and projected business results. 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 forward-looking statements are subject to a number of
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the
forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include
legislative and regulatory developments that could affect revenues, costs, the speed and degree of
competition entering the market, global capital markets activity, timing and extent of changes in
prevailing interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation levels and general economic
conditions in geographic areas where TransAlta Corporation operates, results of financing
efforts, changes in counterparty risk and the impact of accounting policies issued by Canadian
and United States standard setters. See additional discussion below under Risk Factors and Risk
Management.
OVERVIEW
TransAlta is Canada's largest non-regulated electric generation and marketing company. The
corporation's strategy is to generate growth, create shareholder value, and maintain a strong
balance sheet. Earnings growth will be achieved through development projects and acquisitions,
with a focus on diversifying geographically and by fuel source, with a goal of increasing earnings
by 10 to 15 per cent per year and increasing generating capacity by 1,000 megawatts (MW) each
year. In addition, continued focus on operational improvements will maximize generation
availability and ensure TransAlta remains competitive as a low-cost producer of power.
This review of TransAlta's 2001 financial results is organized by consolidated results and by
business segment. At Dec. 31, 2001, TransAlta had three business segments supported by a
corporate group: Generation, Independent Power Projects and Energy Marketing. A fourth
business segment, Transmission, was reclassified as a discontinued operation following the
announcement on July 4, 2001 of the agreement to dispose of the business. The Alberta
Distribution and Retail (D&R) and New Zealand operations were reclassified as discontinued
operations on Dec. 31, 1999.
Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured as earnings
before interest, taxes and non-controlling interests (EBIT). EBIT should not be considered an
alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow as determined in accordance
with Canadian GAAP as an indicator of the corporation's performance or liquidity. TransAlta's
EBIT is not necessarily comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company. EBIT can
be determined from the consolidated statements of earnings by adding prior period regulatory
decisions to operating income.
Corporate overheads that are not directly attributable to discontinued operations are allocated to
the business segments. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the current year's
presentation.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Increased earnings per share from continuing operations to $1.00 per share from $0.79 per
share in 2000 and $0.29 per share in 1999, a year-over-year increase of 27 per cent and 172
per cent, respectively
- Announced the agreement to sell our Alberta-based Transmission assets to AltaLink for
approximately $850 million, with the sale expected to close in the first half of 2002
- Listed our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange
- Announced a plan to add 900 MW to our Keephills coal-fired plant by 2005
- Won a second bid to build a gas-fired power plant in Mexico, bringing total assets under
construction in Mexico to 511 MW
- Continued construction on our 650 MW power project in Sarnia, Ontario, which is Canada's
largest cogeneration project, and the 252 MW Campeche power project in Mexico
- Formed a strategic alliance with MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company to develop, build
and operate power plants in North America
- Started construction of a 248 MW gas-fired addition to our Centralia site, to be completed by
July 2002
- Installed the first of two scrubbers at our Centralia coal-fired facility
- Purchased a 55 MW peaking power plant in Binghamton, New York for US$9.0 million
- Brought the 300 MW unit four at our Wabamun plant back on-line following ten months of
repairs
- Invested $9.4 million in companies involved in wind power and distributed generation
- Acquired the remaining 50 per cent of Merchant Energy Group of the Americas (MEGA)
- Sold the Mildred Lake and Fort Nelson gas-fired plants for a total of $104.4 million and the
Edmonton Composter for $97.0 million
- Sold our 60 per cent interest in the Fort Saskatchewan cogeneration plant to TransAlta
Cogeneration, L.P., a limited partnership owned 50.01 per cent by TransAlta and 49.99 per
cent by TransAlta Power, L.P., a publicly owned entity, for $35.0 million
- Renewed our $1.5 billion Medium-Term Note facility on September 26, 2001
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
<table>
| Production (GWh) |
44,136 |
|
40,644 |
|
33,677 |
|
| Electricity trading
volumes (GWh) |
19,200 |
|
9,500 |
|
5,400 |
|
| Gas trading volumes
(millions of GJ) |
216 |
|
136 |
|
214 |
|
|
|
|
Per
common |
|
Per common |
Per
common |
|
|
Amount |
share |
Amount |
share |
Amount |
share |
| Revenues 1 |
$ 4,927.1 |
|
$2,802.5 |
|
$ 1,123.0 |
|
| Earnings from continuing
operations 2 |
$ 169.5 |
$ 1.00 |
$ 133.6 |
$ 0.79 |
$ 48.7 |
$ 0.29 |
| Discontinued operations 3 |
45.1 |
0.27 |
89.1 |
0.53 |
101.7 |
0.60 |
| Earnings applicable to
common shareholders |
$ 214.6 |
$ 1.27 |
$ 222.7 |
$ 1.32 |
$ 150.4 |
$ 0.89 |
| Gains on disposal of
discontinued operations 3 |
- |
- |
266.8 |
1.58 |
19.7 |
0.11 |
| Extraordinary item 4 |
- |
- |
(209.7) |
(1.24) |
- |
- |
| Net earnings applicable to
common shareholders |
$ 214.6 |
$ 1.27 |
$ 279.8 |
$ 1.66 |
$ 170.1 |
$ 1.00 |
| Cash flow from operating
activities |
$ 715.6 |
|
$ 198.7 |
|
$ 426.2 |
|
| 1 |
Gross revenues from
continuing operations. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Continuing operations include the Generation, IPP and Energy Marketing businesses plus
corporate costs not directly attributable to discontinued operations, and are net of preferred
securities distributions. |
| 3 |
Discontinued operations include the New Zealand operations, the Alberta D&R operation,
Edmonton Composter and the Transmission operation. The New Zealand operations, Alberta
D&R operation and the Edmonton Composter were disposed of on Mar. 31, 2000, Aug. 31, 2000
and June 29, 2001 respectively. An agreement to sell the Transmission operation was entered on
July 4, 2001 and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2002. |
| 4 |
Extraordinary item arose from the recognition of previously unrecorded future income taxes and a
write-down of capital assets related to Alberta Generation due to a change in accounting policy as
a result of deregulation of the electric generation industry in Alberta commencing on Jan. 1, 2001. |
</table>
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, total electricity production was 44,136 gigawatt hours (GWh)
compared to 40,644 GWh in 2000 and 33,677 GWh in 1999. Incremental production in 2001
compared to 2000 came from the Centralia plant (2,785 GWh) acquired in May 2000 and the
Poplar Creek plant (2,491 GWh), which commenced commercial operations in January 2001,
offset by lower hydro production (240 GWh) and lost production from the sale of the 265 MW
Mildred Lake and the 45 MW Fort Nelson plants (1,713 GWh). Increased production in 2000
compared to 1999 was primarily a result of the acquisition of the Centralia plant in May 2000
and a full year of production from the Fort Nelson, Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants,
which commenced commercial operations in 1999.
As the Energy Marketing segment acts as a principal, takes title to commodities purchased for
resale and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, Energy Marketing revenues are now
reported on a gross basis in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Certain Generation revenues have
also been similarly reclassified. Prior period amounts have been restated.
Revenues increased by 76 per cent to $4,927.1 million compared to $2,802.5 million in 2000 and
increased by 150 per cent to $2,802.5 million in 2000 compared to $1,123.0 million in 1999.
The increase in 2001 over 2000 was primarily a result of high prices in the first half of 2001,
incremental production from the May 2000 acquisition of the Centralia plant, higher revenue
from the Alberta plants, increased trading revenues in Energy Marketing and incremental
revenues from the Poplar Creek and Pierce Power plants offset by the sale of the Mildred Lake
and Fort Nelson plants. The increase in revenues in 2000 over 1999 was due primarily to the
acquisition of the Centralia plant, increased trading activity in Energy Marketing and a full year
of production from the Fort Nelson, Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants, which commenced
operations in 1999.
Net earnings from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2001 were $169.5 million ($1.00 per common share - EPS) compared to $133.6 million
in 2000 ($0.79 EPS) and $48.7 million in 1999 ($0.29 EPS). The increase in 2001 over 2000
was primarily a result of increased earnings from the Alberta thermal and hydro plants, earnings
from the Poplar Creek and Pierce Power plants, gains on dispositions from the sale of the Fort
Nelson plant and half of the corporation's interest in the Fort Saskatchewan plant and increased
returns from energy trading activities. These increases were partially offset by the impact of
unplanned outages at the Centralia plant and the net loss on power purchased in the first half of
2001 for delivery in the second half as a hedge against higher expected outage rates at the
Centralia plant. The increase in 2000 over 1999 is mainly a result of higher earnings from
non-regulated operations and improved performance in energy trading activities offset by higher
net interest expense resulting from higher debt levels.
Cash flow from operating activities after changes in non-cash working capital was $715.6 million
in 2001 compared to $198.7 million in 2000 and $426.2 million in 1999. Cash flow before
working capital changes of $624.5 million in 2001 was consistent with 2000. In 2000,
significantly increased working capital requirements resulted from deferred accounts receivable
related to the sale of the discontinued Alberta D&R operation and increased trade receivables
related to Centralia production and Energy Marketing activities.
OUTLOOK
The key factors affecting financial results for 2002 will be the availability of and production from
generating assets, the pricing applicable to non-contracted production and the costs of
production. The significantly lower electricity prices which existed in the latter half of 2001 are
expected to continue throughout 2002. To achieve earnings growth, the corporation's focus will
be to increase the efficiency and availability of generating assets and continue the reduction of
operating and administrative costs. Energy Marketing will maximize pricing opportunities for
non-contracted production and will seek to offset lower prices and price volatility by increasing
trading volumes in existing and new geographic areas.
Effective Jan. 1, 2002, TransAlta's organizational structure changed to combine the Generation
and IPP business segments into one Generation segment to improve the corporation's operational
capability and reliability through the sharing of resources and best practices across all generating
assets.
TransAlta's goal is to increase electricity generation capacity to 15,000 MW by 2005. The
corporation expects growth to be achieved through the acquisition of existing assets and the
development of new projects. Under current economic conditions, opportunities to acquire
existing generating assets in North America are expected to become more likely than has been
the case for the last two years. Acquisition of existing assets will provide TransAlta with
immediate generating capacity and returns while the development and construction of new
projects will enable the corporation to build efficient plants that capitalize on expected growth in
demand beyond 2004. Additional growth will also come from increasing capacity through
upgrades of existing assets.
Relative to our peer group, a strong year-end balance sheet, high-quality credit ratings, increasing
cash flow from operations and a strong dividend (see discussion under Liquidity and Capital
Resources) will allow TransAlta ready access to capital markets at competitive rates to fund
growth and to finance operational improvements and preventive maintenance.
Achieving the above goals will be dependent upon, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties
such as commodity prices, currency exchange rates, interest rates and capital market activity.
Further, the effects of competition, the regulatory environment and general economic conditions
may impact the outcome. See discussion under Risk Factors and Risk Management.
SIGNIFICANT ONE-TIME ITEMS
These consolidated financial results include the following significant one-time items:
Gains on Disposal of Discontinued Operations
Effective Dec. 31, 2000, the corporation adopted a plan to divest its composter facility in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which commenced commercial operations in August 2000. In the
fourth quarter of 2000, the corporation recorded a write-down on the carrying value of the assets
of $17.9 million ($0.10 - EPS) net of income tax recoveries of $13.8 million. On June 29, 2001,
the facility was sold for cash proceeds of $97.0 million. No gain or loss resulted from the sale.
On Aug. 31, 2000, TransAlta completed the disposition of its Alberta D&R business for proceeds
of $857.3 million and recorded an after-tax gain of $262.4 million ($1.55 EPS). At Dec. 31,
2001, $723.6 million of these proceeds had been received. The remaining balance, primarily
related to deferral accounts, is expected to be received by the end of 2003 as mandated by the
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB).
On March 31, 2000, TransAlta closed the sale and completed the disposition of its investment in
TransAlta New Zealand Limited for total proceeds of NZ$832.5 million (approximately Cdn$605
million) and recorded an after-tax gain of $22.3 million ($0.13 EPS).
Prior Period Regulatory Decisions
In December 2001, the EUB ruled that the Wabamun unit four outage qualified for relief under
the Temporary Suspension Regulation (TSR) and ordered that TransAlta would receive $11.0
million ($7.0 million after-tax) to compensate the corporation for obligation payments incurred
in 2000 as a result of the outage.
In September 2000, TransAlta received a negotiated settlement of $17.8 million ($9.9 million
after-tax) under the TSR to compensate the corporation for obligation payments incurred as a
result of Alberta Generation production outages occurring in 1999 and 2000. Approximately
$13.5 million ($7.4 million after-tax) related to 1999 and $4.3 million ($2.5 million after-tax)
related to the first quarter of 2000.
In February 2000, the EUB announced an amendment to its Phase I decision (1999 Final
Decision) concerning a 1999 revenue requirement issue that partially offset the effect of its
original decision rendered in 1999. The positive impact of the 1999 Final Decision increased
earnings by $30.6 million ($16.4 million after-tax) and was recorded in the first quarter of 2000.
Included in this amount was a reduction in earnings of approximately $0.8 million related to the
discontinued Alberta D&R operation.
Extraordinary Item
On Dec. 31, 2000, TransAlta discontinued regulatory accounting and commenced the application
of Canadian GAAP for non-regulated businesses for its Alberta Generation operations, following
final confirmation of deregulation of the electricity generation industry in Alberta beginning on
Jan. 1, 2001. As a result of the discontinuance of regulatory accounting, the corporation recorded
an extraordinary non-cash after-tax charge of $209.7 million ($1.24 EPS). Of this amount,
$189.9 million resulted from the recognition of future income tax liabilities that the corporation
was previously exempted from recording due to the regulatory environment.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Effective Jan. 1, 2001, the corporation retroactively adopted the new Canadian accounting
standard for calculating diluted earnings per share. The impact of the change on current and
prior period diluted earnings per share was not material.
<table>
SEGMENTED BUSINESS RESULTS
GENERATION: Consists of coal and hydro plants and related mining operations in Alberta,
Canada and Washington State, U.S., with a total generating capacity of 5,890 megawatts
|
Production
(GWh) |
Revenue |
EBIT |
| Year ended 1999 |
28,717 |
$
569.4 |
$
182.0 |
| 1999 regulatory decisions received in 2000 |
- |
- |
44.1 |
| Acquisition of Centralia plant |
6,267 |
585.3 |
137.1 |
| Wabamun unit four outage |
(391) |
(18.0) |
(18.0) |
| Decrease in hydro energy output |
(476) |
(13.4) |
(13.0) |
| Overall improvement in thermal availability |
251 |
7.1 |
5.6 |
| Other |
- |
29.5 |
(11.1) |
| Year ended 2000 |
34,368 |
$
1,159.9 |
$
326.7 |
| 1999 regulatory decisions received in 2000 |
- |
- |
(44.1) |
| Wabamun unit four TSR settlement for
2000 |
- |
- |
11.0 |
| Higher returns and incentives under PPAs |
- |
208.3 |
208.3 |
| Increased hydro ancillary services |
- |
53.0 |
53.0 |
| Decrease in hydro energy output |
(240) |
(17.9) |
(17.7) |
| Acquisition of Centralia plant |
2,785 |
155.0 |
47.3 |
| Unplanned Centralia outages |
- |
95.7 |
(245.5) |
| Centralia hedge losses, expired in 2001 |
- |
11.8 |
(124.2) |
| Other |
(6) |
52.1 |
(8.7) |
| Year ended 2001 |
36,907 |
$
1,717.9 |
$
206.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Revenue per MWh 1 |
$ 46.55 |
$
33.75 |
$
19.83 |
</table>
RESULTS
Generation's production was 36,907 GWh in 2001, 34,368 GWh in 2000 and 28,717 GWh in
1999. The increase from 2000 to 2001 is primarily a result of a full year of production from the
Centralia plant (2,785 GWh) acquired in May 2000, offset by decreased hydro production (240
GWh) due to lower than average snowpack in 2001. The increase from 1999 to 2000 is primarily
a result of the acquisition of the Centralia plant.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, Generation achieved an availability rate of 84.7 per cent. The
availability rate was 85.9 per cent in 2000 and 87.4 per cent in 1999. Results for 2001 were
negatively impacted by unplanned outages at the Centralia plant and the Wabamun unit four
outage. The 2000 results were negatively impacted by the Wabamun unit four outage.
Total net revenue increased by $558.0 million in 2001 to $1,717.9 million compared to $1,159.9
million in 2000. The increase is primarily a result of increased revenues from the Power
Purchase Arrangements (PPAs) (Note 1), which commenced on Jan. 1, 2001, incentives for
exceeding availability targets set out in the PPAs, a full year of production from the Centralia
plant, additional revenue from hydro ancillary services, and increased sales from power
purchases in excess of those required to meet contracted obligations. In 2000, Generation
revenues increased to $1,159.9 million compared to $569.4 million in 1999. The increase is
attributable primarily to the acquisition of the Centralia plant in May 2000.
Revenue per megawatt hour (MWh) increased to $46.55 per MWh from $33.75 per MWh in
2000 primarily as a result of increased revenues under the PPAs and increased electricity prices
compared to 2000. The increase in 2000 over 1999 to $33.75 per MWh from $19.83 per MWh
was primarily a result of the acquisition of the Centralia plant, which received higher contracted
and spot prices than in Alberta.
Generation's EBIT was $206.1 million in 2001 compared to $326.7 million in 2000, a decrease of
$120.6 million or 37 per cent. Higher returns and incentives under the PPAs and increased hydro
ancillary services provided additional EBIT, but were offset by losses from the Centralia plant
due to unplanned outages. In addition, losses of US$77.7 million (approximately Cdn$124
Million) were incurred in the second half of the year as a result of power purchased in the first
half of the year as a hedge against higher expected outage rates at Centralia. These contracts
were entered into when the market indicated that power prices were going to continue to escalate.
Instead, the implementation of price caps and the reduction in economic activity resulted in a
significant drop in market prices. These contracts expired at the end of 2001. The increase in
EBIT in 2000 compared to 1999 was primarily a result of the acquisition of the Centralia plant.
OUTLOOK
In 2002, improved availability and production is expected to offset the impact of lower spot
prices for non-contracted production. Generation will focus on improving the availability and
cost efficiency of its coal-fired facilities, in particular, the need to continue to build on the
improved fourth quarter 2001 performance at the Centralia plant. A nine-week outage is
scheduled at the Centralia plant for the second quarter of 2002 to increase the plant capacity and
install the second scrubber as part of the environmental obligations that were assumed when the
plant was purchased. The scrubbers will be fully operational by the last quarter of 2002.
Electricity prices are expected to continue at their current low levels throughout 2002. At the end
of 2001, the last contracts in respect of the Centralia plant to purchase power at out-of-market
prices expired. A large proportion of Generation's output is contracted for 2002 (93.7 per cent)
with a corresponding lower amount subject to spot prices. Energy Marketing's expertise will be
utilized to maximize the pricing opportunities available for this non-contracted production.
In 2002, capital expenditures will be approximately $450 million, consisting primarily of
completion of the installation of scrubbers and capacity upgrades at the Centralia plant and the
248 MW gas-fired Big Hanaford plant, which is expected to commence commercial operations in
the third quarter of 2002.
The arbitration of TransAlta's claim of force majeure for the Wabamun unit four outage
concluded in early January 2002 and a decision is expected in the second quarter of 2002.
TransAlta continues to be confident in its position that the outage, which occurred in mid-2000
and carried over into 2001, qualifies as a force majeure event under the PPAs. No amount has
been accrued for this potential liability as neither the outcome nor the amount was reasonable
determinable at the reporting date. Should the force majeure decision not be in TransAlta's
favour, it could have a maximum pre-tax impact of $90 million.
In February 2002, the EUB approved the previously announced 900 MW expansion of the
Keephills plant. The corporation will now complete the project feasibility study, factoring in the
impact of Alberta's transmission constraints, environmental conditions placed on the approval by
the EUB and market conditions.
TransAlta continues to evaluate generation opportunities that fit its operating capabilities and risk
profile to grow its business in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECTS (IPP): Builds, owns and/or operates independent
power projects in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Australia, with a total generating capacity of
1,512 megawatts, for the sale of electric and thermal energy under long-term commercial
contracts and in spot markets.
|
Production (GWh) |
Revenue |
EBIT |
| Year ended 1999 |
4,960 |
$ 270.6 |
$ 34.8 |
| Full year of production from Western Canada plants |
1,422 |
57.4 |
12.2 |
| Poplar Creek operations and maintenance contract |
- |
14.8 |
2.4 |
| Decreased Mildred Lake power plant earnings |
(114) |
11.3 |
(4.3) |
| Improved limited partnership operations |
- |
7.6 |
3.0 |
| Other |
8 |
0.6 |
(8.2) |
| Year ended 2000 |
6,276 |
$ 362.3 |
$ 39.9 |
| Commencement of operations at Poplar Creek plant |
2,491 |
84.9 |
25.8 |
| Disposal of Mildred Lake and Fort Nelson plants |
(1,713) |
(86.6) |
0.3 |
| Disposal of Fort Saskatchewan plant to TA Cogen |
- |
- |
6.2 |
| Incremental revenue from Pierce Power plant |
22 |
124.0 |
5.2 |
| Acquisition of Binghamton plant |
27 |
4.0 |
(0.5) |
| Improved limited partnership operations |
77 |
3.8 |
1.5 |
| Increased recoverable gas costs |
- |
14.4 |
- |
| Other |
49 |
7.7 |
(12.8) |
| Year ended 2001 |
7,229 |
$ 514.5 |
$ 65.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Revenue per MWh1 |
$ 54.02 |
$ 57.73 |
$ 54.56 |
|
|
|
|
| 1 Defined as segment revenues, net of Pierce Power revenue, divided by
production. |
|
|
</table>
RESULTS
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, electricity production was 7,229 GWh compared to 6,276
GWh in 2000 and 4,960 GWh in 1999. In 2001, increased production of 2,491 GWh from the
Poplar Creek plant was offset by lost production of 1,713 GWh from the sale of the Mildred
Lake and Fort Nelson plants. The Pierce Power plant, which comprises a lease of portable
generating units for a period of 14 months, commenced commercial operations in August 2001
and added 22 GWh of incremental production for the period. Steam production in 2001 was 3.8
million tonnes compared to 10.3 million tonnes in 2000 and 8.3 million tonnes in 1999. The
decrease in 2001 was primarily a result of the disposal of the Mildred Lake plant. Availability
was 96.3 per cent in 2001, 96.1 per cent in 2000 and 97.8 per cent in 1999.
Revenues increased by $152.2 million in 2001 to $514.5 million compared to $362.3 million in
2000. The increase was primarily a result of the commencement of commercial operations of the
360 MW Poplar Creek plant in January 2001 and incremental revenue from the 154 MW Pierce
Power plant. The sale of the 265 MW Mildred Lake and the 45 MW Fort Nelson plants in
January 2001 and August 2001 respectively, partially offset these increases. A full year of
operations from the Fort Nelson, Fort Saskatchewan and Meridian plants contributed the majority
of the $91.7 million increase in revenues in 2000 to $362.3 million from $270.6 million in 1999.
