EX-13.1 2 fins.htm CONSOLIDATED COMPARATIVE INTERIM UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE REGISTRANT FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014. CA Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc. 403-717-3898
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(in millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
Unaudited
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
         
(Restated)*
         
(Restated)*
 
                         
Revenues
    639       623       1,905       1,705  
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2)
    277       265       824       669  
Gross margin
    362       358       1,081       1,036  
Operations, maintenance, and administration (Note 6)
    138       128       404       376  
Depreciation and amortization
    135       124       402       382  
Asset impairment reversals
    (1 )     (18 )     (1 )     (18 )
Restructuring provision
    -       (1 )     -       (3 )
Taxes, other than income taxes
    7       7       21       22  
Operating income
    83       118       255       277  
Finance lease income
    12       11       36       34  
Equity income (loss) (Note 3)
    -       2       -       (5 )
Net interest expense (Note 4)
    (64 )     (65 )     (192 )     (190 )
Foreign exchange loss
    -       (6 )     (7 )     (2 )
Gain on sale of assets (Note 3)
    -       -       1       10  
Loss on assumption of pension obligations
    -       -       -       (29 )
California claim (Note 5)
    -       -       (5 )     -  
Insurance recovery (Note 6)
    -       -       2       -  
Sundance Units 1 and 2 return to service
    -       (15 )     -       (15 )
Earnings before income taxes
    31       45       90       80  
Income tax expense (Note 7)
    18       48       33       41  
Net earnings (loss)
    13       (3 )     57       39  
                                 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to:
                               
TransAlta shareholders
    3       -       21       23  
Non-controlling interests (Note 8)
    10       (3 )     36       16  
      13       (3 )     57       39  
                                 
Net earnings attributable to TransAlta shareholders
    3       -       21       23  
Preferred share dividends (Note 14)
    9       9       28       28  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders
    (6 )     (9 )     (7 )     (5 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period (millions)
    273       266       272       262  
                                 
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted (Note 13)
    (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )
                                 
* See Note 2(A) for prior period restatements.
                               
See accompanying notes.
                               
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 1

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
Unaudited
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
                         
Net earnings (loss)
    13       (3 )     57       39  
Net actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax(1)
    3       17       (8 )     28  
Reclassification of losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges to non-financial assets, net of tax(2)
    -       -       -       1  
Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net earnings
    3       17       (8 )     29  
Gains (losses) on translating net assets of foreign operations
    25       (16 )     45       16  
Reclassification of translation gains on net assets of divested foreign operations (Note 3)
    -       -       (6 )     -  
Gains (losses) on financial instruments designated as hedges of foreign operations, net of tax(3)
    (19 )     15       (37 )     (14 )
Reclassification of losses on financial instruments designated ashedges of divested foreign operations, net of tax(4) (Note 3)
    -       -       7       -  
Gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax(5)
    111       (47 )     100       (20 )
Reclassification of (gains) losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges to net earnings, net of tax(6)
    (49 )     35       (27 )     (4 )
Total items that will be reclassified subsequently to net earnings
    68       (13 )     82       (22 )
Other comprehensive income
    71       4       74       7  
Total comprehensive income
    84       1       131       46  
                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:
                               
TransAlta shareholders
    73       5       88       23  
Non-controlling interests
    11       (4 )     43       23  
      84       1       131       46  
 
(1) Net of income tax expense of 1 and recovery of 3 for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 (2013 - 6 and 10 expense), respectively.
(2) Net of income tax recovery of 1 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2013.
(3) Net of income tax recovery of 2 and 5 for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 (2013 - 2 expense and 2 recovery), respectively.
(4) Net of income tax recovery of 1 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 (2013 - nil).
(5) Net of income tax expense of 44 and 37 for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 (2013 - 22 and 26 recovery), respectively.
(6) Net of income tax expense of 7 and 1 for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 (2013 - 8 and 3 recovery), respectively.
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
2 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
 
   
Sept. 30, 2014
   
Dec. 31, 2013
 
Unaudited
       
(Restated)*
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    245       42  
Accounts receivable (Note 9)
    345       473  
Current portion of finance lease receivable
    4       3  
Collateral paid (Note 10)
    17       20  
Prepaid expenses
    32       12  
Risk management assets (Notes 9 and 10)
    129       113  
Inventory (Note 2)
    86       77  
Income taxes receivable
    3       8  
Assets held for sale (Note 3)
    5       -  
      866       748  
Investments (Note 3)
    -       192  
Long-term portion of finance lease receivable
    389       377  
Property, plant, and equipment (Note 11)
               