As a result of market conditions, TransAlta realized its investment in the 154 MW Pierce Power
plant in September 2001, resulting in EBIT of $5.7 million. Revenue hedges were realized
resulting in revenues of $121.8 million, offset by a $116.1 million reduction of the carrying
values of the assets and the recognition of anticipated future fixed costs. As a result of the
decision, the Pierce Power plant now operates as a peaker plant that generates power when prices
are sufficient to cover variable costs.
Revenue per MWh was $54.02 in 2001 compared to $57.73 in 2000 and $54.56 in 1999. The
decrease in 2001 reflects the lower priced output from the Poplar Creek plant. In 2000, the
increase was due to the commencement of the operations and maintenance contract at the Poplar
Creek plant, which increased revenue without a corresponding increase in production.
On Jan. 31, 2001, the 265 MW Mildred Lake plant was sold for proceeds of $60.3 million plus a
receivable of $4.7 million, which approximated its book value. On Aug. 21, 2001, the 45 MW
gas-fired Fort Nelson power plant was sold for proceeds of $44.1 million. A gain of $1.3 million
was recorded on the disposal. These assets did not meet corporate financial targets and were sold
to allow the reinvestment of cash into growth projects.
On September 30, 2001, the 60 per cent interest in the 120 MW Fort Saskatchewan gas-fired
cogeneration facility was sold to TransAlta Cogeneration, L.P. (TA Cogen), a limited partnership
owned 50.01 per cent by TransAlta and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, L.P. (TransAlta
Power), a publicly owned entity. Net proceeds to the corporation of $35.0 million and a gain of
$6.2 million on the 30 per cent interest effectively sold to the minority interests in TA Cogen
were realized. This sale provided the opportunity to retain control and operation of the asset
through a management agreement with TA Cogen, realize a portion of the inherent value of the
plant and provide cash for future growth initiatives.
In January 2001, TransAlta acquired a 55 MW gas-fired plant in Binghamton, New York for
US$9.0 million. TransAlta owns and operates 100 per cent of the facility, the corporation's first
power plant acquisition in the northeastern U.S. The plant is a peaker plant, which will operate
to provide electricity to the New York power pool during periods of high demand.
EBIT increased by $25.7 million to $65.6 million in 2001. EBIT from the Poplar Creek plant,
gains realized on the sale of the Fort Saskatchewan and Fort Nelson plants, and EBIT from the
Pierce Power plant were partially offset by increased administration expenses due to the
expansion of operations and plant construction activities. EBIT increased by $5.1 million to
$39.9 million in 2000 from $34.8 million in 1999 as the EBIT contributed by the full year of
operations from the plants in Western Canada was partially offset by higher allocated corporate
overheads.
OUTLOOK
At existing plants, continued focus on the maximization of revenues under the contracts and
enhancing availability and operating cost efficiency will be the main focus for 2002. Significant
construction activity will continue throughout 2002. Completion of the 650 MW Sarnia facility is
expected in the fourth quarter of 2002, with commercial operations commencing in the first
quarter of 2003.
Exposure to volatility in electricity prices is substantially mitigated through fixed price long-term
electricity sales contracts. Exposure to volatility in gas prices is substantially mitigated by the
flow-through of the costs of natural gas to customers in certain of these contracts and the
existence of price caps in certain natural gas supply contracts. At the end of 2001, approximately
83 per cent of the output was contracted and the corporation will continue to focus on the
maximization of revenues from these contracts. For non-contracted sales, exposure to electricity
and gas price volatility is significantly mitigated by the correlation between natural gas and
electricity prices.
In 2002, approximately $640 million will be spent on the continued construction of existing
projects and approximately $60 million will be spent on the pre-purchase of turbines. Of this
amount, $230 million relates to the completion of the Sarnia plant, while the ongoing
construction of the Campeche and Chihuahua plants in Mexico will utilize $105 million and
$205 million, respectively. The 252 MW Campeche plant is scheduled for completion in the first
quarter of 2003. Completion of the 259 MW Chihuahua plant is expected in the second quarter
of 2003.
TransAlta continues to actively seek to acquire or build high quality gas-fired projects throughout
Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. In the U.S., the focus is on selected areas, specifically the
Northeast, Pacific Northwest and contiguous states. In Mexico, TransAlta plans to bid on
additional high-quality projects of size and scope similar to the Campeche and Chihuahua plants
being placed for bid by the Comision Federal de Electricidad, the state-owned utility.
<table>
ENERGY MARKETING: Derives revenue and earnings from the wholesale trading of
electricity and other energy-related commodities and derivatives. These activities provide critical
market knowledge to help identify growth opportunities and support corporate investment
decisions.
|
|
|
Trading
volumes |
|
|
|
| Transmission |
|
|
(GWh) |
Revenue |
|
EBIT |
|
|
Year ended 1999 |
5,400 |
$ 283.0 |
|
$ (3.5) |
|
|
Increased trading activity |
4,100 |
1,034.8 |
|
100.9 |
|
|
Provision for California receivables |
- |
(37.5) |
|
(37.5) |
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles |
- |
- |
|
(10.0) |
|
|
Increased operations and maintenance
expenses |
- |
- |
|
(5.3) |
|
|
Other |
- |
- |
|
(2.3) |
|
|
Year ended 2000 |
9,500 |
$1,280.3 |
|
$ 42.3 |
|
|
Increased trading activity |
9,700 |
1,414.4 |
|
83.7 |
|
|
Increased operating costs |
- |
- |
|
(2.6) |
|
|
One-time costs associated with MEGA
acquisition |
- |
- |
|
(13.9) |
|
|
Other |
- |
- |
|
(2.3) |
|
|
Year ended 2001 |
19,200 |
$
2,694.7 |
|
$107.2 |
RESULTS
As the Energy Marketing segment acts as a principal, takes title to commodities purchased for
resale and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, Energy Marketing revenues are now
reported on a gross basis in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Prior period amounts have been
restated.
The increase in Energy Marketing's trading volumes, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region,
where market volatility and prices remained high for the first five months of 2001, resulted in a
significant increase in trading revenues and margins in both 2001 and 2000. Lower economic
activity and price caps implemented by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) in the Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC) region of the U.S. in June 2001
resulted in a significant decrease in market volatility and lowered prices to more historic levels in
the second half of 2001.
Energy Marketing's net margin was $161.0 million in 2001 compared to $77.8 million in 2000
and $11.0 million in 1999 as a result of increased trading volumes and margins. Volumes of
power traded increased to 19,200 GWh in 2001 from 9,500 GWh in 2000 and 5,400 GWh in
1999. Volumes of gas traded were 215.5 million gigajoules (GJ) in 2001 compared to 135.7 GJ
in 2000 and 213.5 GJ in 1999.
In 2001, Energy Marketing commenced a fixed transmission trading strategy in the Pacific
Northwest which significantly increased net margin. This strategy involves committing to make
fixed payments for the right, but not the obligation, to use electricity transmission. Net margin is
realized through trading around price differentials at points along the transmission capacity.
TransAlta acquired the remaining 50 per cent of Merchant Energy Group of the Americas
(MEGA) in June 2001 for cash consideration of US$0.3 million (Cdn$0.4 million). The initial 50
per cent of MEGA was purchased in June 2000 for cash consideration of US$12.5 million
(Cdn$18.6 million). Subsequent to the acquisition, one-time costs of $13.9 million were
incurred, comprised primarily of severance of $3.9 million and long-term employment incentives
in the amount of $8.5 million. TransAlta will continue to utilize MEGA as a platform on which
to expand trading activities into eastern U.S. regions. The results of MEGA's operations are
therefore included in the Energy Marketing business segment. Previously, the results had been
included in the IPP business segment. Prior period revenues and EBIT in both segments have
been restated to reflect this change. In September 2001, the MEGA operations were
amalgamated with TransAlta Energy Marketing (U.S.) Inc., a subsidiary of TransAlta Energy
Corporation (TransAlta Energy).
Energy Marketing's EBIT increased by $64.9 million to $107.2 million in 2001 from $42.3
million in 2000 primarily as a result of increased trading volumes and margins, offset by $13.9
million of one-time costs discussed above and increased operating costs. Energy Marketing's
EBIT for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000 increased by $45.8 million over 1999 from a loss of $3.5
million to EBIT of $42.3 million, primarily as a result of increased trading activities.
At Dec. 31, 2001, accounts receivable, net of allowances for liquidity and potential market
clawback issues decreased to $700.8 million (2000 - $1,030.0 million). Accounts payable
decreased to $642.7 million (2000 - $951.6 million). These reductions are mainly due to
decreases in market prices of electricity and natural gas.
At Dec. 31, 2000, TransAlta provided for US$28.8 million of accounts receivable out of a total
of US$66.2 million related to the California market. The provision will be reversed when the
corporation has confidence in the ultimate collection of the amounts owing and that it will not
have to make any repayment of such amounts as a result of retroactive changes to trading
regulations from those under which TransAlta completed its trades with California entities. At
Dec. 31, 2001, US$12.9 million had been received and no associated provision amounts were
reversed.
Energy Marketing operates on behalf of the other business segments to sell electricity produced
and purchase natural gas not covered by long-term contracts, to establish long-term contracts for
the sale of electricity and the purchase of natural gas, and to purchase and sell transmission
capacity to transmit electricity. The results of these arrangements and the costs to execute them
are included in the appropriate business segment results.
OUTLOOK
Electricity and gas prices, volatility and liquidity are expected to decrease in 2002. As a result,
Energy Marketing's margins are expected to decrease in 2002 compared to 2001, but will be
partially offset by increases in trading volumes in existing and new markets. However, overall
net margins and EBIT are expected to decline.
Energy Marketing will continue to concentrate on buying and selling electricity and gas in the
short-term (i.e. real time) markets. The electricity trades involve matching buyers and sellers,
arranging for transmission capacity and scheduling movement of the commodity. This type of
trading does not involve long-term contracts and therefore value at risk (VAR) and volatility
related to fair value accounting is very low. During 2002, Energy Marketing anticipates
increased activities associated with expansion into eastern North American markets. Additional
volume will allow improved productivity while not compromising trading controls and
discipline.
Energy Marketing will focus on improving returns and managing higher activity levels related to
existing generating assets.
<table>
1. NET INTEREST EXPENSE, FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND OTHER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Interest expense |
|
|
$ 112.3
|
|
$
115.2
|
$ 80.6 |
|
|
| Interest income |
|
|
(24.2) |
|
(23.8) |
(15.1) |
|
|
| Foreign exchange gains |
|
|
(0.8) |
|
(0.1) |
(1.7) |
|
|
| Other expense (income) |
|
(1.5) |
|
1.1 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
$
85.8 |
|
$
92.4 |
$
63.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year ended 1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
63.8 |
|
|
| Increased debt levels |
|
|
|
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
| Increased capitalized interest and AFUDC1 |
|
|
|
|
(21.3) |
|
|
| Higher effective interest rates |
|
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
| Decreased allocations to discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
39.9 |
|
|
| Other |
|
|
|
|
|
(4.7) |
|
|
| Year ended 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
92.4 |
|
|
| Increased debt levels, net of interest on Alberta D&R deferral
accounts |
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
| Increased capitalized interest and AFUDC1 |
|
|
|
|
(8.5) |
|
|
| Lower effective interest rates |
|
|
|
|
(14.6) |
|
|
| Decreased allocations to discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
| Other |
|
|
|
|
|
(4.2) |
|
|
| Year ended 2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
85.8 |
|
|
| 1 Allowance for funds used during construction. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
</table>
RESULTS
Net interest expense (net of interest income, capitalized interest and AFUDC and amounts
allocated to discontinued operations) decreased to $88.1 million in 2001 from $91.4 million in
2000. Following an EUB regulatory decision, interest income of $3.0 million was recognized as
receivable on the deferral accounts of the discontinued Alberta D&R operation related to prior
periods. Higher debt levels resulting from the acquisition of the Centralia plant, the
commencement of commercial operations at the Poplar Creek plant and increased capital
expenditures were offset by the proceeds on the disposal of the Alberta D&R operation,
increased capitalized interest and lower interest rates.
The increase in net interest expense from 1999 to 2000 resulted from higher debt levels from the
acquisition of the Centralia plant (offset by the proceeds on disposal of the New Zealand
operations) and higher effective interest rates, offset by increased capitalized interest as a result
of increased capital expenditures.
OUTLOOK
Net interest expense is expected to increase due to the commencement of operations at the Big
Hanaford plant and higher expected interest rates. Interest capitalized during 2002 will relate to
construction activity on the Sarnia, Campeche and Chihuahua projects, as well as the completion
of the installation of scrubbers at the Centralia plant.
<table>
PREFERRED SECURITIES DISTRIBUTIONS
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
| Preferred securities distributions, net of tax |
$
13.1 |
$
12.8 |
$ 5.2 |
</table>
RESULTS
In 2001, preferred securities distributions, net of tax, increased slightly as a result of the issuance
of $175.0 million of 7.75 per cent preferred securities in November 2001. In 2000, distributions
exceeded those in 1999 as the preferred securities that were issued in April and December 1999
were outstanding for the entire year.
OUTLOOK
Preferred securities distributions will increase in 2002 due to the $175.0 million issuance in
November 2001.
INCOME TAXES
| <table> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Income taxes |
|
|
|
$ 89.9
|
$
128.5 |
$
64.7 |
| Effective tax
rate |
|
|
|
30.7% |
40.6% |
43.3% |
</table>
RESULTS
Income taxes are net of amounts directly related to discontinued operations. Income taxes
decreased by $38.6 million in 2001 compared to 2000 mainly due to the decrease in pre-tax
earnings. The effective income tax rate (expressed as a percentage of earnings from continuing
operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests) decreased to 30.7 per cent in 2001
from 40.6 per cent in 2000 primarily due to the reduction in Canadian tax rates, lower
non-deductible items and an increase in the manufacturing and processing tax credit. In 2000,
income taxes increased to $128.5 million from $64.7 million in 1999 as a result of increased
pre-tax earnings. The lower effective tax rate in 2000 was due primarily to higher earnings from
lower tax rate jurisdictions.
OUTLOOK
Income taxes are expected to increase in 2002 due to higher pre-tax earnings.
<table>
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
| Non-controlling interests |
|
|
$
20.6 |
|
$
41.6 |
$
30.9 |
</table> RESULTS
Non-controlling interests' share of TransAlta's consolidated earnings from continuing operations
after income taxes decreased by $21.0 million in 2001 to $20.6 million compared to $41.6
million in 2000 due primarily to the minority interest portion of the fair value liability of a
natural gas swap between TA Cogen and the corporation entered into in December 2000 which
was charged to income in 2000. The swap transaction provides TA Cogen with fixed price gas
for both the Mississauga and Ottawa plants until Dec. 31, 2005. The swap was entered into by
TransAlta to stabilize cash distributions of the limited partnership for five years at levels
consistent with previous years. Increased earnings from TransAlta Power's 49.99 per cent
limited partnership interest in TA Cogen were offset by the redemption of the 4.0 per cent to 7.7
per cent Series and 8.4 per cent Series of preferred shares of TransAlta Utilities Corporation in
September 2001 and March 2000, respectively.
Non-controlling interests increased by $10.7 million in 2000 over 1999 as TransAlta Power's
interest in TA Cogen increased by $20.3 million, due primarily to the minority interest portion of
the fair value liability of the natural gas swap discussed above. The charge resulting from the
swap transaction was partially offset by lower subsidiary preferred share dividends as a result of
the redemption of the preferred shares discussed above.
<table> OUTLOOK
No significant changes in non-controlling interests are expected in 2002.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
|
|
Date Sold |
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Transmission |
- earnings from operations |
n/a |
$
44.4 |
$ 44.3 |
$
48.3 |
| Edmonton
Composter |
- earnings from operations |
June 29,
2001 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
- |
|
- write-down of carrying
value |
|
- |
(17.9) |
- |
| Alberta D&R |
- earnings from operations |
Aug. 31,
2000 |
- |
33.3 |
21.8 |
|
- gain on disposition |
|
- |
262.4 |
- |
| New Zealand |
- earnings from operations |
Mar. 31,
2000 |
- |
10.8 |
31.6 |
|
- gain on disposition |
|
- |
22.3 |
- |
| Argentina 1 |
- gain on disposition |
Dec. 20,
1999 |
- |
- |
19.7 |
|
|
|
$
45.1 |
$ 355.9 |
$
121.4 |
| 1 1999 amount includes $12.4 million reversal of a provision resulting from the expiry of an unutilized
standby credit facility. |
</table> TRANSMISSION
RESULTS
TransAlta entered into an agreement on July 4, 2001 to sell its Transmission operation for cash
proceeds of approximately $850 million, which will result in an estimated after-tax gain of
approximately $100 million. TransAlta will record Transmission's results as discontinued
operations until closing, expected in the first half of 2002 following regulatory approval.
The discontinued Transmission operation after-tax earnings remained consistent at $44.4 million
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, $44.3 million in 2000 and $48.3 million in 1999.
EDMONTON COMPOSTER
RESULTS
Effective Dec. 31, 2000, the corporation adopted a formal plan to pursue divestiture opportunities
related to its composter facility in Edmonton, Alberta, which commenced commercial operations
in August 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2000, the corporation recorded an after-tax write-down
of the carrying value of the assets of $17.9 million ($0.10 EPS). On June 29, 2001, the facility
was sold for cash proceeds of $97.0 million, which approximated its book value. After-tax
earnings from the discontinued operation were $0.7 million (2000 - $0.7 million) prior to its
disposal in the second quarter of 2001.
ALBERTA DISTRIBUTION AND RETAIL
RESULTS
Earnings from the discontinued D&R operation in Alberta included the effect of regulatory
decisions relating to prior years consisting of a $5.3 million negative impact in 1999 due to the
Phase II decision regarding rates for 1997 and 1996 and the Final Decision which reduced 2000
earnings by $0.8 million. Excluding the impact of these decisions, earnings from the
discontinued Alberta D&R operation increased despite the partial year until its disposition in
2000, primarily due to higher distribution volumes and increased sales to higher rate customers in
2000. This business was sold on Aug. 31, 2000 for net proceeds of $857.3 million and an
after-tax gain on disposition of $262.4 million ($1.55 EPS).
NEW ZEALAND
RESULTS
Earnings from discontinued operations in New Zealand decreased by $20.8 million mainly due to
the partial year in 2000 and the inclusion of an after-tax gain on sale of $18.1 million ($0.11
EPS) of the gas distribution business in 1999 earnings. The New Zealand business operations
were sold on March 31, 2000 for total proceeds of NZ$832.5 million (approximately Cdn$605
million) and an after-tax gain on disposition of $22.3 million ($0.13 EPS).
<table>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The following chart outlines significant changes in the consolidated balance sheets between Dec.
31, 2000 and Dec. 31, 2001:
| Summary of Significant Changes |
Increase/ |
|
| (in millions of Canadian dollars) |
(Decrease) |
Explanation |
| Cash |
8.2 |
Refer to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. |
| Accounts receivable |
(334.0) |
As a result of the FERC decision to implement
price caps in the WSCC region of the U.S. and
lower economic activity, Energy Marketing
activity and related accounts receivable were
reduced significantly. |
| Investments |
(190.7) |
New Zealand dollar deposit offset against New
Zealand dollar long-term debt under right of offset
agreement, offset by acquistions of $9.4 million in
2001. |
| Capital assets |
847.0 |
Capital expenditures and construction activity
during the period offset by depreciation and the
sale of the Edmonton Composter and the plants at
Mildred Lake and Fort Nelson. |
| Other assets |
(29.9) |
Relates primarily to decrease in fair value of
balance sheet hedges of U.S. dollar amounts
resulting from depreciation of the Canadian dollar
relative to the U.S. dollar. |
| Short-term debt |
64.5 |
Repayment of current portion of long-term debt. |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
(321.8) |
As a result of the FERC decision to implement
price caps in the WSCC region of the U.S. and
lower economic activity, Energy Marketing
activity and related accounts payable were
reduced significantly, offset by increased accounts
payable related to assets under construction. |
| Long-term debt (including current
portion) |
309.7 |
Issuance of debentures, increased credit facility at
Campeche net of commercial paper repayments
and New Zealand right of offset agreement
discussed above. |
| Deferred credits and other long-term
liabilities |
71.4 |
Relates primarily to increased site restoration
provision and decrease in fair value of balance
sheet hedges. |
| Non-controlling interests |
(94.0) |
Redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary in
September 2001 offset by sale of interest in the
Fort Saskatchewan plant to TA Cogen. |
| Preferred securities |
160.6 |
Issuance of $175.0 million of preferred securities
in November 2001, net of issue costs and related
tax benefits. |
| Shareholders' equity |
32.3 |
Net earnings offset by dividends and net buyback
of common shares. |
</table>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
TransAlta Corporation raises substantially all external capital to be invested in the various
business units and affiliated or subsidiary companies as required. This strategy allows TransAlta
to gain access to sufficient capital at the lowest overall cost to finance its growth strategy and to
provide corporate flexibility. Historically, external financing has been obtained from borrowings
under credit facilities, proceeds from the disposal of non-core assets, the issuance of debt,
preferred securities and equity. Internally, capital is also raised through operations. A summary
of cash flows is as follows:
<table>
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
| Cash, beginning of year |
$
53.8 |
$ 75.3 |
$ 155.2 |
| Cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
| Operating activities |
715.6 |
198.7 |
426.2 |
| Investing activities |
(1,076.9) |
(205.0) |
(988.8) |
| Financing activities |
368.7 |
(2.7) |
488.3 |
| Translation of foreign currency cash |
0.8 |
(12.5) |
(5.6) |
|
|
|
|
| Cash, end of year |
$
62.0 |
$ 53.8 |
$ 75.3 |
</table>
TransAlta increased its cash balance by $8.2 million in 2001 compared to a decrease of $21.5
million in 2000 and a decrease of $79.9 million in 1999. Significant changes were as follows:
OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating activities after changes in non-cash working capital
provided cash of $715.6 million in 2001 compared to $198.7 million in 2000 and $426.2 million
in 1999. Cash flow before working capital changes of $624.5 million in 2001 was consistent
with 2000. In 2000, significantly increased working capital requirements resulted from deferred
accounts receivable related to the sale of the discontinued Alberta D&R operation and increased
trade receivables related to Centralia production and Energy Marketing activities.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investing activities used cash of $1,076.9 million in 2001
compared to cash used of $205.0 million in 2000 and $988.8 million in 1999.
In 2001, additions to capital assets totalled $1,246.5 million. Of this amount, $680.7 million
related to Generation, and consisted primarily of the installation of scrubbers at the Centralia
plant and the continued construction of the Big Hanaford gas-fired combined-cycle plant in
Centralia, Washington. Capital expenditures of $466.9 million in IPP were comprised primarily
of construction activities at the Sarnia, Campeche and Chihuahua plants. Acquisitions of $9.8
million were primarily made in companies involved in wind power and distributed generation.
Cash proceeds on the sale of capital assets in 2001 totalled $236.6 million, comprised primarily
of proceeds from the sale of the Edmonton Composter of $97.0 million, the sale of the Mildred
Lake plant for proceeds of $60.3 million, the sale of the Fort Nelson plant for proceeds of $44.1
million and proceeds from the sale of half of our interest in the Fort Saskatchewan plant of $35.0
million.
In 2000, capital expenditures of $795.0 million consisted of Generation expenditures of $247.8
million related primarily to the construction of scrubbers at the Centralia plant, the replacement
of tubing at the Wabamun plant and capital maintenance at other Alberta plants. IPP
expenditures of $381.0 million consisted primarily of the continued construction of the Poplar
Creek plant. Cash used for acquisitions totalled $880.1 million, consisting primarily of the
acquisition of the Centralia plant for $868.7 million and the acquisition of MEGA for $18.6
million, net of cash acquired of $7.2 million.
Cash provided by disposals in 2000 was $1,367.0 million. Of this, $723.6 million related to the
disposal of the Alberta D&R operation and NZ$832.5 million (approximately Cdn$605 million)
related to the disposal of the New Zealand operations in 2000.
In 1999, additions to capital assets were $644.9 million, consisting primarily of IPP expenditures
including the Fort Nelson, Fort Saskatchewan, Poplar Creek, and Lloydminster generation
projects, and the construction of the Edmonton Composter facility. Acquisitions in 1999
consisted of $186.7 million to acquire an 85 per cent interest in generating capacity of 250 MW
in Western Australia and $160.9 million for the discontinued New Zealand operation. 1999
proceeds from disposals included cash received from the sale of capital assets to TransAlta
Power and the sale of New Zealand's gas distribution business.
In 2000, restricted investments of $86.8 million matured. In 1999, restricted bank deposits of
$224.8 million were offset by restricted investment maturities of $80.3 million as well as the
final instalment of $118.4 million of proceeds on the sale of capital assets to TransAlta Power in
1998.
In 2001, cash used for long-term receivables relates primarily to an amount paid under an
emissions reduction program which will be returned if emissions from the Centralia plant are
reduced to a certain level by 2004.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES Financing activities provided cash of $368.7 million in 2001
compared to cash used of $2.7 million in 2000 and cash provided of $488.3 million in 1999. In
2001, cash used for the $122.1 million redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary, cash
dividends of $149.6 million, net redemption of common shares of $30.3 million, distributions to
non-controlling interests of $26.3 million and net distributions on preferred securities of $23.4
million were offset by an increase in short-term debt of $61.9 million, a net increase of $497.2
million in long-term debt and the net proceeds of $169.4 million from the issuance of preferred
securities. The net addition to long-term debt and the proceeds from the preferred securities
issuance were used to finance the significant capital expenditures during the year.
In 2000, cash used for the $158.4 million of dividends paid on common shares, $146.8 million
redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary, dividends and distributions to non-controlling
interests of $42.8 million, and net redemption of common shares of $19.3 million were offset by
an increase of $255.7 million in short-term debt, and net issuances of $126.2 million in long-term
debt. In 1999, cash was provided by net short-term and long-term debt issuances of $453.7
million, and the net proceeds of $294.8 million from the issuance of preferred securities, offset
by $164.7 million in common share dividends. The cash was used to finance the significant
investments in non-regulated assets.
The following debenture issuances occurred in 2001:
<table>
|
Maturity |
Rate |
Amount |
| Debentures |
2006 |
6.05% |
$
250.0 |
| Debentures |
2011 |
6.90% |
225.0 |
|
|
|
$
475.0 |
In 2001, TransAlta repaid the following senior secured debt of TransAlta Utilities Corporation:
|
Maturity |
Rate |
Amount |
| Debentures |
2001 |
9.00% |
$
75.0 |
Under the terms of the Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), the corporation purchased for
cancellation 2.0 million (2000 - 1.6 million; 1999 1.0 million) common shares at an average
price of $23.93 (2000 - $15.25; 1999 - $18.94).
TransAlta's dividends per common share were $1.00 in 2001, 2000 and 1999. </table>
CREDIT FACILITIES TransAlta Corporation raises capital in the Canadian markets. At Dec.
31, 2001, the following credit facilities were in place:
- $1.5 billion Medium-Term Note program; no amount has been issued since its renewal on
September 26, 2001;
- $600.0 million commercial paper program, with $464.4 million drawn;
- $1.2 billion syndicated bank credit facility, with $330.0 million drawn and $113.1 million
letters of credit issued at Dec. 31, 2001; and
- $625.0 million of additional bank credit facilities with $148.2 million letters of credit utilized
at Dec. 31, 2001.
The $1.5 billion Medium-Term Note program of TransAlta Corporation expires in September
2003. A total of $1,065.0 million had been issued under the facility prior to its renewal on Sept.
26, 2001. TransAlta Corporation also issued $175.0 million of 7.75 per cent preferred securities
on November 29, 2001. It is the corporation's expectation that future financing requirements,
including financing requirements in foreign jurisdictions, will be met primarily through raising
capital at the TransAlta Corporation level. In addition to the above facilities, project financing of
US$133.6 million has been raised for the Campeche project in Mexico.
CASH REQUIREMENTS Future cash requirements include additions to capital assets,
acquisitions, as well as refinancing of short-term debt and maturing senior debt. In 2002, cash
will be provided from operations as well as new debt, preferred securities or equity issuances.
The following table provides an estimate of 2002 expenditures, refinancing requirements and the
related sources of funding:
<table>
|
|
| Capital expenditures |
$ 1,190.0 |
| Refinancing requirements |
100.0 |
| Total cash requirements |
$ 1,290.0 |
|
|
| Cash from operations, net of dividends |
$ 300.0 |
| Proceeds from disposal of Transmission operation |
850.0 |
| Issue of senior debt, preferred securities, |
|
| sale of non-core assets, or equity issuances. |
140.0 |
| Total cash sources |
$ 1,290.0 |
</table>
Cash requirements arise primarily from growth and capital maintenance requirements of
Generation assets, acquisitions, refinancing long-term debt maturities, and general working
capital requirements. Historically, acquisitions and new investments have initially been financed
with short-term debt and subsequently refinanced with an appropriate mix of common equity,
cash flow from operations, long-term debt and preferred securities, depending on prevailing
market conditions.
In 2002, capital expenditures are necessary to maintain and improve the output from existing
facilities to meet certain emission reduction commitments, to conclude the construction of the
Big Hanaford gas-fired plant and the Sarnia plant and to continue the construction of the
Campeche and Chihuahua plants in Mexico.
In addition, it is expected that approximately $250 million of short-term debt outstanding at Dec.
31, 2001 will be refinanced as long-term debt during 2002. Short-term liquidity is provided
through cash flow from operations and the use of the $600 million commercial paper program
and $1.2 billion syndicated credit facility. At Dec. 31, 2001, there was $464.4 million of
commercial paper on issue, $330.0 million of bankers acceptances and $113.1 million letters of
credit utilized from the $1.2 billion credit facility, resulting in approximately $892.5 million of
short-term funds available.
On Jan. 16, 2001, the corporation issued $250 million of Medium-Term Notes at an interest rate
of 6.05 per cent repayable in five years. On May 1, 2001, the corporation issued $225 million of
Medium-Term Notes at an interest rate of 6.9 per cent repayable in ten years. The proceeds were
used to repay short-term debt.
Long-term funding is provided through the maintenance of high-quality credit ratings and a
carefully managed capital structure, which together create a strong balance sheet and ready access
to capital markets at competitive rates. The corporation's objective is to manage the maturities of
the various securities on issue such that no more than 15 per cent of the total outstanding
securities mature in any one year.
The corporation's targets are to maintain its credit ratings at current levels and to maintain a
capital structure of 50 per cent debt to total capitalization. The corporation's capital structure
consisted of the following components at Dec. 31, 2001 and 2000:
<table>
|
2001 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Debt, net of cash and interest-earning investments |
$
2,986.3 |
52% |
|
$
2,421.9 |
48% |
| Preferred securities |
452.6 |
8% |
|
292.0
|
6% |
| Other non-controlling interests |
281.0 |
5% |
|
253.4
|
5% |
| Preferred shares of a subsidiary |
- |
- |
|
121.6
|
2% |
| Common shareholders' equity |
1,989.7
|
35% |
|
1,957.4 |
39% |
|
$
5,709.6 |
100% |
|
$
5,046.3 |
100% |
Key financial ratios were as follows:
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cash flow to interest1 |
4.9x |
4.6x |
4.0x |
|
| Cash flow to total debt2 |
23% |
26% |
21% |
|
| Total debt to total capitalization3 |
53% |
50% |
46% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital and gross interest expense divided by
gross interest expense. |
| 2 Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital divided by two-year average of total
debt. |
|
| 3 Total debt divided by the sum of total debt, non-controlling interests, preferred securities and common
shareholders' equity. |
Contractual repayments of long-term debt, commitments under operating leases, commitments to
purchase turbines and commitments under mining agreements are as follows:
|
Total |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007
and
thereafter |
| Long-term debt1 |
$
2,511.1 |
$
104.3 |
$
355.6 |
$
136.3 |
$
237.3 |
$
354.2 |
$
1,323.4 |
| Operating leases |
$
15.1 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
1.6 |
1.1 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
| Turbine purchase
commitments |
$
262.9 |
58.7 |
118.1 |
79.9 |
6.2 |
- |
- |
| Mining
agreements |
$
250.0 |
10.9 |
10.9 |
10.9 |
10.9 |
10.9 |
195.5 |
| Total contractual
cash obligations |
$
3,039.1 |
$
178.6 |
$
489.3 |
$
228.7 |
$
255.5 |
$
366.1 |
$
1,520.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 Includes capital lease
obligations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
</table>
The corporation has also entered into a number of long-term gas purchase contracts,
transportation and transmission agreements, royalty and right-of-way agreements in the normal
course of operations.
Other commercial commitments are as follows:
<table>
|
|
Amount of
commitment
expiration per period |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007
and
thereafter |
| Letters of credit |
$
261.3 |
$
261.3 |
$ -
|
$ -
|
$ -
|
$ -
|
$ - |
| Guarantees1 |
$
1,113.6 |
380.9 |
457.1 |
37.0 |
43.2 |
20.0 |
175.4 |
| Total commercial
commitments |
$
1,374.9 |
$
642.2 |
$
457.1 |
$
37.0 |
$
43.2 |
$
20.0 |
$
175.4 |
| 1 Represents obligations existing under guarantees issued for subsidiaries of TransAlta Corporation.
Guarantee limits are $1,729.4 million. |
</table>
At Dec. 31, 2001, the credit ratings for the corporation's various securities and TransAlta Power's
units as determined by the Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS), Standard & Poor's (S&P)
and Moody's rating services are as follows:
<table>
|
S&P |
DBRS |
Moody's |
| TransAlta Corporation |
|
|
|
| Issuer rating |
BBB+ |
|
A3 |
| Commercial paper |
|
R1 (low) |
|
| Senior unsecured debentures |
BBB+ |
A (low) |
|
| Preferred securities |
BBB- |
Pfd-2 (low) y |
|
| TransAlta Utilities Corporation |
|
|
|
| Issuer rating |
BBB+ |
|
|
| Secured debt |
A- |
A |
|
| TransAlta Power, L.P.* |
SR-1 |
|
|
| * Non-controlling partner in TransAlta's subsidiary, TransAlta
Cogeneration, L.P. |
|
</table>
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS The United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) requires disclosure of all off-balance sheet arrangements such as
relationships or arrangements with unconsolidated entities, structured finance entities or special
purpose entities that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity or the availability of, or
requirements for, capital resources. The corporation has no such off-balance sheet arrangements.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As disclosed in Notes 5 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements, the corporation sold its
60 per cent interest in its Fort Saskatchewan plant to TA Cogen, a limited partnership owned
50.01 per cent by the corporation and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, a publicly owned
entity. Total cash consideration to the corporation was $35.0 million in respect of the 30 per cent
interest effectively sold to the minority interest in TA Cogen. The corporation recorded a gain of
$6.2 million, $5.0 million after-tax. The business purpose of the arrangement was to realize a
portion of the inherent value of the plant and provide cash for future growth initiatives while
retaining control and operation of the asset through a management agreement with TA Cogen.
The exchange amount was determined based on an estimate of the future net cash flows of the
plant and approved by the independent directors of TA Cogen. There are no ongoing contractual
commitments or arrangements resulting from this sale apart from the provision of operational
and management services under normal commercial terms.
In 1998, the corporation sold a 49.99 per cent interest in three Ontario cogeneration plants held
by TA Cogen to TransAlta Power. The corporation is obligated to purchase all of TransAlta
Power's interest in TA Cogen on Dec. 31, 2018 at the fair market value on that date.
Accordingly, the gain of $160.3 million is being deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis
over the period to Dec. 31, 2018. The business purpose of the arrangement was to realize the
inherent value of the plants in order to provide cash for future growth initiatives while retaining
control and operation of the assets. The exchange amount was determined based on the fair
value of the plants at the time of the transaction and approved by the independent directors of TA
Cogen.
In 2000, TA Cogen entered into a fixed-for-floating gas swap transaction with TransAlta Energy,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the corporation, for a five year and one month period starting Dec.
1, 2000. The business purpose of the swap was to provide TA Cogen with fixed price gas for
two of its plants over the period of the swap to stabilize cash distributions. The floating prices
associated with the plants' long-term fuel supply agreements were transferred to TransAlta
Energy'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 to TransAlta Energy. The exchange amount was determined based on the fair
value of the contract when it was entered and approved by the independent directors of TA
Cogen.
ENERGY TRADING ACTIVITIES
With the exception of transmission contracts, the fair value of all energy trading activities is
based on quoted market prices. The fair value of transmission contracts is based on quoted
market prices and a spread option valuation model. Transmission contracts outstanding at Dec.
31, 2001 had a fair value of $nil. Realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of energy
trading contracts in 2001, exclusive of hedging transactions (Note 20), were $154.7 million and
$6.3 million, respectively. There were no changes in valuation techniques during the year.
Maturities of energy trading contracts, exclusive of hedging transactions, existing at Dec. 31,
2001 over each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
<table>
|
|
Fair value of contracts at period end |
|
|
| Source of fair
value |
Total |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007
and
thereafter |
| Prices actively
quoted |
$
31.3 |
$
26.5 |
$
2.0 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.4 |
| Prices based on
models or other
valuation methods |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
31.3 |
$
26.5 |
$
2.0 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.4 |
</table>
RISK FACTORS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
TransAlta utilizes 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 of the Board of Directors oversees
corporate-wide risk management through review of TransAlta's overall business risks. The Chief
Financial Officer reports to the A&E Committee and is responsible for ensuring compliance with
TransAlta's financial and commodity risk exposure management policies. These policies include
limits on exposures (commodity prices, currency, credit and interest rates), reporting practices
and other procedures necessary for the corporation to manage and control its financial and
commodity exposures. The Exposure Management (EM) Committee is chaired by the Chief
Financial Officer and is comprised of the Directors of Financial Operations for each business
unit, the Vice President and Treasurer, Vice President and Comptroller, Director of Internal
Audit, Vice President of TransAlta Energy Marketing and the Manager of Treasury Operations.
The EM Committee is responsible for the review, monitoring and reporting on compliance of
these financial and commodity risk exposure management policies.
The following addresses some risk factors, but not all, that could affect TransAlta's future results.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK The corporation has exposure to movements in selected
commodity prices including electricity and natural gas in both its electricity generation and
proprietary trading businesses. A significant portion of the coal used in electricity generation is
from coal reserves owned by TransAlta, thereby limiting the corporation's exposure to
fluctuations in the market price of coal.
Electricity generation is exposed to price fluctuations of electricity sold to the market and natural
gas used in generating electricity. In addition to the PPAs, the corporation has entered into a
variety of short- and long-term contracts to limit its exposure to short-term price movements and
maximize overall revenues. At Dec. 31, 2001, 91.7 per cent of total output was at contractually
fixed prices, 71.0 per cent of TransAlta's cost of gas used in generating electricity was fixed or
passed through to customers and 100.0 per cent of the corporation's purchased coal costs were
fixed. In the event of an unplanned plant outage or other similar event, however, the corporation
is exposed to electricity prices on purchases of electricity from the market to fulfill its supply
obligations under these short- and long-term contracts. The corporation actively mitigates this
exposure through continued and proper maintenance of its electricity generating plants, force
majeure clauses negotiated in the contracts, trading activities and insurance.
The corporation's proprietary trading of gas and electricity is strictly controlled and limited and is
managed through the use of Value at Risk methodologies.
CURRENCY RATE EXPOSURE The corporation has exposure to various currencies as a
result of its investments and operations in foreign jurisdictions and the acquisition of equipment
and services from foreign suppliers. The corporation has exposures primarily to the United
States, Australian and Swiss currencies. These exposures are managed through the use of a
variety of hedging instruments including cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward sales
contracts. At Dec. 31, 2001, the corporation had hedged approximately 98 per cent of its
currency rate exposures on a pre-tax basis.
Translation gains and losses related to the carrying value of the corporation's foreign operations
are deferred and included in the cumulative translation account in shareholders' equity. At Dec.
31, 2001, the balance in this account was a loss of $19.5 million (including a $6.0 million tax
effect on hedging losses) compared to a $19.8 million loss at the end of 2000.
CREDIT RISK 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. The corporation sets strict credit limits for each counterparty and the mix of
counterparties based on their credit ratings and halts trading activities with a counterparty if the
limits are exceeded. TransAlta is not exposed to credit risk for Alberta Generation PPAs under
the terms of these contracts.
The corporation has a concentration of credit risk relating to its long-term receivable of $173.3
million from UtiliCorp Networks Canada arising from the sale of the discontinued Alberta D&R
operation. At Dec. 31, 2000, TransAlta had accounts receivable of US$66.2 million related to
the California market. At Dec. 31, 2001, US$53.3 million remains outstanding, for which a
provision of US$28.8 million remains. The provision will be reversed when the corporation has
confidence in the ultimate collection of the amounts owing and that it will not have to make any
repayment of such amounts. At Dec. 31, 2001, TransAlta's exposure to credit risk resulting from
the bankruptcy of Enron Corporation was $1.3 million and appropriate provisions have been
made.
The maximum credit exposure to any one customer, including the fair value of open trading
positions, is $98.4 million. Of this amount, approximately $47 million is secured by a letter of
credit.
INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE The corporation has exposure to movements in interest rates
and manages this exposure by maintaining a limit on the amount of debt subject to floating
interest rates. At Dec. 31, 2001, approximately 35 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 The corporation's plants have exposure to operational risks such as
fatigue cracks in boilers, corrosion in boiler tubing and other issues that can lead to outages. A
comprehensive plant maintenance program and regular turnarounds reduce this exposure. Force
majeure clauses in the PPAs and insurance further mitigate this exposure.
Approximately 57 per cent of the corporation's labour force is covered under collective
bargaining agreements. The agreements of approximately 33 per cent of this unionized labour
force are being negotiated during 2002. Management does not anticipate any significant issues in
the renegotiations of these agreements.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK TransAlta's approach is to continually
improve the management of operation risks in the areas of environment, health and safety while
developing mechanisms to manage future risks. These programs are integrated into the
operations and management systems of the company. They are designed to mitigate the potential
competitive risks to its fossil-fuelled generation plants from future changes in public policy. This
could include changes to environmental controls, regulatory regimes, taxes or charges, to meet
due diligence requirements and to enhance environmental performance through implementing
systems and standards such as ISO 14001. Contractual provisions in the Alberta PPAs
substantially cover TransAlta for risks related to potential changes in law. TransAlta's
environmental strategy addresses the following key areas: reducing net emissions; participating
in provincial, federal and international policy development; contributing to research and
development; purchasing renewable energy; and testing market-based approaches that deliver
real environmental benefits, such as the trading of emission reduction credits. In 2001, as part of
its climate change strategy, TransAlta continued to invest in Vision Quest Windelectric Inc., a
company that utilizes wind-based technology to generate electricity and made substantial
investments in technology upgrades at the Centralia plant to significantly improve environmental
performance by reducing emissions. In 2001, TransAlta again exceeded its voluntary goal to
reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions in Canada to 1990 levels. All TransAlta facilities
undergo compliance and management system integrity audits on a cycle determined by facility
performance, on average, once every three years. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index has again
recognized TransAlta as one of the world's best utility companies in terms of environmental,
health and safety performance, and TransAlta has also been recognized on the FTSE4 (Financial
Times Stock Exchange) Good Global Index, a London-based sustainability index.
REGULATORY AND POLITICAL RISK TransAlta's transmission business remains exposed
to the regulatory risks associated with delays in receipt of regulatory decisions. Regulatory and
political risks also exist in other jurisdictions in which TransAlta operates. TransAlta manages
these risks by working with regulators and other stakeholders to attempt to resolve issues as
fairly and expeditiously as possible.
WEATHER-RELATED BUSINESS RISKS In early 1998, severe ice storms cut off electricity
for weeks to millions of residents in Quebec and Ontario. The nature of the ice storm was
particularly severe and widespread. This type of storm, 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.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE The corporation conducts a significant amount of business
through subsidiaries and partnerships. The corporation's ability to meet and service debt
obligations is dependent upon the results of operations of its subsidiaries and the payment of
funds by such subsidiaries to the corporation in the form of distributions, loans, dividends or
otherwise. In addition, TransAlta's subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or contractual
restrictions which limit their ability to distribute cash to the ultimate shareholder, TransAlta
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 property, plant and equipment, results of financing efforts, credit risk and
counterparty risk.
INCOME TAXES The corporation's operations are complex, and the computation of the
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 increase the tax liability of the corporation. Management
believes that it has adequately provided for income taxes based on all information currently
available.
LEGAL CONTINGENCIES The corporation, through generation and transmission of services
and products, is occasionally named as a defendant in various claims and legal action. The
nature of these claims is usually related to personal injury, environmental issues and pricing.
Exposure to these claims is mitigated through levels of insurance coverage considered
appropriate by management. Except as disclosed in note 24 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 and for matters for which insurance coverage can be maintained.
There have been no significant changes to TransAlta's insurance coverage during 2001 except for
the discontinuance of coverage for terrorist acts.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS The following table shows the effect on net earnings and cash
flows of changes in certain key variables. The analysis is based on business conditions and
production volumes in 2001. 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 greater magnitude of changes.
<table>
| Factor |
Change |
Cash
flow |
|
Earnings
(after-tax) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Electricity price |
$1.00/MWh |
$ 2.0 |
|
$ 2.0 |
| Exchange rate (US$ per Cdn$) |
US$0.01 |
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
| Interest rate |
1.0% |
2.1 |
|
2.1 |
</table>
EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
TransAlta has a registered pension plan with defined benefit and defined contribution options
and a supplemental defined benefit plan covering substantially all employees of the corporation,
its domestic subsidiaries and specific named employees working internationally. The defined
benefit plan option of the registered pension plan ceased for new employees on June 30, 1998.
The defined benefit plan had a net accounting surplus of $16.8 million at Dec. 31, 2001.
TransAlta does not expect to make any contributions to its plans in the near term, and will use
the surplus in the registered defined benefit plan to pay benefits under both the registered defined
contribution and the supplemental defined benefit options. Using the assumptions outlined in
Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, management estimates that the surplus will be
consumed in approximately nine years of benefit payments.
EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP
TransAlta employs a variety of stock based compensation plans to align employee and corporate
objectives. In 2001, the corporation expanded enrolment in the corporation's common share
option program to include all Canadian and United States employees of the corporation. At Dec.
31, 2001, 2.8 million options to purchase the corporation's common stock were outstanding with
0.7 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
a selected group of publicly traded companies. On Dec. 31, 2001, the plan was modified so that
after three years, once 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. The first PSOP maturity occurred in 2000 with 120,101 common shares issued at $14.15
per share. In 2001, 83,077 common shares were issued at $22.00 per share. At Dec. 31, 2001,
there were 1.0 million PSOP awards outstanding.
Under the terms of the Employee Share Purchase Plan, the corporation will extend an
interest-free loan to employees of 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, 2001, 0.3 million shares had been purchased by
employees under this program.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
During 2001, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the U.S. issued new standards regarding business
combinations and goodwill and other intangible assets. The new standards require business
combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. It also specifies the types of acquired intangible assets that are required to be
recognized and reported separately from goodwill. In addition, goodwill and certain intangibles
will no longer be amortized, but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually. The new
recommendations are to be applied in fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2001, with early
adoption permitted in certain circumstances. The corporation adopted the recommendations
effective Jan. 1, 2002, which resulted in the reclassification of $29.3 million from acquired
intangibles relating to the acquisition of MEGA, to goodwill, which will not be subject to
amortization. There was no impairment of this goodwill upon adoption. Amortization of this
amount was approximately $7.7 million in 2001 (2000 - $3.6 million; 1999 - $nil).
In September 2001, the CICA issued a new Canadian standard on stock-based compensation that
harmonizes Canadian and U.S. GAAP. The new standard requires that stock-based payments,
direct awards of stock and awards that call for settlement in cash or other assets be accounted for
using a fair value-based method of accounting. The fair value-based method is encouraged for
other stock-based compensation plans, but other methods of accounting, such as the intrinsic
value method, are permitted. Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at
the grant date and recognized over the service period. Under the intrinsic value method,
disclosure is made of earnings and per share amounts as if the fair value method had been used.
The new standard is to be applied in fiscal years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2002. The
corporation has elected to use the intrinsic value method. The impact would be as disclosed in
Note 26.
In November 2001, the CICA issued an accounting guideline on hedging relationships. The new
guideline establishes certain conditions where hedge accounting may be applied. It is effective
for years beginning on or after July 1, 2002. The corporation expects all criteria to be met for all
hedging relationships with the exception of written swaptions, which are ineffective under the
guideline. Hedge accounting will be discontinued for the written swaptions in accordance with
the guideline. The impact on earnings at Dec. 31, 2001 was a decrease of approximately $0.4
million after-tax.
In December 2001, the CICA amended its standard on foreign currency translation. The changes,
effective Jan. 1, 2002, require that translation gains and losses arising on long-term foreign
currency denominated monetary items be included in income in the current period. Previously,
these gains and losses had been amortized over the life of the related item. As TransAlta
designates long-term foreign currency denominated monetary items as hedges of net investments
in foreign operations, the unamortized balance of deferred gains or losses at Dec. 31, 2001 was
$nil (2000 - $nil).
In August 2001, the 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. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2002, with earlier application encouraged. Upon adoption, the corporation will
recognize an increase in liabilities under U.S. GAAP in the amount of approximately $470
million with a corresponding increase in capital assets under U.S. GAAP.
In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement 144, Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets, which requires that all long-lived assets, including discontinued operations, be measured
at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Discontinued operations are no
longer measured at net realizable value and will no longer include provisions for operating losses
that have not yet occurred. Further, discontinued operations have been broadened to include
components that can be distinguished from the rest of the entity. The new standard is effective
for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 14, 2001, with earlier application encouraged. The
corporation does not expect impairment of any long-lived assets upon adoption, and no provision
for losses have been made for the discontinued Transmission operation, the sale of which is
expected to close in the first half of 2002.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<table>
| (Unaudited; in millions of Canadian
dollars except per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2001 Quarters |
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Total |
| Total revenues |
$
1,446.4 |
$
1,552.8 |
$
969.2 |
$
958.7 |
$
4,927.1 |
| Earnings from continuing operations1 |
55.9 |
47.0 |
33.4 |
33.2 |
169.5 |
| Net earnings1 |
67.6 |
59.1 |
41.4 |
46.5 |
214.6 |
| Basic earnings (loss) per common
share: |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Continuing operations |
0.33 |
0.28 |
0.20 |
0.19 |
1.00 |
| Net earnings |
0.40 |
0.35 |
0.25 |
0.27 |
1.27 |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common
share: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Continuing operations |
0.32 |
0.27 |
0.20 |
0.19 |
0.98 |
| Net earnings |
0.39 |
0.34 |
0.25 |
0.27 |
1.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2000 Quarters |
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Total |
| Total revenues |
$
359.0 |
$
535.0 |
$
720.0 |
$1188.5 |
$2,802.5 |
| Earnings from continuing operations1 |
44.2 |
30.0 |
22.1 |
37.3 |
133.6 |
| Net earnings1 |
93.1 |
50.7 |
316.1 |
(180.1) |
279.8 |
| Basic earnings (loss) per common
share: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Continuing operations |
0.26 |
0.18 |
0.13 |
0.22 |
0.79 |
| Net earnings |
0.55 |
0.30 |
1.87 |
(1.06) |
1.66 |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common
share: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Continuing operations |
0.25 |
0.18 |
0.12 |
0.22 |
0.77 |
| Net earnings |
0.55 |
0.30 |
1.84 |
(1.06) |
1.63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 Applicable to common shareholders, net of preferred securities
distributions. |
|
|
</table>
Exhibit 2
TransAlta Corporation
Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended Dec. 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY
In management's opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of
appropriately selected Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and policies
consistently applied and summarized in the consolidated financial statements. Since a precise
determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events, the preparation of
periodic financial statements necessarily involves the use of estimates and approximations. These
have been made using careful judgment and with all information available up to Feb. 1, 2002.
Management is responsible for all information in the annual report. Financial operating data in
the report are consistent, where applicable, with the consolidated financial statements.
To meet its responsibility for reliable and accurate financial statements, management has
established systems of internal control which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that
financial information is relevant, reliable and accurate, and that assets are safeguarded and
transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization. These systems are
monitored by management and by internal auditors. In addition, the internal auditors perform
appropriate tests and related audit procedures.
The consolidated financial statements have been examined by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
chartered accountants. The external auditors' responsibility is to express a professional opinion
on the fairness of management's consolidated financial statements. The auditors' report outlines
the scope of their examination and sets forth their opinion.
The Audit and Environment (A&E) Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of
independent directors. The audit committee meets regularly with management, the internal
auditors and the external auditors to satisfy itself that each is properly discharging its
responsibilities, and to review the consolidated financial statements. The A&E Committee
reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration when approving the consolidated
financial statements for issuance to the shareholders. The A&E Committee also recommends, for
review by the Board of Directors and approval of shareholders, the appointment of the external
auditors. The internal and external auditors have full and free access to the A&E Committee.
Stephen G. Snyder Ian A. Bourne
President & Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer
Feb. 1, 2002
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF TRANSALTA CORPORATION
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of TransAlta Corporation as at Dec. 31, 2001
and 2000 and the consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for
each of the years in the three year period ended Dec. 31, 2001. 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.
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 disclosures 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.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the corporation as at Dec. 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended Dec. 31, 2001 in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Canada
Feb. 1, 2002
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS & RETAINED EARNINGS<table>
| Years ended Dec. 31 |
|
|
|
| (in millions of Canadian dollars except per share
amounts) |
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Revenues |
$
4,927.1 |
$
2,802.5 |
$
1,123.0 |
| Trading purchases |
(2,533.7) |
(1,202.5) |
(272.0) |
| Fuel and purchased power |
(1,288.7) |
(655.8) |
(216.6) |
| Gross margin |
1,104.7 |
944.2 |
634.4 |
| Operating expenses |
|
|
|
| Operations, maintenance and administration |
444.5 |
349.9 |
234.8 |
| Depreciation and amortization |
273.6 |
205.6 |
164.4 |
| Taxes, other than income taxes |
18.7 |
23.9 |
21.9 |
| Operating income |
367.9 |
364.8 |
213.3 |
| Other income (expense) |
1.5 |
(1.1) |
- |
| Foreign exchange gains |
0.8 |
0.1 |
1.7 |
| Net interest expense (Note 11) |
(88.1) |
(91.4) |
(65.5) |
| Earnings from continuing operations before
regulatory decisions, |
|
|
|
| Income taxes and non-controlling interests |
282.1 |
272.4 |
149.5 |
| Prior period regulatory decisions (Note 17) |
11.0 |
44.1 |
- |
| Earnings from continuing operations before income
taxes |
|
|
|
| and non-controlling interests |
293.1 |
316.5 |
149.5 |
| Income taxes (Note 18) |
89.9 |
128.5 |
64.7 |
| Non-controlling interests (Note 13) |
20.6 |
41.6 |
30.9 |
| Earnings from continuing operations |
182.6 |
146.4 |
53.9 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations (Notes 3 and
17) |
45.1 |
89.1 |
101.7 |
| Net gain on disposal of discontinued operations (Note
3) |
- |
266.8 |
19.7 |
| Net earnings before extraordinary item |
227.7 |
502.3 |
175.3 |
| Extraordinary item (Note 4) |
- |
(209.7) |
- |
| Net earnings |
227.7 |
292.6 |
175.3 |
| Preferred securities distributions, net of tax (Note 14) |
13.1 |
12.8 |
5.2 |
| Net earnings applicable to common shareholders |
$
214.6 |
$
279.8 |
$
170.1 |
| Common share dividends |
(168.4) |
(168.7) |
(169.5) |
| Adjustment arising from normal course issuer bid
(Note 15) |
(34.8) |
(7.5) |
- |
| Retained earnings |
|
|
|
| Opening balance |
826.9 |
723.3 |
722.7 |
| Closing balance |
$
838.3 |
$
826.9 |
$
723.3 |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding in the
year |
168.9 |
168.8 |
169.5 |
| Basic earnings per share |
|
|
|
| Continuing operations |
$
1.00 |
$
0.79 |
$
0.29 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations (Note 3) |
0.27 |
0.53 |
0.60 |
| 2. Net earnings from operations |
1.27 |
1.32 |
0.89 |
| Net gain on disposal of discontinued operations (Note
3) |
- |
1.58 |
0.11 |
| Extraordinary item (Note 4) |
- |
(1.24) |
- |
| Net earnings |
$
1.27 |
$
1.66 |
$
1.00 |
| Diluted earnings per share (Notes 14 and 15) |
|
|
|
| Continuing operations |
$
0.98 |
$
0.77 |
$
0.27 |
| Net earnings |
$
1.25 |
$
1.63 |
$
0.98 |
</table>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<table>
| Dec. 31 |
|
|
| (in millions of Canadian dollars) |
2001 |
2000 |
| Accounts receivable (Note 20) |
1,139.7 |
1,473.7 |
| Future income tax assets (Note 18) |
16.9 |
30.3 |
| Income taxes receivable (Note 18) |
128.3 |
153.9 |
| Materials and supplies at average cost |
85.5 |
91.3 |
| Investments (Note 6) |
37.3 |
228.0 |
| Long-term receivables (Notes 7 and Note 20) |
221.4 |
232.9 |
| Capital assets (Notes 8 and 11) |
|
|
| Accumulated depreciation |
(2,689.2) |
(2,485.0) |
| Future income tax assets (Note 18) |
15.6 |
9.1 |
| Other assets (Note 9) |
47.1 |
77.0 |
| Total assets |
$
7,877.9 |
$
7,627.1 |
| 3. Liabilities and shareholders' equity |
|
|
| Current liabilities |
|
|
| Short-term debt (Note 10) |
$
537.2 |
$
472.7 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 20) |
1,116.1 |
1,437.9 |
| Income taxes payable (Note 18) |
- |
41.4 |
| Future income taxes (Note 18) |
11.8 |
- |
| Dividends payable |
42.8 |
44.8 |
| Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11) |
104.3 |
79.6 |
| Long-term debt (Note 11) |
2,406.8 |
2,121.8 |
| Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 12) |
526.5 |
455.1 |
| Future income tax liabilities (Note 18) |
409.1 |
349.4 |
| Non-controlling interests (Note 13) |
- |
|
| Preferred shares of a subsidiary |
- |
121.6 |
| Preferred securities (Note 14) |
452.6 |
292.0 |
| Common shareholders' equity |
|
|
| Common shares (Notes 15 and 16) |
|
|
|
Authorized: unlimited |
|
|
|
Issued: 168.3 million (2000 168.6 million) |
1,170.9 |
1,150.3 |
| Retained earnings |
838.3 |
826.9 |
| Cumulative translation adjustment |
(19.5) |
(19.8) |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
$
7,877.9 |
$
7,627.1 |
| Contingencies and commitments (Notes 3, 11, 20, 23 and 24) |
|
|
</table>
On behalf of the board:
| /s/ John T. Ferguson Director |
/s/ John S. Lane Director |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS <table>
| Years ended Dec. 31 |
|
|
|
| (in millions of Canadian dollars) |
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Operating activities |
|
|
|
| Net earnings |
$
227.7 |
$
292.6 |
$
175.3 |
| Depreciation and amortization |
325.9 |
321.7 |
325.5 |
| Non-controlling interests |
20.6 |
44.6 |
52.1 |
| Gains on sale of assets (Notes 3 and Note 5) |
(5.4) |
(284.9) |
(36.0) |
| Write-down of discontinued Edmonton Composter (Note 3) |
- |
17.9 |
- |
| Recovery of discontinued operation in Argentina (Note 3) |
- |
- |
(19.7) |
| Future income taxes (Note 18) |
39.9 |
34.1 |
7.3 |
| Unrealized gain (loss) from risk management activities |
(6.3) |
(24.0) |
0.9 |
| Extraordinary item (Note 4) |
- |
209.7 |
- |
| Other non-cash items |
22.1 |
5.2 |
(27.7) |
| Change in non-cash operating working capital balances 1 |
91.1 |
(418.2) |
(51.5) |
| Cash flow from operating activities |
715.6 |
198.7 |
426.2 |
| Investing activities |
|
|
|
| Additions to capital assets |
(1,246.5) |
(795.0) |
(644.9) |
| Acquisitions (Note 5) |
(9.8) |
(880.1) |
(347.6) |
| Proceeds on sale of capital assets (Note 5) |
201.6 |
- |
118.4 |
| Proceeds on sale of capital assets to limited partnership (Notes 5, 12 and
22) |
35.0 |
- |
- |
| Disposals (Notes 3 and 5) |
- |
1,367.0 |
89.9 |
| Long-term receivables |
(46.3) |
12.1 |
9.1 |
| Investments (Note 6) |
- |
(9.5) |
16.3 |
| Restricted investments |
- |
86.8 |
(153.4) |
| Deferred charges and other |
(10.9) |
13.7 |
(76.6) |
| Cash flow used in investing activities |
(1,076.9) |
(205.0) |
(988.8) |
| Financing activities |
|
|
|
| Net increase in short-term debt |
61.9 |
255.7 |
121.5 |
| Issuance of long-term debt |
789.9 |
330.8 |
835.4 |
| Repayment of long-term debt |
(292.7) |
(204.6) |
(503.2) |
| Proceeds on issuance of preferred securities, net of after-tax issue costs |
169.4 |
- |
294.8 |
| Redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary |
(122.1) |
(146.8) |
- |
| Issuance of common shares |
14.1 |
4.6 |
6.0 |
| Redemption of common shares |
(44.4) |
(23.9) |
(18.1) |
| Distributions on preferred securities |
(23.4) |
(22.1) |
(9.4) |
| Dividends on common shares |
(149.6) |
(158.4) |
(164.7) |
| Dividends to subsidiary's non-controlling preferred shareholders |
(8.3) |
(14.8) |
(21.1) |
| Dividends to subsidiary's non-controlling common shareholders |
- |
(7.0) |
(33.0) |
| Distributions to subsidiary's non-controlling limited partner |
(26.3) |
(21.0) |
(22.7) |
| Cash flow from (used in) financing activities |
368.7 |
(2.7) |
488.3 |
| Cash flow from (used in) operating, investing and financing
activities |
7.4 |
(9.0) |
(74.3) |
| Effect of translation on foreign currency cash |
0.8 |
(12.5) |
(5.6) |
| Increase (decrease) in cash |
8.2 |
(21.5) |
(79.9) |
| Cash at beginning of year |
53.8 |
75.3 |
155.2 |
| Cash at end of year |
62.0 |
53.8 |
75.3 |
| Interest paid |
163.1 |
173.2 |
166.2 |
| Income taxes paid |
41.5 |
140.3 |
198.7 |
| 1 The change in non-cash operating working capital balances and cash flow from operating activities
for the year ended December 31, 2000 includes the impact of increased deferral accounts receivable for
the discontinued Alberta Distribution and Retail business operation until the date of disposal on
August 31, 2000. The related proceeds from the disposal of these deferral accounts receivable, totalling
$164.3, million are classified as cash provided by investing activities, of which $24.2 million was
received in 2000 (Note 3). |
</table>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollar amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
1. Summary of significant accounting policies A. CONSOLIDATION AND
INVESTMENTS
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (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 26.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta
or the corporation), all subsidiaries and the proportionate share of the accounts of jointly
controlled corporations. TransAlta Utilities Corporation (TransAlta Utilities) and TransAlta
Energy Corporation (TransAlta Energy) are the principal wholly owned operating subsidiaries.
TransAlta Utilities owns and operates electric generation and transmission facilities in the
province of Alberta. TransAlta Utilities also owned and operated a distribution and retail (D&R)
operation in Alberta until the operation was disposed of on Aug. 31, 2000. A purchase and sale
agreement to dispose of the transmission operation was signed on July 4, 2001, and is expected
to close in the first half of 2002, subject to regulatory approval. TransAlta Energy is engaged in
electric and thermal energy supply, energy services and energy marketing in Canada and
internationally. TransAlta Energy also owned and operated an electricity generation and retail
operation in New Zealand until the operations were disposed of on March 31, 2000 (Note 3).
Investments in entities that are not proportionately consolidated but over which the corporation
exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are
accounted for using the cost method.
B. MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY
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 disclosure
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 3, 20 and 24).
C. REGULATION TransAlta Utilities is regulated by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
(EUB), pursuant to the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta); pursuant to Part 2 of the Public
Utilities Board Act (Alberta); pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta); and is subject to the
Provincial Water Power Regulations (Alberta). These acts and regulations cover matters such as
tariffs, rates, construction, operations, financing and accounting.
TransAlta Utilities accounts for transactions in accordance with applicable regulation (regulatory
accounting) when three criteria are met: the rates for services or products provided to customers
are established by or are subject to approval by a regulatory body; the regulated rates are
designed to recover the cost of providing the services or products; and it is reasonable to assume
that rates are set at levels that will recover the cost that can be charged to and collected from
customers. Under regulatory accounting, the timing of TransAlta Utilities' recognition of certain
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses may differ from that otherwise expected using Canadian
GAAP for non-regulated businesses.
When one of the above three criteria no longer applies to a TransAlta Utilities operation,
regulatory accounting ceases and the application of Canadian GAAP for non-regulated
businesses commences for that operation at the date the criteria were no longer met. Upon
discontinuation of regulatory accounting, the effects of any action of regulators that had been
recognized as assets and liabilities that would not have been recognized as assets or liabilities
under Canadian GAAP are eliminated and future income tax liabilities or assets not recorded
under regulatory accounting are recognized. The net effect of these adjustments are included in
the period in which the discontinuation of regulated accounting occurs and is classified as an
extraordinary item.
Commencing Jan. 1, 2001, all Alberta generating plants were deregulated and became subject to
long-term Power Purchase Arrangements (PPAs) for the remaining estimated life of each plant.
The PPAs set a production requirement and availability target to be supplied by each plant or unit
and the price at which each megawatt-hour will be supplied to the customer. As the criteria for
regulatory accounting were no longer met, Canadian GAAP for non-regulated businesses
commenced on Dec. 31, 2000, in respect of the Alberta Generation operations.
D. REVENUE RECOGNITION Electrical energy revenue is recognized upon transmission to
the customer. Thermal revenue is recognized upon delivery to the customer. Capacity and
ancillary revenue is recognized when contractually earned. In accordance with the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) recommendations, revenues are reported on a gross
basis unless the corporation is acting in the capacity of an agent or a broker in which case they
are recognized net of purchases. The Energy Marketing segment acts as a principal, taking title
to the commodities purchased for resale and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, and
therefore recognizes revenue on a gross basis.
Revenues from rate-regulated operations are recognized on the accrual basis in accordance with
rates and policies as set by the regulator.
Rate adjustments related to prior years are presented as unusual items.
E. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS The results of discontinued operations are presented 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.
F. CAPITAL ASSETS AND FUTURE SITE RESTORATION COSTS Capital assets are
carried at cost, which includes direct internal labour and allocated overheads. Regulated
operations capitalize an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) at the cost of
capital including the cost of equity related to property under construction. AFUDC is a non-cash
income item that will be charged and recovered in rates to customers over the service life of the
assets, commencing with their inclusion in the rate base.
Interest is capitalized for non-regulated plants under construction, and is included in the capital
cost of the related property. Depreciation on non-regulated gas generation plants is provided on a
unit-of-production basis based upon estimated production over the asset's useful life. No
provision for future site restoration costs for gas generation plants is recorded, as management
estimates the costs of restoration will be offset completely by the salvage values of the related
plant. Depreciation on non-regulated coal generation plants is provided for on a straight-line
basis over the useful life of the asset. Future site restoration costs for non-regulated coal plants
are provided for in depreciation and amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the life of
the asset. Non-regulated transmission, distribution and retail systems and customer base
intangibles are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset.
The corporation does not provide for the removal costs associated with its hydroelectric
generating facilities as the costs are not reasonably estimated because of the long service life of
these assets. With either maintenance efforts or rebuilding, the water control structures are
assumed to be required for the foreseeable future, and therefore no amounts have been provided
for site restoration costs for these facilities. Estimated costs to reclaim mining properties are
provided for primarily on a unit-of-production basis. Customer contributions to the corporation
for new service connections are recorded as a reduction to the cost of property. Regulated
operations provide for depreciation on a straight-line basis using various rates as approved by the
EUB, based on depreciation studies prepared by the corporation. Changes to depreciation rates
requested by the EUB are accounted for on a prospective basis. Depreciation rates reflect
estimated service lives and estimated future removal and site restoration costs less salvage
values.
Major maintenance costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated
benefit period of such maintenance.
Acquired intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. The recoverability of
acquired intangibles is assessed, if indications of impairment are present, based on estimated
undiscounted future cash flows. Commencing Jan. 1, 2002, acquired intangibles will be
reclassified to goodwill, which will not be subject to amortization, but will instead be assessed
for impairment at least annually.
G. OTHER ASSETS
The deferred license fees consist primarily of an Australian land license which is being amortized
over the useful life of the power station assets which are situated thereon.
Financing costs for the issuance of long-term debt, preferred shares and preferred securities are
amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the term of the related issue.
Costs incurred by the corporation to develop potential capital assets or investments, inclusive of
internal labour, are included in operating expenses until construction of a plant commences or
acquisition of an investment has been completed, at which time the costs are included in capital
assets or investments.
H. INCOME TAXES
The corporation uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes for its
non-rate-regulated 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 for the carry forward of unused tax losses and
income tax reductions. 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 income in the period that the change is substantively enacted. Future income tax
assets are evaluated and if realization is not considered 'more likely than not', a valuation
allowance is provided.
TransAlta's rate-regulated operations use the income tax accounting policies as prescribed by the
EUB. Rate-regulated enterprises need not recognize future income taxes to the extent that future
income taxes are expected to be included in the rates charged to and recovered from future
customers.
I. 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. For the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets,
those assets are valued at fair value. The discount rate used to calculate the interest cost on the
accrued benefit obligation is the long-term market rate at the balance sheet date. Past service
costs from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 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 fair value of plan assets is amortized over the 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.
J. 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.
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the
transaction date. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated at
exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. The resulting exchange gains and losses on
these items are included in net earnings, except for unrealized exchange gains or losses arising on
translation of long-term debt not designated as a hedge of foreign operations, which are deferred
and amortized over the remaining life of the debt on a straight-line basis. Gains and losses arising
on translation of long-term debt designated as a hedge of self-sustaining foreign operations are
deferred and included in CTA in shareholders' equity on a net of tax basis.
Commencing Jan. 1, 2002, gains and losses on the translation of long-term debt not designated as
a hedge of foreign operations will no longer be deferred and amortized, but will be included in
income in the period in which the translation gain or loss occurs.
K. DERIVATIVES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The corporation utilizes derivative
financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments (collectively, derivatives) and other
financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates,
interest rates and energy prices. Gains and losses relating to derivatives that are designated as
hedges are deferred and recognized in the same period and financial statement category as the
related items hedged. To be accounted for as a hedge, a derivative must be designated by
management as a hedge and be effective. Hedge effectiveness for cash flow hedges is achieved if
the derivative's cash flows substantially offset the cash flows of the hedged item and the timing
of the cash flows is similar. Hedge effectiveness for fair value hedges is achieved if changes in
the fair value of the derivative substantially offsets changes in the fair value of the item hedged.
If a derivative that has been accorded hedge accounting is settled early, the termination gain or
loss is deferred and recognized when the gain or loss on the item hedged is recognized.
Premiums paid or received with respect to hedging derivatives are deferred and amortized to
earnings over the term of the hedge. Derivatives used in trading activities are carried at fair value.
Realized and unrealized changes in fair value are recognized in earnings in the period in which
the changes occur. The estimated fair value of a derivative generally reflects the estimated
amount that the corporation would receive or pay to terminate the contract at the balance sheet
date. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices where
available, or where not available, with reference to market prices for similar issues. The carrying
amounts of other balance sheet financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their fair
values.
L. 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 16. For stock option-based plans, no
compensation expense is recognized when stock options or, upon exercise, stock is issued to
employees. Stock grants under the PSOP are accrued in corporate operating, maintenance and
administration 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 a selected group of publicly traded companies. 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.
M. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) Effective Jan. 1, 2001, the corporation retroactively
adopted the CICA standard requiring the use of the treasury stock method rather than the imputed
earnings method in calculating diluted earnings per share. The impact of this change on current
and prior period diluted earnings per share was not material. Prior period amounts have been
restated to comply with the new standard. Supplemental diluted earnings per share information
disclosed in Note 14 is calculated assuming settlement of the equity component of the preferred
securities by issuance of the corporation's common shares.
2. Segment disclosures
A. DESCRIPTION OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The corporation has three reportable segments, each supported by a corporate group: Generation,
Independent Power Projects (IPP) and Energy Marketing. A fourth business segment,
Transmission, has been reclassified as a discontinued operation following the announcement of
the agreement to dispose of the segment on July 4, 2001. The Alberta D&R operation was
reclassified as a discontinued operation on Dec. 31, 1999. The New Zealand segment was also
reclassified as a discontinued operation on Dec. 31, 1999 (Note 3). The business segments are
strategic business units that offer different products and services, and each is managed separately.
Each business unit assumes responsibility for its operating results measured as earnings before
interest, taxes and non-controlling interests (EBIT). EBIT should not be considered an
alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow as determined in accordance
with Canadian GAAP as an indicator of the corporation's performance or liquidity. TransAlta's
EBIT is not necessarily comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company. Corporate
overheads that are not directly attributable to discontinued operations are allocated to the
business segments.
The Generation segment operates in Alberta, Canada, and Washington State, U.S. Commencing
Jan. 1, 2001, the Alberta generating plants are no longer subject to rate regulation and earn
revenues based on long-term PPAs for the remaining life of each plant or unit. The PPAs set a
production requirement and availability target to be supplied by each plant or unit and the price at
which each megawatt hour will be supplied to the customer. Previously, the Alberta generating
plants were regulated by the EUB and the transactions were facilitated through third-party
intermediaries, namely the Power Pool of Alberta (Power Pool), ESBI Alberta Ltd. and the
independent transmission administrator (TA). The electrical production of these plants was sold
to the Power Pool. Legislation provided for the sale of all power for use in Alberta to the Power
Pool for resale at a bid price which matches demand with supply. Prices were determined through
regulation and were based on a rate of return on assets and the recovery of costs. Revenues were
net of payments to small power producers (SPP). The Alberta Generation operation also earned
ancillary revenue for providing system stability services to the TA and paid ancillary access
charges to the TA. In Washington State, revenue earned from the Centralia plant and mining
operation acquired in May 2000 (Note 5) is not subject to rate regulation. The plant sells its
production primarily to the Pacific Northwest market. Generation expenses include Energy
Marketing's intersegment charge for energy marketing and financial risk management services in
the amount of $4.7 million (2000 - $5.7 million; 1999 - $2.5 million). Generation expenses also
include Transmission's intersegment charge in the amount of $0.4 million (2000 - $0.7 million;
1999 - $0.9 million).
The IPP segment builds, owns and operates independent power projects in Canada, the U.S.,
Australia and Mexico for the sale of electric and thermal energy. The majority of electricity
production is sold under long-term commercial contracts with the remainder sold in spot markets.
Thermal energy is sold under long-term contracts. Expenses include Energy Marketing's
intersegment charges for energy marketing and financial risk management services in the amount
of $2.7 million (2000 - $1.4 million; 1999 - $1.4 million). The amount of engineering,
procurement and construction service (EPC) charges from Transmission capitalized to capital
assets under construction was $0.7 million (2000 - $3.6 million; 1999 $24.7 million).
The Energy Marketing segment derives revenue from the wholesale trading of electricity and
other energy-related commodities and derivatives. Expenses are net of intersegment charges to
the Generation and IPP segments for the provision of energy marketing and financial risk
management services in the amount of $7.4 million (2000 - $7.1 million; 1999 - $3.9 million),
and to the discontinued Alberta D&R operation in the amount of $nil (2000 - $1.0 million; 1999
$1.6 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 which approximates market rates.
B. REPORTED SEGMENT PROFIT OR LOSS AND SEGMENT ASSETS
<table>
| I. Earnings information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy |
|
|
| Year ended Dec. 31, 2001 |
Generation |
IPP |
4.
Marketing |
Corporate |
Total |
| Revenues |
$
1,717.9 |
$
514.5 |
$
2,694.7 |
$
- |
$
4,927.1 |
| Trading purchases |
- |
- |
(2,533.7) |
- |
(2,533.7) |
| Fuel and purchased power |
(1,093.9) |
(194.8) |
- |
- |
(1,288.7) |
| Gross margin |
624.0 |
319.7 |
161.0 |
- |
1,104.7 |
| Operations, maintenance and
administration |
215.5 |
127.4 |
36.2 |
65.4 |
444.5 |
| Depreciation and amortization |
136.6 |
102.3 |
11.0 |
23.7 |
273.6 |
| Taxes, other than income taxes |
15.3 |
3.4 |
- |
- |
18.7 |
| Prior period regulatory decisions |
(11.0) |
- |
- |
- |
(11.0) |
| EBIT before corporate allocations |
267.6 |
86.6 |
113.8 |
(89.1) |
378.9 |
| Corporate allocations |
61.5 |
21.0 |
6.6 |
(89.1) |
- |
| EBIT |
$
206.1 |
$
65.6 |
$
107.2 |
$
- |
378.9 |
| Other income |
|
|
|
|
1.5 |
| Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
| Net interest expense |
|
|
|
|
(88.1) |
| Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and
non-controlling interests |
|
$
293.1 |
|
|
|
Energy |
|
|
| Year ended Dec. 31, 2000 |
Generation |
IPP |
Marketing |
Corporate |
Total |
| Revenues |
$
1,159.9 |
$
362.3 |
$
1,280.3 |
$
- |
$
2,802.5 |
| Trading purchases |
- |
- |
(1,202.5) |
- |
(1,202.5) |
| Fuel and purchased power |
(504.9) |
(150.9) |
- |
- |
(655.8) |
| Gross margin |
655.0 |
211.4 |
77.8 |
- |
944.2 |
| Operations, maintenance and
administration |
166.0 |
94.1 |
19.0 |
70.8 |
349.9 |
| Depreciation and amortization |
126.7 |
55.3 |
9.4 |
14.2 |
205.6 |
| Taxes, other than income taxes |
22.2 |
1.7 |
- |
- |
23.9 |
| Prior period regulatory decisions |
(44.1) |
- |
- |
- |
(44.1) |
| EBIT before corporate allocations |
384.2 |
60.3 |
49.4 |
(85.0) |
408.9 |
| Corporate allocations |
57.5 |
20.4 |
7.1 |
(85.0) |
- |
| EBIT |
$
326.7 |
$
39.9 |
$
42.3 |
$
- |
408.9 |
| Other expense |
|
|
|
|
(1.1) |
| Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
| Net interest expense |
|
|
|
|
(91.4) |
| Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and non-controlling interests |
|
|
$
316.5 |
|
|
|
Energy |
|
|
| Year ended Dec. 31, 1999 |
Generation |
IPP |
Marketing |
Corporate |
Total |
| Revenues |
$
569.4 |
$
270.6 |
$
283.0 |
$
- |
$
1,123.0 |
| Trading purchases |
- |
- |
(272.0) |
- |
(272.0) |
| Fuel and purchased power |
(124.0) |
(92.6) |
- |
- |
(216.6) |
| Gross margin |
445.4 |
178.0 |
11.0 |
- |
634.4 |
| Operations, maintenance and
administration |
99.5 |
81.7 |
8.1 |
45.5 |
234.8 |
| Depreciation and amortization |
101.7 |
45.9 |
1.3 |
15.5 |
164.4 |
| Taxes, other than income taxes |
20.5 |
1.4 |
- |
- |
21.9 |
| EBIT before corporate allocations |
223.7 |
49.0 |
1.6 |
(61.0) |
213.3 |
| Corporate allocations |
41.7 |
14.2 |
5.1 |
(61.0) |
- |
| EBIT |
$
182.0 |
$
34.8 |
$
(3.5) |
$
- |
213.3 |
| Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
|
|
1.7 |
| Net interest expense |
|
|
|
|
(65.5) |
| Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and non-controlling interests |
|
|
$
149.5 |
II. Selected Balance Sheet Information
|
|
|
Energy |
|
Discontinued |
|
| Dec. 31, 2001 |
Generation |
IPP |
Marketing |
Corporate |
Operations |
Total |
| Segment assets |
$
3,894.8 |
$
1,968.1 |
$ 729.1 |
$ 609.0 |
$ 676.9 |
$ 7,877.9 |
| Segment accounts payable
and accrued liabilities |
$
202.7 |
$
153.7 |
$ 642.7 |
$ 101.5
|
$ 15.5 |
$ 1,116.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Segment assets |
$
3,275.0 |
$
1,745.3 |
$
1,033.1 |
$
774.7 |
$
799.0 |
$ 7,627.1 |
| Segment accounts payable
and accrued liabilities |
$
155.1 |
$
269.4 |
$
951.6 |
$
45.8 |
$
16.0 |
$ 1,437.9 |
III. Selected Cash Flow Information
| Year ended Dec. 31, 2001 |
5.
6.Generation |
IPP |
Energy
Marketing |
Corporate |
Discontinued
Operations |
Total |
| Capital expenditures |
$
680.7 |
$
466.9 |
$
43.8 |
$
15.1 |
$
40.0 |
$
1,246.5 |
| Acquisitions |
$
- |
$
9.4 |
$
0.4 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
9.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year ended Dec. 31, 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Capital expenditures |
$
247.8 |
$
381.0 |
$
27.2 |
$
14.7 |
$
124.3 |
$
795.0 |
| Acquisitions |
$
868.7 |
$
- |
$
11.4 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
880.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year ended Dec. 31, 1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Capital expenditures |
$
109.1 |
$
285.6 |
$
0.6 |
$
25.1 |
$
224.5 |
$
644.9 |
| Acquisitions |
$
- |
$
186.7 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
160.9 |
$
347.6 |
lV. Reconciliations
<table>
l. Depreciation and amortization expense (D&A) per statement of cash flows
| Year ended Dec. 31 |
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| D&A expense for reportable
segments |
|
|
|
$
273.6 |
$
205.6 |
$
164.4 |
| Discontinued operations |
|
|
|
46.5 |
108.6 |
158.0 |
| Other |
|
|
|
5.8 |
7.5 |
3.1 |
|
|
|
|
$
325.9 |
$
321.7 |
$
325.5 |
</table>
C. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
<table>
| I.
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Canada |
$
3,723.2 |
$
2,151.2 |
$
1,066.2 |
|
|
| Australia |
61.5 |
54.9 |
56.8 |
|
|
| U.S. |
1,142.4 |
596.4 |
- |
|
|
|
4,927.1 |
2,802.5 |
1,123.0 |
|
|
Revenues are attributable to countries based on the location of customers. The Mexican plants
have not yet commenced commercial operations and therefore no revenues are being generated.
| II. Capital
assets |
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
|
|
|
| Canada |
$
3,145.3 |
$
3,962.0 |
| Australia |
264.5 |
192.3 |
| U.S. |
2,451.0 |
1,122.8 |
| Mexico |
263.3 |
- |
|
6,124.1 |
5,277.1 |
</table>
3. Discontinued operations
7. A. TRANSMISSION
On July 4, 2001, the corporation signed a purchase and sale agreement for the disposal of its
Transmission operations for cash proceeds of approximately $850 million. The sale is expected
to close in the first half of 2002, subject to regulatory approval.
B. EDMONTON COMPOSTER
Effective Dec. 31, 2000, the corporation adopted a plan to divest its composter facility in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which commenced commercial operations in August 2000. In the
fourth quarter of 2000, the corporation recorded a write-down of the carrying value of the assets
of $17.9 million ($0.10 per common share) net of income tax recoveries of $13.8 million. On
June 29, 2001, the facility was sold for cash proceeds of $97.0 million. No gain or loss resulted
from the disposal.
C. ALBERTA DISTRIBUTION AND RETAIL (D&R) OPERATION
Effective Dec. 31, 1999, the corporation adopted a plan to divest its Alberta D&R operation.
This operation was sold on Aug. 31, 2000 for proceeds of $857.3 million and an after-tax gain on
disposal of $262.4 million ($1.55 per common share) net of income tax recoveries of $137.9
million. By Dec. 31, 2001, $723.6 million of the proceeds had been received. The remaining
balance, primarily related to deferral accounts as approved by the EUB, is expected to be
received by the end of 2003.
As per the terms of the disposition agreement, TransAlta will share the benefit or burden of
future regulatory decisions affecting the Alberta D&R pre-disposition operation. No amount has
been accrued in the consolidated financial statements as no amount was reasonably determinable
at the reporting date.
D. NEW ZEALAND
Effective Dec. 31, 1999, the corporation adopted a plan to divest its New Zealand operations. On
March 31, 2000, TransAlta sold its interest in its discontinued New Zealand operations for total
proceeds of NZ$832.5 million (approximately Cdn$605 million) resulting in an after-tax gain on
disposal of $22.3 million ($0.13 per common share) net of income taxes of $43.1 million.
8. E. ARGENTINA
Effective Dec. 31, 1998, the corporation adopted a plan to pursue divestiture opportunities
relating to its investment in Argentina. A provision resulting from the expiry of an unutilized
US$9.3 million standby credit facility was reversed in 1999 giving rise to income of $12.4
million ($0.07 per common share). In December 1999, the corporation sold its interest in
Argentina for total proceeds and gain on sale of $7.3 million ($0.04 per common share).
F. STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
The statements of earnings amounts applicable to discontinued operations are as follows.
Interest is allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of assets to be discontinued, net
of directly attributable debt, to the total assets of the entity, net of debt that can be directly
attributed to the discontinued operation or to particular continuing operations of the corporation.
<table>
|
|
|
|
Edmonton |
|
| Year ended December 31, 2001 |
|
|
Transmission |
Composter |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Revenues |
|
|
$
171.1 |
$
6.6 |
$
177.7 |
| Operating expenses |
|
|
84.6 |
5.4 |
90.0 |
| Operating income |
|
|
86.5 |
1.2 |
87.7 |
| Net interest expense |
|
|
(9.7) |
- |
(9.7) |
| Earnings before income taxes and non-controlling
interests |
|
76.8 |
1.2 |
78.0 |
| Income taxes |
|
|
(32.4) |
(0.5) |
(32.9) |
| Earnings subsequent to measurement
date |
|
|
44.4 |
0.7 |
45.1 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations 1 |
|
|
$
44.4 |
$
0.7 |
$
45.1 |
| 1 Transmission earnings include $23.4 million of earnings prior to the measurement date, net of
taxes of $16.8 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edmonton |
|
|
|
| Year ended December 31, 2000 |
Transmission |
Composter |
D&R |
New
Zealand |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Revenues |
$
178.2 |
$
6.3 |
$
180.2 |
$
148.8 |
$
513.5 |
| Operating expenses |
83.6 |
4.1 |
103.3 |
125.8 |
316.8 |
| Operating income |
94.6 |
2.2 |
76.9 |
23.0 |
196.7 |
| Net interest expense |
(9.4) |
(1.0) |
(10.2) |
(4.4) |
(25.0) |
| Earnings before income taxes and
non-controlling interests |
85.2 |
1.2 |
66.7 |
18.6 |
171.7 |
| Income taxes |
(40.9) |
(0.5) |
(33.4) |
(4.7) |
(79.5) |
| Non-controlling interests |
- |
- |
- |
(3.1) |
(3.1) |
| Earnings subsequent to (Transmission
& Edmonton Composter - prior to)
measurement date |
44.3 |
0.7 |
33.3 |
10.8 |
89.1 |
| Gain on disposal (write-down of
carrying value) |
- |
(17.9) |
262.4 |
22.3 |
266.8 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations |
$
44.3 |
$
(17.2) |
$
295.7 |
$
33.1 |
$
355.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year ended December 31, 1999 |
Transmission |
D&R |
New
Zealand |
Argentina |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Revenues |
$
189.6 |
$
211.2 |
$
789.0 |
$
23.7 |
$
1,213.5 |
| Operating expenses |
87.6 |
144.4 |
746.2 |
9.0 |
987.2 |
| Operating income |
102.0 |
66.8 |
42.8 |
14.7 |
226.3 |
| Gain on sale of assets |
- |
- |
35.2 |
- |
35.2 |
| Other income (expense) |
0.7 |
- |
- |
- |
0.7 |
| Rate adjustment - 1996 and 1997 (Note
17) |
- |
(9.6) |
- |
- |
(9.6) |
| Net interest expense |
(13.6) |
(15.1) |
(20.5) |
(15.7) |
(64.9) |
| Earnings before income taxes and
non-controlling interests |
89.1 |
42.1 |
57.5 |
(1.0) |
187.7 |
| Income taxes |
(40.8) |
(20.3) |
(1.6) |
(2.1) |
(64.8) |
| Non-controlling interests |
- |
- |
(24.3) |
3.1 |
(21.2) |
| Earnings prior to (Argentina -
subsequent to) measurement date |
48.3 |
21.8 |
31.6 |
- |
101.7 |
| Gain on disposal (write-down of
carrying value) |
- |
- |
- |
19.7 |
19.7 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations |
$
48.3 |
$
21.8 |
$
31.6 |
$
19.7 |
$
121.4 |
</table>
G. BALANCE SHEETS
At Dec. 31, 2001, all of the corporation's discontinued operations had been sold except for those
of the Transmission operation. Balance sheet amounts were as follows:
<table>
|
2001 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edmonton |
|
|
Transmission |
|
|
Transmission |
Composter |
Total |
| Current assets |
$
36.1 |
|
|
$
52.6 |
$
2.4 |
$
55.0 |
| Capital assets |
637.5 |
|
|
622.3 |
119.7 |
742.0 |
| Other assets |
3.3 |
|
|
2.0 |
- |
2.0 |
| Current liabilities |
(15.5) |
|
|
(12.1) |
(3.9) |
(16.0) |
| Net assets |
$
661.4 |
|
|
$
664.8 |
$
118.2 |
$
783.0 |
</table>
4. Extraordinary item
In December 2000, the corporation discontinued regulatory accounting and commenced the
application of Canadian GAAP for its Alberta Generation operations, consistent with
deregulation of the electricity generation industry in Alberta beginning on Jan. 1, 2001.
As a result of the discontinuance of regulatory accounting, the corporation recorded an
extraordinary non-cash after-tax charge of $209.7 million ($1.24 per share) comprised of the
following:
<table>
|
|
| Write-off of regulatory accounts |
$
2.5 |
| Write-down of net carrying values of capital assets |
17.3 |
| Recognition of previously unrecognized future income tax liabilities |
189.9 |
|
209.7 |
</table>
5. Acquisitions and disposals - continuing operations A. GENERATION In May 2000,
TransAlta purchased a power plant and the adjacent mining operations in Centralia, Washington,
for cash consideration of US$582.7 million (Cdn$868.7 million). This acquisition was accounted
for using the purchase method. This purchase included plant assets of $847.1 million, mine
assets of $145.1 million, working capital of $65.7 million, estimated future site restoration
liabilities of $168.8 million, future income tax liabilities of $5.8 million, accrued employee
future liabilities of $7.5 million and other liabilities totaling $7.1 million.
B. IPP - Canada
In January 2001, the corporation sold its 265 MW Mildred Lake plant to Syncrude's Joint
Venture owners for cash proceeds of $60.3 million plus a receivable in the amount of $4.7
million, which approximated its book value. Of the receivable amount, $2.3 million remains
outstanding at Dec. 31, 2001 (Note 7).
In August 2001, the corporation sold its 45 MW Fort Nelson gas-fired facility for cash proceeds
of $44.1 million. The gain on disposition was $1.3 million after-tax. The book value of the
assets was $42.8 million.
In September 2001, the corporation sold its 60 per cent interest in its Fort Saskatchewan
cogeneration facility to TransAlta Cogeneration, L.P. (TA Cogen), a limited partnership owned
50.01 per cent by the corporation and 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, L.P. (TransAlta
Power), a publicly owned entity. Total cash consideration to the corporation was $35.0 million
in respect of the 30 per cent interest effectively sold to the minority interest in TA Cogen. The
corporation recorded a gain of $6.2 million, $5.0 million after-tax. The effective book value of
the assets transferred to TA Cogen was $57.6 million, with $28.8 million representing TransAlta
Power's 49.99 per cent interest in the assets.
C. IPP Australia
In 1999, the corporation increased its interest in a gas transmission pipeline in Western Australia
from 6.3 per cent to 8.8 per cent for consideration of $14.1 million. A subsequent return of
capital in 1999 provided cash of $30.4 million.
Also in 1999, the corporation acquired an 85 per cent interest in four gas-fired power generating
stations and transmission lines in Western Australia for cash consideration of $186.7 million, net
of cash acquired of $2.3 million. Total assets acquired amounted to $222.3 million, $220.0
million of which related to capital assets. Non-controlling interest assumed was $33.3 million.
D. ENERGY MARKETING
In June 2000, the corporation purchased a 50 per cent interest in Merchant Energy Group of the
Americas (MEGA) for cash consideration of US$12.5 million (Cdn$18.6 million). In June 2001,
the corporation purchased the remaining 50 per cent of MEGA for cash consideration of US$0.3
million (Cdn$0.4 million) plus Cdn$13.9 million in one-time costs relating to the acquisition
consisting primarily of severance of $3.9 million and long-term employment incentives in the
amount of $8.5 million. MEGA specialized in the commercial management of power generation
assets in the U.S. and will provide additional market knowledge and capability to enable the
acquisition and development of power facilities in the U.S. and will serve as a platform on which
to expand trading activities into the eastern U.S. regions. As such, the results of MEGA's
operations have been included in the Energy Marketing business segment. Previously they had
been recorded in the IPP business segment. Prior period amounts have been restated to reflect
this change. In September 2001, the MEGA operations were amalgamated with TransAlta
Energy Marketing (U.S.) Inc., a subsidiary of TransAlta Energy.
The purchase of the initial 50 per cent in 2000 included cash of $7.2 million, a negative working
capital balance of $8.8 million, capital and intangible assets of $33.6 million, and future income
tax liabilities of $32.0 million. The purchase of the remaining 50 per cent in June 2001 was
comprised of negative working capital of $7.7 million, capital and intangible assets of $14.2
million and a future tax liability of $6.1 million.
6. Investments
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
| Investment in Australian gas transmission pipeline |
$
19.2 |
|
$
20.2 |
| Investment in wind power generation |
10.0 |
|
8.5 |
| Investment in distributed generation companies |
7.9 |
|
- |
| Restricted bank deposits |
- |
|
198.4 |
| Other |
0.2 |
|
0.9 |
|
$
37.3 |
|
$
228.0 |
</table>
Restricted bank deposits in 2000 consisted of NZ$298.8 million at an average fixed interest rate
of 6.6 per cent with maturity in 2004. The deposits have been pledged as collateral for the New
Zealand bank facility (Note 11). In 2001, the corporation entered into an offset agreement with
the lender to legally offset these balances.
7. Long-term receivables
<table>
|
2001 |
2000 |
| Due from UtiliCorp Networks Canada (Note 3) |
$
173.3 |
$
136.0 |
| Sulphur tax abatement |
45.0 |
- |
| Deferral accounts receivable |
- |
77.9 |
| Due from Syncrude Canada Ltd. |
2.3 |
27.3 |
| Other |
0.8 |
4.7 |
|
221.4 |
245.9 |
| Less current portion included in accounts receivable |
- |
13.0 |
|
$
221.4 |
$
232.9 |
</table>
The amount due from UtiliCorp Networks Canada arose from the sale of the discontinued
Alberta D&R operation and includes interest at a rate determined by the EUB with repayment
expected to be completed by 2003.
The sulphur tax abatement represents an incentive to coal-fired thermal electric generators in
Washington State, U.S. to construct air pollution control facilities. Final certification of meeting
the initial rolling 12-month emission requirements is required by Feb. 28, 2004.
The deferral accounts receivable related to the Generation segment and was settled in 2001.
The long-term receivable from Syncrude Canada Ltd. is unsecured, non-interest bearing and
repayable in equal monthly amounts through March 2003. The majority of this receivable was
collected in 2001 when the corporation sold its Mildred Lake plant to Syncrude's Joint Venture
owners (Note 5).
8. Capital assets
<table>
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
Net
book |
|
# |
Accumulated |
Net
Book |
|
Rates |
|
Cost |
|
depreciation |
value |
Cost |
|
depreciation |
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
and
amortization |
|
|
|
and
amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mining property &
equipment |
3.9% -
20% |
|
$
589.7 |
|
$
264.2 |
$
325.5 |
$
786.5 |
|
$
280.2 |
$
506.3 |
| Thermal generation |
3.1% -
10% |
|
3,496.3 |
|
964.8 |
2,531.5 |
2,757.4 |
|
874.8 |
1,882.6 |
| Thermal environmental
equipment |
3.8% -
10% |
|
425.2 |
|
223.7 |
201.5 |
436.7 |
|
239.6 |
197.1 |
| Gas generation |
3.1% -
5% |
|
1,241.7 |
|
185.1 |
1,056.6 |
1,002.2 |
|
169.7 |
832.5 |
| Hydro generation |
2.8% -
5% |
|
321.3 |
|
162.7 |
158.6 |
311.4 |
|
82.1 |
229.3 |
| Transmission systems |
2.0% -
20% |
|
1,401.8 |
|
778.4 |
623.4 |
1,344.6 |
|
731.1 |
613.5 |
| Other |
2.4% -
33% |
|
249.6 |
|
110.3 |
139.3 |
325.3 |
|
107.5 |
217.8 |
| Assets under
construction |
None |
|
1,087.7 |
|
- |
1,087.7 |
798.0 |
|
- |
798.0 |
|
|
|
$8,813.3 |
|
$
2,689.2 |
$6,124.1 |
$7,762.1 |
|
$
2,485.0 |
$5,277.1 |
</table>
The corporation capitalized AFUDC of $1.0 million (2000 - $3.6 million; 1999 - $3.4 million)
and interest during construction of $47.3 million (2000 - $36.2 million; 1999 - $15.1 million) to
assets under construction. Included in other capital assets are acquired intangibles with a net
book value of $29.3 million (2000 - $24.2 million). In September 2001, a $66.5 million
reduction in carrying value of IPP gas generation assets related to the Pierce Power plant was
taken in conjunction with the realization of revenue hedges. The amount is included in
depreciation and amortization expense.
9. Other assets
<table>
| |
2001 |
|
2000 |
| Deferred license fees |
$
23.9 |
|
$
25.2 |
| Cross-currency interest rate swaps (Note 20) |
- |
|
23.4 |
| Deferred financing costs |
10.6 |
|
10.0 |
| Foreign currency forward contracts (Note 20) |
8.7 |
|
6.9 |
| Deferred regulatory hearing costs |
2.8 |
|
6.2 |
| Deferred project development costs |
1.1 |
|
5.3 |
| |
$
47.1 |
|
$
77.0 |
</table>
10. Short-term debt
<table>
|
2001 |
2001 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
Outstanding |
Interest1 |
Outstanding |
Interest1 |
| Commercial paper |
$
207.2 |
2.4% |
$
258.4 |
5.7% |
| Bank debt |
330.0 |
3.5% |
214.3 |
5.8% |
|
$
537.2 |
|
$
472.7 |
|
</table>
1 Interest is an average rate weighted by principal amounts outstanding before the effect of
hedging.
The bank debt consists of bankers' acceptances in the amount of $312.1 million and
LIBOR-based loans in the amount of $17.9 million, and have no fixed terms of repayment.
11. Long-term debt
A. AMOUNTS OUTSTANDING
<table>
|
2001 |
2001 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
Outstanding |
Interest
rate1 |
Outstanding |
Interest
rate1 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Debentures, due 2002 to 20332 |
$
1,963.4 |
7.0% |
$
1,563.4 |
7.1% |
| Commercial paper3 |
257.2 |
2.3% |
300.0 |
6.0% |
| Bank credit facility - Campeche, US$127
million4 |
200.5 |
2.9% |
28.8 |
7.5% |
| Notes payable - Windsor plant, due 2002
to 20145 |
65.3 |
7.4% |
68.2 |
7.4% |
| Preferred securities, due 2048 to 20506 |
13.8 |
7.8% |
8.6 |
7.7% |
| Capital lease obligation, due 2004 7 |
10.9 |
9.4% |
9.2 |
9.4% |
| Bank credit facilities - New Zealand, due
2004 8 |
- |
- |
198.4 |
6.9% |
| Other9 |
- |
- |
24.8 |
8.0% |
|
2,511.1 |
|
2,201.4 |
|
| Less current portion |
104.3 |
|
79.6 |
|
|
$
2,406.8 |
|
$
2,121.8 |
|
</table>
1 Interest is an average rate weighted by principal amounts outstanding before the effect of
hedging.
2 DEBENTURES: The debentures bear interest at fixed rates. A floating charge on the property
and assets of TransAlta Utilities has been provided as collateral for $898.4 million of the
debentures as at Dec. 31, 2001. The interest rate on $425.0 million of the 2001 amount has been
converted to floating rates using receive fixed interest rate swaps maturing in 2003 to 2011.
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. Another debenture of
$150.0 million maturing in 2005 is extendable until 2030 at the option of the holder.
3 COMMERCIAL PAPER: Amounts outstanding at Dec. 31, 2001 include US$162.8 million of
commercial paper. Under the terms of TransAlta's credit facility, the corporation has the ability
and intent to maintain these commercial paper borrowings beyond one year. The corporation has
designated US$162.8 million as a long-term hedge of its net investment in U.S. operations (Note
20).
4 BANK CREDIT FACILITY CAMPECHE: In December 2000, the corporation established a
US$133.6 million 16-year credit facility for the financing of the construction of an IPP power
plant in Campeche, Mexico. The outstanding borrowing totals US$127.0 million with an interest
rate of LIBOR plus 0.875 per cent during construction and LIBOR plus 2.25 per cent upon
completion of the construction, increasing to LIBOR plus 3.25 per cent by 2016. Upon
completion of construction in March 2003, 70 per cent of the facility will be converted to a fixed
rate of 7.4 per cent with a forward starting swap (Note 20). During construction, the corporation
has provided a guarantee to the lenders for the completion of the plant. Upon completion of the
construction, the facility is secured by the Campeche plant.
5 NOTES PAYABLE - WINDSOR PLANT: The Windsor plant notes payable bear interest at
fixed rates and are recourse to the corporation through a standby letter of credit.
6 PREFERRED SECURITIES: The debt component amount of the preferred securities (Note 14)
represents the present value of the principal amount of $475.0 million due in 2048 and 2050.
Interest accretion at the coupon rate is included in interest expense.
7 CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION: Certain coal mining capital assets have been provided as
collateral. The obligation bears interest at a fixed rate.
8 BANK CREDIT FACILITY - NEW ZEALAND: The corporation has a fully drawn fixed
interest rate bank facility of NZ$298.8 million, with restricted investments pledged as collateral.
Subsequent to Dec. 31, 2000, the credit facility was offset with New Zealand bank deposits (Note
6).
9 OTHER: Other long-term debt was paid in full in August 2001.
B. PRINCIPAL REPAYMENTS
Principal repayments over each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
<table>
|
|
| 2002 |
$
104.3 |
| 2003 |
355.6 |
| 2004 |
136.3 |
| 2005 |
237.3 |
| 2006 |
354.2 |
| 2007 and thereafter |
1,323.4 |
|
$
2,511.1 |
</table>
C. INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense on long-term debt was $150.3 million (2000 - $165.7 million; 1999 - $154.2
million), of which $140.6 million (2000 - $140.7 million; 1999 - $89.3 million) relates to
continuing operations.
D. LETTERS OF CREDIT AND GUARANTEES
At Dec. 31, 2001, the corporation had $155.9 million and US$66.6 million in letters of credit
outstanding. In addition, the corporation has issued various performance guarantees in the
amount of $1,113.6 million in support of Energy Marketing trading, Treasury hedging, and IPP
and Generation project activities. The corporation has also issued two surety bonds, one for $0.5
million to secure trading with counterparties and another for US$156.7 million in support of
future site reclamation liabilities associated with the Centralia mining operation.
12. Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
| Future site restoration costs |
$
339.8 |
|
$
283.4 |
| Unamortized gain on sale of capital assets to limited
partnership |
131.3 |
|
139.0 |
| Cross-currency interest rate swaps (Note 20) |
36.9 |
|
- |
| Fair value of swap transaction with limited partnership
(Note 22) |
13.3 |
|
19.0 |
| Deferred revenues and other |
5.2 |
|
13.7 |
|
$
526.5 |
|
$
455.1 |
</table>
The unamortized gain on sale of capital assets to limited partnership relates to the gain on
disposal of a 49.99 per cent interest in Ontario cogeneration assets held by TA Cogen to
TransAlta Power, a publicly owned entity, in 1998. The corporation is obligated to purchase all
of TransAlta Power's interest in TA Cogen on Dec. 31, 2018, at the fair market value at that date.
Accordingly, the gain of $160.3 million is being deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis
over the period to Dec. 31, 2018. Amortization of the gain in the amount of $7.7 million (2000 -
$7.7 million; 1999 - $7.8 million) is presented within depreciation and amortization expense in
the statements of earnings.
13. Non-controlling interests
A. STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
1999 |
| TransAlta Power's limited partnership interest in TA
Cogen (Note 22) |
$
14.7 |
|
$
29.4 |
$ 9.1 |
| Dividend requirements on preferred shares of a
subsidiary |
6.1 |
|
11.7 |
21.1 |
| Other common shareholders' interests |
(0.2) |
|
0.5 |
0.7 |
|
$
20.6 |
|
$
41.6 |
$ 30.9 |
</table>
B. PREFERRED SHARES OF A SUBSIDIARY
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
| 4.0% - 7.7% Series |
$
- |
|
$
121.6 |
</table>
On Sept. 10, 2001, the remaining series of preferred shares were redeemed for $121.6 million
plus a premium of $0.5 million. In March 2000, the 8.4 per cent Series were redeemed for
$146.1 million.
C. BALANCE SHEETS - OTHER NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
| TransAlta Power's limited partnership interest in TA Cogen |
$
271.9 |
|
$
244.8 |
| Other common shareholders' interests |
9.1 |
|
8.6 |
|
$
281.0 |
|
$
253.4 |
</table>
14. Preferred securities
<table>
|
Maturity |
Call
date |
Coupon |
2001 |
2000 |
|
2048 |
2004 |
7.50% |
$
165.8 |
$
169.5 |
|
2048 |
2004 |
8.15% |
119.5 |
122.5 |
|
2050 |
2006 |
7.75% |
167.3 |
- |
|
|
|
|
$
452.6 |
$
292.0 |
</table>
In November 2001, the corporation issued preferred securities for net proceeds of $171.9 million
(net of issue costs and related tax benefits). The corporation may redeem the preferred securities
in whole or in part on or after 2006 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.
In 1999, the corporation issued preferred securities for net proceeds of $294.8 million (net of
issue costs and related tax benefits). The corporation may redeem the preferred securities in
whole or in part on or after 2004 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. In 1999, the corporation monetized a portion of this redemption feature by
writing pay fixed swaptions exercisable in 2004, having a notional amount of $75.0 million and a
weighted average interest rate of 6.1 per cent. In return, the corporation received a premium of
$2.0 million, which is being amortized to income over the life of the swaptions. At Dec. 31,
2001, the swaptions had a fair value liability of $1.3 million (2000 - $2.4 million).
The preferred securities are subordinated and unsecured. The corporation may elect to defer
coupon payments on the preferred securities and settle deferred coupon payments in either cash
or common shares of the corporation. As a result, the preferred securities are classified into their
respective debt (Note 11) and equity components. The above equity component amounts
represent the present value of future coupon payments.
Supplemental diluted earnings per share for 2001 from continuing operations and net earnings
were $0.94 (2000 - $0.78; 1999 - $0.27) and $1.18 (2000 - $1.58; 1999 - $0.91), respectively.
15. Common shares
A. ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING
The corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares without
nominal or par value.
<table>
|
Common
shares
(millions) |
Amount |
|
Common shares
(millions) |
Amount |
Common
shares
(millions) |
Amount |
| Issued and outstanding, beginning of year |
168.6 |
|
$
1,150.3 |
|
169.2 |
|
$
1,145.9 |
169.6 |
$
1,144.4 |
| Repurchased by the corporation |
(2.0) |
|
(14.1) |
|
(1.6) |
|
(10.6) |
(1.0) |
(6.2) |
| Issued under dividend reinvestment and
share purchase plan |
0.9 |
|
19.1 |
|
0.7 |
|
10.4 |
0.4 |
4.8 |
| Issued for cash under stock option plans |
0.7 |
|
13.8 |
|
0.2 |
|
2.9 |
0.2 |
2.9 |
| Issued under Performance Share Ownership
Plan |
0.1 |
|
1.8 |
|
0.1 |
|
1.7 |
- |
- |
|
168.3 |
|
$
1,170.9 |
|
168.6 |
|
$
1,150.3 |
169.2 |
$
1,145.9 |
</table>
In 2001, the corporation purchased for cancellation, under its normal course issuer bid, 2,043,100
common shares (2000 1,567,100; 1999 955,600) in the amount of $48.9 million (2000 -
$23.9 million; 1999 - $18.1 million). The $34.8 million (2000 - $7.5 million) excess of the
repurchase price over the average net book value was charged to retained earnings. In 2000 and
1999, the excess of the repurchase price over the average net book value was charged first to
contributed surplus and the remainder was charged to retained earnings. Under the terms of the
normal course issuer bid program, the corporation is allowed to purchase for cancellation up to
three million of its common shares.
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.
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 PLAN
Under the terms of the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, participants are able to
purchase additional common shares in lieu of receiving dividends. Common shares will be
issued from treasury or will be purchased on the open market. In 2001, 0.9 million (2000 0.7
million; 1999 0.4 million) common shares were purchased under this program for $19.1
million (2000 - $10.4 million; 1999 - $4.8 million).
D. DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Diluted earnings per share has been calculated after giving rise to the dilutive effect of the
exercise of stock options, which would increase the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding by nil (2000 nil, 1999 -0.1 million). The dilutive impact of PSOP would result in
an increase in after-tax compensation expense of $2.7 million (2000 - $3.9 million, 1999 - $2.8
million), and an increase in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 0.4
million (2000 -0.3 million, 1999 -0.2 million). Supplementary diluted earnings per share
includes the dilutive effects of the conversion of outstanding preferred securities, after the
consideration of potential dilutive effects of the stock options and PSOP. The dilutive effect of
the preferred securities includes an increase in after-tax earnings of $13.1 million (2000 - $12.8
million, 1999 - $5.2 million) and an increase to the weighted average common shares outstanding
of 21.4 million (2000 - 13.2 million, 1999 -20.6 million).
16. Stock-based compensation plans
At Dec. 31, 2001, 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
date of the grant. 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 came into effect in 2000 and was 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. Alberta D&R PLAN: This plan came into effect in 2000 and was offered to all full-time and
part-time employees employed by the Alberta D&R business segment. Options granted under
this plan could not be exercised until the date of the closing of the Alberta D&R sale, after which
the entire grant could be exercised until the third year, which is the expiry date.
IV. U.S. PLAN: This plan came into effect in 2001 and was 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 May 2002 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.
<table>
|
Management plan |
Canadian
employee
plan |
Alberta
D&R plan |
U.S.
employee
plan |
|
Number
of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
Number
of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
Number
of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
Number
of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
| Outstanding,
January 1, 1999 |
1.0 |
$
14.07 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Granted |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Exercised |
(0.2) |
13.76 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Cancelled or
expired |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Outstanding,
December 31, 1999 |
0.8 |
$
14.13 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
- |
$
- |
$
- |
$
- |
| Granted |
- |
- |
0.7 |
14.20 |
0.1 |
14.20 |
- |
- |
| Exercised |
(0.2) |
13.37 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Cancelled or
expired |
- |
- |
(0.1) |
14.20 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Outstanding,
December 31, 2000 |
0.6 |
$
14.37 |
0.6 |
$
14.20 |
0.1 |
$
14.20 |
$
- |
$
- |
| Granted |
- |
- |
0.9 |
26.96 |
- |
- |
0.8 |
22.41 |
| Exercised |
(0.4) |
14.08 |
(0.1) |
14.22 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Cancelled or
expired |
- |
- |
(0.1) |
21.32 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Outstanding,
December 31, 2001 |
0.2 |
$
14.84 |
1.3 |
$
22.27 |
0.1 |
$
14.20 |
0.8 |
$
22.41 |
</table>
<table>
|
Options
outstanding |
|
|
Options
exercisable |
| Range of exercise prices |
Number
outstanding at
December 31,
2001
(millions) |
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual life
(years) |
Weighted-average
exercise
price |
Number
exercisable at
December 31,
2001
(millions) |
Weighted-average
exercise price |
| $13.12 - $14.16 |
0.1 |
2.5 |
$
13.85 |
|
0.1 |
$
13.85 |
| $14.17 - $18.00 |
0.7 |
6.8 |
14.40 |
|
0.2 |
14.71 |
| $18.01 - $23.05 |
0.9 |
9.9 |
22.36 |
|
- |
- |
| $23.06 - $27.70 |
0.7 |
9.3 |
27.70 |
|
- |
- |
| $13.12 - $27.70 |
2.4 |
8.7 |
$
21.55 |
|
0.3 |
$
14.66 |
</table>
B. PERFORMANCE STOCK OPTION PLAN
In 1999, the corporation expanded enrolment in the share option program to include all domestic
employees of the corporation by issuing stock options with an expiry date of 2009 and vesting
dependent upon achieving certain earnings per share targets. At Dec. 31, 2001, all outstanding
options vested.
<table>
|
Number
of share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
Number of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
Number of
share
options
(millions) |
Weighted
average
exercise
prices |
| Outstanding at
beginning of year |
0.6 |
$
23.05 |
|
0.9 |
$
23.05 |
- |
$
- |
| Granted |
- |
- |
|
0.1 |
14.15 |
1.0 |
23.05 |
| Exercised |
(0.2) |
21.27 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Cancelled or expired |
- |
- |
|
(0.4) |
22.29 |
(0.1) |
23.05 |
| Outstanding at end of
year |
0.4 |
$
22.31 |
|
0.6 |
$
21.87 |
0.9 |
$
23.05 |
</table>
<table>
|
Options
outstanding |
|
|
Options
exercisable |
| Range of exercise prices |
Number
outstanding at
December 31,
2001
(millions) |
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual life
(years) |
Weighted-average
exercise
price |
Number
exercisable at
December 31,
2001
(millions) |
Weighted-average
exercise price |
| $14.15 - $19.00 |
0.1 |
8.0 |
$
14.15 |
|
0.1 |
$
14.15 |
| $19.01 - $23.05 |
0.3 |
7.1 |
23.05 |
|
0.3 |
23.05 |
| $14.15 - $23.05 |
0.4 |
7.2 |
$
22.31 |
|
0.4 |
$
22.31 |
</table>
C. PERFORMANCE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN
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 a selected group of publicly traded companies. Until Dec. 31, 2001,
where common shares are awarded, such shares were then held in trust and therefore could not be
disposed of for a period of two additional years.
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.
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
1999 |
| Number of awards outstanding at beginning of
year |
1.0 |
|
0.9 |
0.6 |
| Granted |
0.4 |
|
0.5 |
0.3 |
| Awarded |
(0.1) |
|
(0.1) |
- |
| Cancelled or expired |
(0.3) |
|
(0.3) |
- |
| Number of awards outstanding at end of year |
1.0 |
|
1.0 |
0.9 |
</table>
In 2001, PSOP compensation expense was $4.8 million (2000 - $5.1 million expense; 1999 -
$0.9 million income). The first PSOP award maturity occurred in 2000 and 120,101 common
shares were issued at $14.15 per share. In 2001, 83,077 common shares were issued at $22.00
per share.
D. EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
Under the terms of the employee share purchase plan implemented in 2000, the corporation will
extend an interest-free loan (up to 30 per cent of employee's base salary) to employees and allow
for payroll deductions over a three-year period to repay these loans. 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, 2001, accounts receivable from employees under
the plan totalled $1.7 million (2000 - $1.6 million).
The old employee share purchase plan was terminated in 2000 and involved the issuance of up to
an aggregate of 200,000 common shares at prices based on the market price of the shares as
determined on the date of issue. Employees were able to obtain an interest-free loan, up to 10 per
cent of their gross salary, which was repayable over a 12-month period. In 2000, 19,535
common shares were purchased under the old plan and were fully repaid in 2001.
17. Prior period regulatory decisions
A. 1997 AND 1996 RATE ADJUSTMENTS RECORDED IN 1999
The EUB Phase II decision regarding TransAlta Utilities' rates for 1997 and 1996 was received in
1999. The EUB awarded an interest refund to retail customers for payment of interest on rate
refunds relating to its 1997 and 1996 rate decision. This rate adjustment reduced 1999 pre-tax
earnings from the discontinued Alberta D&R operation by $9.6 million ($5.3 million after-tax).
B. FINAL 1999 DECISION RECORDED IN 2000
On Feb. 1, 2000, the EUB announced an amendment to its 1999 Phase I decision (1999 Final
Decision) concerning a 1999 revenue requirement issue that partially offset the effect of its
original decision rendered in 1999. The positive impact of the 1999 Final Decision increased
earnings by $16.4 million after-tax and was recorded in 2000. Included in this amount was a
reduction in earnings of approximately $0.8 million related to the discontinued Alberta D&R
operation.
C. 2000 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION REGULATION (TSR) SETTLEMENT
In September 2000, TransAlta negotiated a settlement resulting in the receipt of $17.8 million
($9.9 million after-tax) under the TSR to compensate the corporation for obligation payments
incurred as a result of Alberta Generation production outages occurring in 1999 and 2000.
Approximately $13.5 million ($7.4 million after-tax) of this receipt related to 1999 outages and
$4.3 million ($2.5 million after-tax) related to the first quarter of 2000.
D. 2001 TSR SETTLEMENT
In December 2001, the EUB ruled the Wabamun unit four outage qualified for relief under the
TSR and ordered that TransAlta receive $11.0 million ($7.0 million after-tax) to compensate the
corporation for obligation payments incurred as a result of the outage.
18. Income taxes
A. STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
<table>
II. RATE RECONCILIATIONS
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes &
non-controlling interests |
$
293.1 |
|
$
316.5 |
$
149.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate |
43.31% |
|
44.62% |
44.62% |
|
|
|
|
|
| Expected taxes on income |
$
126.9 |
|
$
141.2 |
$
66.7 |
| Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: |
|
|
|
|
| Lower effective foreign tax rates |
(19.0)
|
|
(23.4) |
(6.7) |
| Resource allowance rate reduction |
(4.9) |
|
(4.7) |
(5.3) |
| TransAlta Power's share of TA Cogen's partnership income |
(6.2) |
|
(4.4) |
(4.1) |
| Manufacturing and processing rate reduction |
(7.9) |
|
(3.0) |
(1.0) |
| Non-deductible costs and other |
(0.1) |
|
8.3 |
8.3 |
| Large corporations tax (net of surtax) |
7.1 |
|
8.3 |
4.5 |
| Effect of tax rate changes |
(11.4)
|
|
2.6 |
- |
| Non-deductible royalties |
2.3 |
|
2.1 |
2.3 |
| Unrecognized future income tax assets |
3.1 |
|
1.5 |
- |
| Income tax expense |
$
89.9 |
|
$
128.5 |
$
64.7 |
| Effective tax rate |
30.7% |
|
40.6% |
43.3% |
III. II. COMPONENTS OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
|
|
|
|
| Current tax expense |
$
47.2 |
$
109.3 |
$
45.2 |
| Future income tax expense related to the origination and reversal
of temporary differences |
54.1 |
16.6 |
19.5 |
| Future income tax (benefit) expense resulting from changes in
tax rates or laws |
(11.4) |
2.6 |
- |
| Income tax expense |
$
89.9 |
$
128.5 |
$
64.7 |
</table>
B. BALANCE SHEETS
<table>
Significant components of the corporation's future income tax assets and liabilities are as
follows:
|
2001 |
2000 |
| Unrealized losses on electricity trading contracts |
$
148.8 |
$
393.9 |
| Future site restoration costs |
118.4 |
105.4 |
| Net operating and capital loss carry forwards |
69.3 |
42.0 |
| Other deductible temporary differences |
26.9 |
42.4 |
| Unrealized gains on electricity trading contracts |
(185.7) |
(417.2) |
| Capital assets |
(443.8) |
(395.6) |
| Other taxable temporary differences |
(122.3) |
(80.9) |
|
$
(388.4)
|
$
(310.0) |
Presented in the balance sheet as follows:
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
| Assets |
- current |
$
16.9 |
$
30.3 |
|
- long-term |
15.6 |
9.1 |
| Liabilities |
- current |
(11.8) |
- |
|
- long-term |
(409.1) |
(349.4) |
|
|
$
(388.4) |
$
(310.0) |
Future tax assets have not been recognized for the following items:
|
Expiry
date |
2001 |
2000 |
| Unused tax losses |
2016 |
$
11.0 |
$
8.6 |
The benefits (costs) of current and future income taxes credited (charged) to equity in the period
are as follows:
|
2001 |
2000 |
| Balance sheet - preferred securities issue costs |
$
2.4 |
$
- |
| Statement of earnings and retained earnings - preferred
securities distributions |
$
11.3 |
$
10.1 |
| Cumulative translation adjustment |
$
(18.1) |
$
12.1 |
C. REGULATED OPERATIONS
The following unrecognized amounts relating to the corporation's rate-regulated operations
would have been recorded had these operations been non-rate-regulated:
|
2001 |
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance sheet - unrecognized future income tax assets |
$
8.7 |
$
21.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
| Net earnings - unrecognized future income tax recovery |
$
0.8 |
$
110.1 |
$
7.4 |
</table>
19. Employee future benefits
A. DESCRIPTION
The corporation has a registered pension plan with defined benefit and defined contribution
options and a supplemental defined benefit plan covering substantially all employees of the
corporation, its domestic subsidiaries and specific named employees working internationally. 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 Aug.
31, 2000.
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, 1998.
B. EXPENSE
<table>
| December 31, 2001 |
Registered |
Supplemental |
Other |
Total |
| Current service cost |
$
3.9 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.4 |
$
5.1 |
| Interest cost |
22.1 |
1.7 |
0.9 |
24.7 |
| Expected return on plan assets |
(28.8) |
- |
- |
(28.8) |
| Amortization of net transition obligation (asset) |
(9.3) |
0.3 |
0.3 |
(8.7) |
| Defined benefit expense (income) |
$
(12.1) |
$
2.8 |
$
1.6 |
$
(7.7) |
| Defined contribution option expense of registered pension
plan |
|
|
|
9.7 |
| Expense before capitalization |
|
|
|
2.0 |
| Regulatory capitalization to plant and equipment |
|
|
|
(0.1) |
| Net expense |
|
|
|
$
1.9 |
| Current service cost |
$
3.2 |
$
0.7 |
$
0.4 |
$
4.3 |
| Interest cost |
21.3 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
23.5 |
| Expected return on plan assets |
(29.0) |
- |
- |
(29.0) |
| Curtailment as a result of other post-employment plan
changes |
- |
- |
(2.1) |
(2.1) |
| Settlement upon sale of Alberta D&R operation (Note 3) |
13.9 |
- |
(1.2) |
12.7 |
| Amortization of net transition (asset) obligation |
(9.5) |
0.3 |
- |
(9.2) |
| Defined benefit (income) expense |
$
(0.1) |
$
2.5 |
$
(2.2) |
$
0.2 |
| Defined contribution option expense of registered pension
plan |
|
|
|
10.2 |
| Income before capitalization |
|
|
|
10.4 |
| Regulatory capitalization to plant and equipment |
|
|
|
0.5 |
| Net expense |
|
|
|
$
10.9 |
| Current service cost |
$
3.0 |
$
0.8 |
$
0.4 |
$
4.2 |
| Interest cost |
19.3 |
1.3 |
0.6 |
21.2 |
| Expected return on plan assets |
(28.7) |
- |
- |
(28.7) |
| Amortization of net transition (asset) obligation |
(9.8) |
0.3 |
0.1 |
(9.4) |
| Defined benefit (income) expense |
$
(16.2) |
$
2.4 |
$
1.1 |
$
(12.7) |
| Defined contribution option expense of registered pension
plan |
|
|
|
10.3 |
| Income before capitalization |
|
|
|
(2.4) |
| Regulatory capitalization to plant and equipment |
|
|
|
0.5 |
| Net expense |
|
|
|
$
(1.9) |
Net amount related to continuing operations for 2001 was an expense of $1.7 million (2000
income of $1.9 million).
</table>
C. STATUS OF PLANS
<table>
| December 31, 2001 |
Registered |
Supplemental |
Other |
Total |
| Fair value of plan assets |
$ 403.4 |
$ - |
$ - |
$ 403.4 |
| Accrued benefit obligation |
345.5 |
27.5 |
13.6 |
386.6 |
| Funded status - plan surplus
(deficit) 1 |
57.9 |
(27.5) |
(13.6) |
16.8 |
| Amounts not yet recognized in
financial statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized transition obligation
(asset) |
(84.1) |
4.0 |
- |
(80.1) |
|
Unamortized net actuarial gains |
5.9 |
2.6 |
(4.4) |
12.9 |
| Total recognized in financial
statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued liability |
$ (20.3) |
$ (20.9) |
$ (9.2) |
$ (50.4) |
| Amortization period in years
(EARSL) |
11 |
11 |
15 |
|
| Fair value of plan assets |
$
423.5 |
$
- |
$
- |
$ 423.5 |
| Accrued benefit obligation |
323.8 |
24.6 |
9.1 |
357.5 |
| Funded status - plan surplus
(deficit) 1 |
99.7 |
(24.6) |
(9.1) |
66.0 |
| Amounts not yet recognized in
financial statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized transition (asset)
obligation |
(93.4) |
4.3 |
0.1 |
(89.0) |
|
Unamortized net actuarial gains |
(27.3) |
1.2 |
0.6 |
(25.5) |
| Total recognized in financial
statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued liability |
$
(21.0) |
$
(19.1) |
$
(8.4) |
$ (48.5) |
| Amortization period in years
(EARSL) |
11 |
11 |
15 |
|
1 Management intends to utilize the surplus in the registered defined benefit option to pay
contributions to the registered defined contribution option and the supplemental defined benefit
plan.
</table>
D. RECONCILIATION OF PLAN ASSETS
<table>
|
|
Registered |
Supplemental |
Other |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fair value of plan assets on December
31, 1999 |
$
417.2 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
417.2 |
| Transfers to defined contribution option |
(10.2) |
- |
- |
(10.2) |
| Settlement upon sale of Alberta D&R
operation (Note 3) |
(29.5) |
- |
- |
(29.5) |
| Business combination (Note 5) |
21.8 |
- |
- |
21.8 |
| Benefits paid |
(24.7) |
- |
- |
(24.7) |
| Actuarial return on plan assets1 |
48.9 |
- |
- |
48.9 |
| Fair value of plan assets at December
31, 2000 |
423.5 |
- |
- |
423.5 |
| Contributions |
0.9 |
- |
- |
0.9 |
| Transfers to defined contribution option |
(9.3) |
- |
- |
(9.3) |
| Settlement upon sale of Alberta D&R
operation (Note 3) |
2.6 |
- |
- |
2.6 |
| Benefits paid |
(25.1) |
- |
- |
(25.1) |
| Effect of translation on U.S. plans |
0.9 |
- |
- |
0.9 |
| Actual return on plan assets 1 |
9.9 |
- |
- |
9.9 |
| Fair value of plan assets at December
31, 2001 |
$
403.4 |
$
- |
$
- |
$
403.4 |
1 Net of expenses.
</table>
Plan assets include common shares of the corporation having a fair value of $0.9 million at Dec.
31, 2001 (2000 - $0.9 million). In 2001, the corporation charged the registered plan $0.1 million
(2000 - $0.1 million) for administrative services provided during the year.
E. RECONCILIATION OF ACCRUED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
<table>
|
|
Registered |
Supplemental |
Other |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Accrued benefit obligation as at December 31,
1999 |
$
285.5 |
$
19.7 |
$
9.6 |
$
314.8 |
| Current service cost |
3.2 |
0.7 |
0.4 |
4.3 |
| Interest cost |
21.3 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
23.5 |
| Benefits paid |
(23.6) |
(1.1) |
(0.9) |
(25.6) |
| Curtailment as a result of other
post-employment plan changes |
- |
- |
(2.1) |
(2.1) |
| Settlement upon sale of Alberta D&R operation
(Note 3) |
(11.0) |
- |
(1.2) |
(12.2) |
| Business combination (Note 5) |
28.1 |
- |
2.4 |
30.5 |
| Actuarial gains |
20.3 |
3.8 |
0.2 |
24.3 |
| Accrued benefit obligation as at December 31,
2000 |
323.8 |
24.6 |
9.1 |
357.5 |
| Current service cost |
3.9 |
0.8 |
0.4 |
5.1 |
| Interest cost |
22.1 |
1.7 |
0.9 |
24.7 |
| Benefits paid |
(24.0) |
(1.2) |
(1.0) |
(26.2) |
| Effect of translation on U.S. plans |
1.5 |
- |
0.2 |
1.7 |
| Actuarial gains |
18.2 |
1.6 |
4.0 |
23.8 |
| Accrued benefit obligation as at December
31, 2001 |
$
345.5 |
$
27.5 |
$
13.6 |
$
386.6
|
</table>
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the corporation's accrued benefit
obligations were as follows:
<table>
| Dec. 31, 2001 |
Registered |
Supplemental |
Other |
| Liability discount rate |
6.5% -
7.0% |
6.5% |
6.5% -
7.0% |
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets |
7.0% -
8.5% |
- |
- |
| Rate of compensation increase (exclusive of
promotion increases) |
3.5% -
5.0% |
3.5% |
- |
| Health care cost escalation |
- |
- |
6.6% -
7.0% 1 |
| Dental care cost escalation |
- |
- |
3.5% |
| Provincial health care premium escalation |
- |
- |
2.5% |
| Liability discount rate |
7.0% -
7.5% |
7.0% |
7.0% -
7.5% |
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets |
7.0% -
8.5% |
- |
- |
| Rate of compensation increase (exclusive of
promotion increases) |
3.5% |
3.5% |
- |
| Health care cost escalation |
- |
- |
6.6% -
7.0%1 |
| Dental care cost escalation |
- |
- |
3.5% |
| Provincial health care premium escalation |
- |
- |
2.5% |
| 1 For five years and 5 per cent thereafter for Canadian plans. For U.S. plans
decreasing gradually to 4.5 per cent for 2016 and remaining at that level
thereafter. |
|
20. Financial risk management
A. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
I . HEDGES OF FOREIGN OPERATIONS The corporation has exposure to changes in the
carrying values of its 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.
The interest component of the cross-currency interest rate swaps and interest on direct foreign
currency debt hedge a portion of the future earnings of the foreign operations. Settlement gains
and losses are included in earnings as realized.
Details of the notional amounts of cross-currency interest rate swaps were as follows:
<table>
|
2001 |
2001 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
Amount |
Maturities |
Amount |
Maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
| Australian dollar hedges |
AU$300.0 |
2002 -
2010 |
AU$305.0 |
2002 -
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
| U.S. dollar hedges |
US$749.0 |
2002 -
2006 |
US$664.0 |
2002 -
2009 |
</table>
At Dec. 31, 2001, the fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps was a liability of $45.0
million (2000 - $3.6 million liability) of which a $36.9 million liability (2000 - $23.4 million
asset) related to the principal component of the swaps is deferred and was recorded in deferred
credits and other long-term liabilities (Note 12) (2000 - other assets (Note 9)).
In addition, the corporation has designated U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt (Note 11) in
the amount of US$162.8 million (2000 - US$73.0 million) as a hedge of its net investment in
U.S. operations with $1.2 million (2000 - $0.3 million) of related foreign currency losses
deferred and included in CTA.
The corporation has also hedged a portion of its net investment in self-sustaining subsidiaries
with forward sales contracts with notional amounts of NZ$12.5 million (2000 NZ$12.5
million), US$43.3 million (2000 - US$9.0 million) and AU$nil (2000 AU$19.3 million). The
fair value of these contracts is a $0.1 million liability (2000 - $0.9 million liability), a $0.2
million liability (2000 - $0.5 million asset) and $nil (2000 - $0.5 million liability), respectively.
In addition, the corporation has hedged foreign currency denominated long-term intercompany
loans to a self-sustaining foreign subsidiary using forward contracts with a notional amount of
US$122.9 million (2000 nil) and a fair value liability of $1.6 million (2000 nil).
In 2000, the corporation had hedged a portion of its future earnings from foreign operations
through forward sales contracts maturing in 2002 with total notional amounts of US$7.5 million.
The fair value of these contracts at Dec. 31, 2000 was a $0.2 million asset.
IV. HEDGES OF FUTURE FOREIGN CURRENCY OBLIGATIONS
The corporation has hedged future foreign currency obligations through forward purchase
contracts as follows: <table>
|
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
|
Currency |
|
Fair value |
|
Fair value |
| Currency
sold |
purchased |
Amount |
asset
(liability) |
Amount |
asset
(liability) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| U.S. dollars |
Swiss francs |
22.6 Swiss
francs |
($0.1) |
52.0 Swiss
francs |
($2.8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Canadian
dollars |
U.S. dollars |
US$196.6 |
$3.6 |
US$91.0 |
$2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Canadian
dollars |
British
pounds |
£1.8 |
$0.1 |
£4.0 |
$0.1 |
</table>
At Dec. 31, 2001, deferred foreign exchange losses of $8.7 million (2000 - $6.9 million)
related to these hedges were included in other assets (Note 9).
In addition, at Dec. 31, 2000, the corporation had hedged a foreign currency denominated
short-term intercompany operating loan to a self-sustaining foreign subsidiary using
forward contracts with a notional amount of US$12.5 million and a fair value asset of $0.1
million.
B. INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
I . EXISTING DEBT At Dec. 31, 2001, the corporation had fixed the interest rates on 64.8
per cent (2000 64.0 per cent) of its debt through fixed-rate borrowings.
The corporation has converted the interest rates on $425.0 million (2000 - $150.0 million) of
its long-term fixed interest rate debt to floating rates through receive fixed interest rate
swaps (Note 11). The total fair value of these swaps as at Dec. 31, 2001 was a $20.9 million
asset (2000 - $5.3 million asset).
The fair value of the corporation's fixed interest long-term debt changes as interest rates
change, with details as follows:
<table>
|
2001 |
2001 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying
amount |
Fair value |
Carrying
amount |
Fair value |
|
|
|
|
|
| Long-term debt -
recourse |
$
2,511.1 |
$
2,527.7 |
$
2,201.4 |
$
2,205.0 |
</table>
II. ANTICIPATED FUTURE DEBT ISSUANCES The corporation uses forward starting
interest rate swaps, treasury locks and spread locks to hedge its interest payments on anticipated
future debt issuances. As at Dec. 31, 2001, the total notional principal amounts were $nil (2000 -
$200.0 million) and US$338.5 million (2000 US$93.5 million), having total fair value
liabilities of $nil (2000 - $2.6 million) and $8.3 million (2000 - $6.2 million), respectively, and
maturities from 2002 to 2016.
C. ENERGY COMMODITIES PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT
I . TRADING ACTIVITIES The corporation markets energy derivatives, including physical and
financial swaps, forwards and options, to gain market information, optimize returns from assets
and to earn trading revenues. At Dec. 31, 2001, details of the corporation's trading positions were
as follows:
<table>
|
|
Fixed price
payor |
Fixed price
receiver |
Maximum term |
|
Units (000's) |
notional
amounts |
notional
amounts |
In months |
|
|
|
|
|
| Electricity |
Megawatt-hours
(MWh) |
13,893.7 |
13,931.5 |
60 |
| Natural gas |
gigajoules (GJ) |
189,947.4 |
140,952.3 |
60 |
| Crude oil |
barrels (BBLS) |
325.0 |
25.0 |
12 |
| Electrical
transmission rights |
MWh |
871.6 |
- |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
</table>
The carrying and fair value of energy commodity trading assets included in accounts receivable
was $370.9 million (2000 - $1,150.3 million). The carrying and fair value of energy commodity
liabilities included in accounts payable was $339.6 million (2000 - $1,110.3 million).
II. HEDGING ACTIVITIES The corporation uses energy derivatives, including physical and
financial swaps, forwards and options, to manage its exposure to changes in electricity and
natural gas prices. At Dec. 31, 2001, details of the corporation's hedging position were as
follows:
<table>
|
Floating price
payor notional
amount |
Floating price
receiver
notional amount |
Maximum
term |
|
|
|
in months |
| Heat rate swaps |
1,515.6 MWh |
8,790.5 GJ |
82 |
| Diesel swap (millions of litres) |
16.1 |
16.1 |
12 |
| Commodity hedges |
219 MWh |
1,270.2 GJ |
12 |
</table>
The fair value of these swaps total an asset of $2.2 million (2000 -$54.8 million liability).
In addition, the corporation has entered into a number of long-term gas purchase and
transportation agreements in the normal course of business to hedge its long-term electricity sales
contracts. 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. For Energy Marketing, 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 not exposed to credit risk for
Alberta Generation PPAs under the terms of these contracts.
The corporation has a concentration of credit risk relating to its long-term receivable of $173.3
million from UtiliCorp Networks Canada arising from the sale of the discontinued Alberta D&R
operation. At Dec. 31, 2000, the corporation had US$66.2 million of receivables outstanding
related to sales to the California market. US$12.9 million of this amount was received during
2001, however, ultimate collection of the remaining balance remains uncertain. As a result, the
provision of US$28.8 million established in 2000 remains in place. At Dec. 31, 2001,
TransAlta's exposure to credit risk resulting from the bankruptcy of Enron Corporation was $1.3
million and appropriate provisions have been made.
The maximum credit exposure to any one customer, including the fair value of open trading
positions, is $98.4 million. Approximately $47 million of this exposure is secured by a letter of
credit.
21. Joint ventures
Summarized information on the results of operations, financial position and cash flows relating
to the corporation's pro-rata interests in its continuing jointly controlled corporations was as
follows:
<table>
| Results of operations |
|
|
|
| Revenues |
$
90.5 |
$
112.2 |
$
22.2 |
| Expenses |
(74.2) |
(95.7) |
(19.1) |
| Proportionate share of net earnings |
$
16.3 |
$
16.5 |
$
3.1 |
| Cash flows |
|
|
|
| Cash flow from operations |
$
13.0 |
$
18.0 |
$
8.9 |
| Cash flow to investing activities |
(8.3) |
(17.8) |
(102.0) |
| Cash flow from (to) from financing activities |
(8.3) |
(35.0) |
92.3 |
| Proportionate share of changes in cash |
$
(3.6) |
$
(34.8) |
$
(0.8) |
| Financial position |
|
|
|
| Current assets |
$
140.2 |
$
69.7 |
|
| Long-term assets |
172.8 |
185.4 |
|
| Current liabilities |
(144.4) |
(48.3) |
|
| Long-term liabilities |
- |
(56.4) |
|
| Proportionate share of net assets |
$
168.6 |
$
150.4 |
|
</table>
22. Related party transactions
In September 2001, the corporation sold its 60 per cent interest in its Fort Saskatchewan plant to
TA Cogen for an after-tax gain of $5.0 million (Note 5).
In November 2000, TA Cogen entered into a fixed-for-floating gas swap transaction with
TransAlta Energy for a five-year and one-month period starting Dec. 1, 2000. As described in
Note 12, TA Cogen is owned 49.99 per cent by TransAlta Power, a publicly-owned limited
partnership with the remaining 50.01 per cent owned by TransAlta Energy, which also operates
and maintains TA Cogen's three combined-cycle power plants in Ontario and a plant in Fort
Saskatchewan. The swap transaction provided TA Cogen with fixed price gas for both the
Mississauga and Ottawa plants over the five-year period. The floating prices associated with the
Mississauga and Ottawa Cogen plants' long-term fuel supply agreements were transferred to
TransAlta Energy'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, 2001, the portion of the contract related to the minority interest
had a fair value liability of $13.3 million (2000 - $19.0 million liability) and was included as a
charge to non-controlling interests.
23. Commitments
A significant portion of the corporation's electricity and thermal sales revenues are subject to
long-term contracts and arrangements. In Generation, commencing Jan. 1, 2001, Alberta
Generation assets became subject to long-term PPAs for the remaining life of each plant or unit.
These PPAs set a production requirement and availability target to be supplied by each plant or
unit and the price at which each megawatt-hour will be supplied to the customer. A significant
portion of Generation's Centralia plant production is subject to short to medium-term energy
sales contracts. In addition, most of the corporation's energy sales from its IPP plants are also
subject to medium to long-term energy sales contracts.
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. In addition, the corporation has committed to purchase turbines for a total purchase
price of $262.9 million, has entered into a number of operating lease agreements and
commitments under mining agreements. Approximate future payments under these turbines
commitments and operating lease agreements are as follows:
<table>
|
Operating leases |
Turbines |
Mining
agreements |
Total |
| 2002 |
$
4.7 |
$
58.7 |
$
10.9 |
$
74.3 |
| 2003 |
4.7 |
118.1 |
10.9 |
133.7 |
| 2004 |
1.6 |
79.9 |
10.9 |
92.4 |
| 2005 |
1.1 |
6.2 |
10.9 |
18.2 |
| 2006 |
1.0 |
- |
10.9 |
11.9 |
| 2007 and thereafter |
2.0 |
- |
195.5 |
197.5 |
|
$
15.1 |
$
262.9 |
$
250.0 |
$
528.0 |
</table>
24. Other contingencies
In August 2000, a single thermal generating unit at the Wabamun plant was shut down due to
safety concerns related to possible corrosion fatigue cracks within the waterwall tubing of its
boiler. Repairs were completed late in the second quarter of 2001 and the unit returned to service
in June 2001.
Commencing Jan. 1, 2001, the unit is subject to the terms of a PPA. Under the PPA's force
majeure article, the corporation is not obligated to supply electricity during the period of repair,
subject to confirmation by the administrator of the PPAs. Should such confirmation not occur,
the corporation would be obligated to pay a penalty equal to the cost of obtaining an alternative
source of electricity to fulfill its PPA supply obligations during the affected period. No amount
has been accrued in these financial statements for this potential liability as neither the outcome
nor amount was determinable at the reporting date. Should the force majeure decision not be in
TransAlta's favour, it could have a maximum pre-tax impact of $90.0 million dollars.
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 will
have a material adverse effect on the corporation as a whole.
25. Comparative figures
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year's
presentation.
26. U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP,
which, in most respects, conforms to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (U.S.
GAAP). Significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP are as follows:
<table>
A. EARNINGS AND EPS
|
Reconciling
items |
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 |
| Earnings from continuing operations - Canadian GAAP |
|
$
182.6 |
|
$
146.4 |
|
$
53.9 |
| Derivatives and hedging activities, net of tax |
(I) |
20.0 |
|
(4.2) |
|
(15.6) |
| Start-up costs, net of tax |
(II) |
3.6 |
|
10.5 |
|
(5.7) |
| Preferred security distributions, net of tax |
(III) |
(13.1) |
|
(12.8) |
|
(5.2) |
| Amortization of debt extinguishment, net of tax |
(IV) |
0.8 |
|
0.8 |
|
0.8 |
| Income taxes - rate change adjustment |
(V) |
20.0 |
|
2.6 |
|
- |
| Amortization of pension transition adjustment |
(VI) |
(4.5) |
|
- |
|
- |
| Earnings from continuing operations - U.S. GAAP |
|
$
209.4 |
|
$
143.3 |
|
$
28.2 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations - Canadian and U.S.
GAAP |
|
$
45.1 |
|
$
89.1 |
|
$
101.7 |
| Net gain on disposal of discontinued operations - Canadian and U.S. GAAP |
$
- |
|
$
266.8 |
|
$
19.7 |
| Net earnings before extraordinary items and change in accounting
principle - U.S. GAAP |
$
254.5 |
|
$
499.2 |
|
$
149.6 |
| Extraordinary loss - Canadian GAAP |
|
- |
|
209.7 |
|
- |
| Income taxes - rate change adjustment |
(V) |
- |
|
22.6 |
|
- |
| Employee future benefits |
(VI) |
- |
|
(30.3) |
|
- |
| Extraordinary loss - U.S. GAAP |
|
$
- |
|
$
202.0 |
|
$
- |
| Net earnings before change in accounting principle - U.S.
GAAP |
|
$
254.5 |
|
$297.2 |
|
$
149.6 |
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of
taxes of $0.1 |
(I) |
0.2 |
|
- |
|
$
- |
| Net income - U.S. GAAP |
|
$
254.7 |
|
$
297.2 |
|
$149.6 |
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of
taxes of $25.9 |
(I), (VIII) |
(38.5) |
|
- |
|
- |
| Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment |
(I), (VIII) |
(5.4) |
|
19.6 |
|
$
(25.9) |
| Net gain on derivative instruments |
(I), (VIII) |
10.0 |
|
- |
|
- |
| Comprehensive income - U.S. GAAP |
|
$
220.8 |
|
$
316.8 |
|
$
123.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic EPS - U.S. GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Earnings from continuing operations |
|
$
1.24 |
|
$
0.85 |
|
$
0.17 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations |
|
0.27 |
|
0.53 |
|
0.60 |
| Net gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
- |
|
1.58 |
|
0.11 |
| Extraordinary loss |
|
- |
|
(1.20) |
|
- |
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
| Net earnings |
|
$
1.51 |
|
$
1.76 |
|
$
0.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diluted EPS - U.S. GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Earnings from continuing operations |
|
$
1.22 |
|
$
0.82 |
|
$
0.15 |
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle |
|
$
- |
|
$
- |
|
$
- |
| Net earnings |
|
$
1.49 |
|
$
1.73 |
|
$
0.87 |
</table>
B. Balance Sheet INFORMATION
<table>
|
|
Reconciling
items |
|
Canadian
GAAP |
U.S.
GAAP |
|
Canadian
GAAP |
U.S.
GAAP |
| Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current derivative assets |
|
(I) |
|
$
- |
|
$
58.5 |
|
$ -
|
|
$
- |
| Future or deferred income tax
assets - current |
(V) |
|
$
16.9 |
|
$
25.6 |
|
$
30.3 |
|
$
8.7 |
| Income taxes receivable |
|
(I), (II), (VI)
|
|
$
128.3 |
|
$
136.9 |
|
$ 153.9 |
|
$
153.9 |
| Investments |
|
(X) |
|
$
37.3 |
|
$
227.8 |
|
$ 228.0 |
|
$
228.0 |
| Capital assets, net |
|
(II) |
|
$
6,124.1 |
|
$
6,140.2 |
|
$ 5,277.1 |
|
$
5,287.2 |
| Regulatory rate-making liability |
|
(V) |
|
$
- |
|
$
(8.7) |
|
$ -
|
|
$
(22.3) |
| Long-term derivative asset |
|
(I) |
|
$
- |
|
$
54.1 |
|
$ -
|
|
$
- |
| Other assets |
|
(I), (II), (III), (VI) |
$
47.1 |
|
$
18.3 |
|
$
77.0 |
|
$
50.7 |
| Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities |
|
(VI) |
|
$
1,116.1 |
|
$
1,069.3 |
|
$ 1,437.9 |
|
$
1,394.8 |
| Current derivative liability |
|
(I) |
|
$
- |
|
$
21.5 |
|
$
- |
|
$
- |
| Long-term debt |
|
(I), (III), (X)
|
|
$
2,406.8 |
|
$
3,080.2 |
|
$ 2,121.8 |
|
$
2,413.2 |
| Deferred credits and other
long-term liabilities |
(I), (IV) |
|
$
526.5 |
|
$
498.7 |
|
$ 455.1 |
|
$
478.1 |
| Firm commitments |
|
(I) |
|
$
- |
|
$
3.6 |
|
$
- |
|
$
- |
| Long-term derivative liabilities |
|
(I) |
|
$
- |
|
$
134.3 |
|
$
- |
|
$
- |
| Future or deferred income tax
liability |
|
(I), (II), (III), (IV),
(V), (VI) |
$
409.1 |
|
$
416.6 |
|
$ 349.4 |
|
$
330.0 |
| Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Preferred securities |
|
(III) |
|
$
452.6 |
|
$
- |
|
$ 292.0 |
|
$
- |
| Common shares |
|
(IX) |
|
$
1,170.9 |
|
$
1,169.2 |
|
$ 1,150.3 |
|
$1,148.7 |
| Retained earnings |
|
(I), (II), (IV), (V),
(VI) |
$
838.3 |
|
$
858.4 |
|
$ 826.9 |
|
$
806.9 |
| Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
(I), (VIII) |
|
$
(19.5) |
|
$
- |
|
$
(19.8) |
|
$
- |
| Accumulated other comprehensive
income |
(I), (VIII) |
|
$
- |
|
$
(53.7) |
|
$ -
|
|
$
(19.8) |
</table>
V. C. RECONCILING ITEMS
I. Derivatives and hedging activities
On Jan. 1, 2001, the corporation adopted Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities. The new statement requires all derivative instruments to be recorded on
the balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings in the period of
change. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, the changes in fair
value of the derivative and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in
earnings in the period the change occurs. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash
flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in
other comprehensive income (OCI) and are recognized in earnings as the hedged item affects
earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in
earnings. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign
currency, the effective portion of changes in fair value are recorded OCI as part of the CTA and
the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings.
The adoption of Statement 133 on Jan. 1, 2001 resulted in the recognition of additional derivative
assets with a fair value of $1.6 million, firm commitment assets with a fair value of $0.6 million,
additional derivative liabilities with a fair value of $88.6 million, a $0.3 million ($0.2 million
after-tax) credit to income as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and a
charge of $64.4 million ($38.5 million after-tax) to OCI as the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle.
(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.
The corporation's fair value hedges resulted in a net gain of $0.2 million ($0.1 million after-tax)
related to the ineffective portion of its hedging instruments (inclusive of the time value of
money) and a net gain of $nil related to the portion of the hedging instrument excluded from the
assessment of hedge effectiveness.
(ii) Cash Flow Hedging STRATEGY The corporation uses forward-starting swaps, treasury
locks and spread locks to hedge the interest rates of anticipated issuances of debt. These
instruments will protect the corporation against increases in interest rates prior to the date of
issuance. The maximum term of cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions is 13 years.
The corporation's cash flow hedges resulted in a net gain of $nil related to the ineffective portion
of its hedging instruments, and a net gain of $nil related to the portion of the hedging instrument
excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Over the next twelve months, the
corporation expects to reclassify approximately $3.7 million of net losses on cash flow hedging
instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to earnings.
(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 United States, Australia and
Barbados. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these hedges are included in CTA
included in OCI, with the related amounts due to or from counterparties included in other assets,
long-term debt and other liabilities.
The corporation recognized $0.2 million of net gains on its net investment hedges, included
CTA, related to its forward sales contracts.
(iv) TRADING ACTIVITIES As disclosed in Note 20, the corporation markets energy
derivatives to gain market information, optimize returns from assets and to earn trading revenues.
These derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value under both Canadian and U.S.
GAAP.
II. 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 capital assets as under
Canadian GAAP, which also results in decreased depreciation and amortization expense under
U.S. GAAP.
III. Preferred securities
Under U.S. GAAP, the corporation's preferred securities are considered to be entirely debt with
no equity component, whereas under Canadian GAAP, these preferred securities have both a debt
and equity component. Accordingly, the preferred security distributions are classified as an
expense under U.S. GAAP rather than a direct charge to retained earnings. Under U.S. GAAP,
the costs associated with the issuance of the preferred securities are recorded as an asset whereas
under Canadian GAAP, these costs, net of tax, are charged to preferred securities. The fair value
of the preferred securities at Dec. 31, 2001 was $485.5 million (2000 $315.4 million).
IV. Debt extinguishment
Under U.S. GAAP, the premium on redemption of long-term debt related to the limited
partnership transaction is recorded as an extraordinary loss when incurred, whereas for Canadian
GAAP the loss is amortized to earnings over the period of the limited partnership to 2018.
V. Income taxes
Future income taxes under Canadian GAAP are referred to as deferred income taxes under U.S.
GAAP. Canadian and U.S. GAAP require accounting for income taxes using the liability method
of tax allocation; however, two significant differences remain between Canadian and U.S.
GAAP:
(i) Canadian GAAP requires that future income tax balances be adjusted to reflect substantively
enacted rates rather than currently legislated tax rates under U.S. GAAP. As a result of this
difference, a $20.0 million (2000 - $2.6 million; 1999 - $nil) adjustment to earnings from
continuing operations is required; and
(ii) Under Canadian GAAP, rate-regulated operations need not recognize future income taxes to
the extent that future income taxes are expected to be included in the rates charged to and
recovered from customers. For these operations, U.S. GAAP requires that the corporation record
deferred income tax assets or liabilities for its rate-regulated operations. As these amounts are
recoverable or payable through future revenues, a corresponding regulatory rate-making asset or
liability is recorded for U.S. GAAP purposes.
Deferred income taxes under U.S. GAAP would be as follows:
<table>
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Future income tax liability (net) under Canadian
GAAP |
$
(388.4) |
|
$
(310.0) |
|
$
(72.3) |
| Rate-regulated operations deferred income taxes |
8.7 |
|
21.2 |
|
(51.2) |
| Other U.S. GAAP adjustments, net |
(27.5) |
|
(3.4) |
|
25.5 |
| Difference related to rate change adjustment |
20.0 |
|
(20.0) |
|
- |
|
$
(387.2) |
|
$
(312.2) |
|
$
(98.0) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Comprised of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current deferred income tax assets |
$
25.6 |
|
$
8.7 |
|
$
1.0 |
| Long-term deferred income tax assets |
15.6 |
|
9.1 |
|
6.1 |
| Current deferred income tax liabilities |
(11.8) |
|
- |
|
- |
| Long-term deferred income tax liabilities |
(416.6) |
|
(330.0) |
|
(105.1) |
|
$
(387.2) |
|
$
(312.2) |
|
$
(98.0) |
</table>
VI. Employee future benefits
US 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 Securities and Exchange Commission and is amortized over ten years.
The difference between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP for the corporation's regulated
operations has no effect on net earnings and retained earnings, as any difference from the allowed
method of recovery is recognized as a regulatory rate-making liability refundable through
regulation. As indicated in Note 4, the corporation discontinued regulatory accounting and
commenced the application of Canadian GAAP consistent with the deregulation of the electricity
generation industry in Alberta beginning Jan. 1, 2001.
<table>
Sensitivity to changes in assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
One
percentage |
|
One
percentage |
|
|
|
|
|
point
increase |
|
point
decrease |
| Effect on total service and interest
costs |
|
0.1 |
|
(0.1) |
| Effect on post-retirement benefit
obligation |
|
0.6 |
|
(0.6) |
</table>
VII. Joint ventures
In accordance with Canadian GAAP, joint ventures are required to be proportionately
consolidated regardless of the legal form of the entity. Under US 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 for the
purpose of this reconciliation to account for incorporated joint ventures by the proportionate
consolidation method.
VIII. Other comprehensive income
The changes in the components of OCI were as follows:
<table>
| Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes of
($25.9) million |
$
(38.5) |
$
- |
$
-
|
| Net gain on derivative instruments: |
|
|
|
| Unrealized gains, net of taxes of $0.4 million |
0.5 |
- |
- |
| Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income,
net of taxes of $6.3 million |
9.5 |
- |
- |
| Net gain on derivative instruments |
10.0 |
- |
- |
| Translation adjustments |
(5.4) |
19.6 |
(26.3) |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) |
$
(33.9) |
$
19.6 |
$
(26.3) |
| The components of accumulated other comprehensive income
were: |
|
|
|
| Net loss on derivative instruments |
$
(28.5) |
$
- |
|
| Translation adjustments |
(25.2) |
(19.8) |
|
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
$
(53.7) |
$
(19.8) |
|
</table>
IX. SHARE CAPITAL Under US GAAP, amounts receivable for share capital should be
recorded as a deduction from shareholder's equity. Under the corporation's employee share
purchase plan, accounts receivable for share purchases at Dec. 31, 2001 was $1.7 million (2000 -
$1.6 million).
X. RIGHT OF OFFSET AGREEMENT As disclosed in Notes 6 and 11, the corporation has a
New Zealand bank deposit that has been offset with a New Zealand bank facility. The
arrangement does not qualify for offsetting under U.S. GAAP.
D. stock option plans
The corporation has elected to account for stock compensation in accordance with the
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
No amount of compensation expense has been recognized in the financial statements for stock
options granted to employees and directors. The following table provides pro forma measures of
net income and net income per common share in accordance with US GAAP had stock options
been recognized as compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the options on the
grant date in accordance with Statement 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
<table>
|
|
2001 |
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 |
|
1999 |
|
|
As |
|
Pro |
|
As |
|
Pro |
|
As |
|
Pro |
|
|
reported |
|
forma |
|
Reported |
|
forma |
|
reported |
|
forma |
| Net earnings |
$
254.7 |
|
$
252.7 |
|
$
297.2 |
|
$
296.9 |
|
$
149.6 |
|
$
149.1 |
| EPS |
|
$
1.51 |
|
$
1.50 |
|
$
1.76 |
|
$
1.76 |
|
$
0.88 |
|
$
0.88 |
</table>
Stock options granted in 2001 had an estimated weighted-average fair value of $4.35 per option
(2000 - $1.86; 1999 $3.07). All options issued by the corporation permit the holder to purchase
one common share of the corporation at the stated exercise price.
The estimated fair value of stock options issued was determined using the binomial model using
the following weighted average assumptions:
<table>
| Risk-free interest rate (%) |
|
|
|
5.4 |
5.4 |
4.8 |
| Expected hold period to exercise (years) |
|
|
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
| Volatility in the price of the corporation's
shares (%) |
|
28.2 |
19.6 |
16.4 |
</table>
Future dividend payments were assumed in estimating the fair value of the options.
E. Changes in accounting standards
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement 141, Business
Combinations, and Statement 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Statement 141
requires business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. It also specifies the types of acquired intangible assets that are
required to be recognized and reported separately from goodwill. Statement 142 requires that
goodwill and certain intangibles no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at
least annually. Statement 142 is required to be applied in fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15,
2001, with early application permitted in certain circumstances. On Jan. 1, 2002, the corporation
reclassified $29.3 million from acquired intangibles resulting from the acquisition of MEGA, to
goodwill, which will not be subject to amortization. There was no impairment of this goodwill
upon adoption. Amortization of this amount was approximately $7.7 million in 2001 (2000 -
$3.6 million; 1999 - $nil).
In August 2001, the 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. Statement 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2002, with earlier application encouraged. Upon adoption, the corporation will
recognize an increase in liabilities in the amount of approximately $470 million with a
corresponding increase in capital assets.
In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement 144, Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets, which requires that all long-lived assets, including discontinued operations, be measured
at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Discontinued operations are no
longer measured at net realizable value and will no longer include provisions for operating losses
that have not yet occurred. Further, discontinued operations have been broadened to include
components that can be distinguished from the rest of the entity. Statement 144 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after Dec. 14, 2001, with earlier application encouraged. The corporation
does not expect impairment of any long-lived assets upon adoption, and no provision for losses
has been made for the discontinued Transmission operation, which is expected to be sold in the
first half of 2002.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TransAlta Corporation
(Registrant)
By:/s/ Rodger Conner
(Signature)
Rodger Conner, Corporate Secretary
Date: March 1, 2002