Cost
    12,351       12,024  
Accumulated depreciation
    (5,189 )     (4,831 )
      7,162       7,193  
                 
Goodwill
    461       460  
Intangible assets
    322       323  
Deferred income tax assets
    47       118  
Risk management assets (Notes 9 and 10)
    230       116  
Other assets
    91       97  
Total assets
    9,568       9,624  
                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    410       447  
Current portion of decommissioning and other provisions
    21       16  
Risk management liabilities (Notes 9 and 10)
    69       85  
Income taxes payable
    -       3  
Dividends payable (Note 13)
    55       85  
Current portion of finance lease obligation
    10       8  
Current portion of long-term debt (Notes 9 and 12)
    716       209  
      1,281       853  
Long-term debt (Notes 9 and 12)
    3,410       4,113  
Long-term portion of finance lease obligation
    24       17  
Decommissioning and other provisions
    330       316  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    428       459  
Risk management liabilities (Notes 9 and 10)
    96       103  
Defined benefit obligation and other long-term liabilities
    325       340  
Equity
               
Common shares (Note 13)
    2,979       2,913  
Preferred shares (Note 14)
    943       781  
Contributed surplus
    9       9  
Deficit
    (869 )     (735 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    5       (62 )
Equity attributable to shareholders
    3,067       2,906  
Non-controlling interests (Note 8)
    607       517  
Total equity
    3,674       3,423  
Total liabilities and equity
    9,568       9,624  
                 
* See Note 2(A) for prior period restatements.
               
Commitments (Note 15)
               
Contingencies (Note 16)
               
                 
See accompanying notes.
               

 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 3

 

TRANSALTA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
 
9 months ended Sept. 30, 2014
                                 
Unaudited
 
Common
shares
 
Preferred shares
 
Contributed
surplus
 
Deficit
 
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
 
Attributable to
shareholders
 
Attributable to
non-controlling
interests
 
Total
 
                                                   
Balance, Dec. 31, 2013
    2,913     781     9     (735 )   (62 )   2,906     517     3,423  
Net earnings
    -     -     -     21     -     21     36     57  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                 
 
Net gains on translating net assets of foreign operations, net of hedges and tax
    -     -     -     -     9     9     -     9  
 
Net gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax
    -     -     -     -     66     66     7     73  
 
Net actuarial losses on defined benefits plans, net of tax
    -     -     -     -     (8 )   (8 )   -     (8 )
                                                   
Total comprehensive income
    -     -     -     21     67     88     43     131  
                                                   
Common share dividends
    -     -     -     (147 )   -     (147 )   -     (147 )
Preferred share dividends
    -     -     -     (28 )   -     (28 )   -     (28 )
Secondary offering of TransAlta Renewables Inc. shares (Note 8)
    -     -     -     20     -     20     109     129  
Distributions paid, and payable, to non-controlling interests
    -     -     -     -     -     -     (62 )   (62 )
Common shares issued
    66     -     -     -     -     66     -     66  
Preferred shares issued
    -     162     -     -     -     162     -     162  
Balance, Sept. 30, 2014
    2,979     943     9     (869 )   5     3,067     607     3,674  
                                                   
See accompanying notes.
                                                 

 
4 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
9 months ended Sept. 30, 2013
     
Unaudited
 
Common
shares
 
Preferred
shares
 
Contributed
surplus
 
Deficit
 
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
 
Attributable to
shareholders
 
Attributable to
non-controlling
interests
 
Total
 
                                   
Balance, Dec. 31, 2012
    2,726     781     9     (362 )   (136 )   3,018     330     3,348  
Net earnings
    -     -     -     23     -     23     16     39  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                 
 
Net gains on translating net assets of foreign operations, net of hedges and tax
    -     -     -     -     2     2     -     2  
 
Net gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax
    -     -     -     -     (30 )   (30 )   7     (23 )
 
Net actuarial gains on defined benefits plans, net of tax
    -     -     -     -     28     28     -     28  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
    -     -     -     23     -     23     23     46  
                                                   
Common share dividends
    -     -     -     (228 )   -     (228 )   -     (228 )
Preferred share dividends
    -     -     -     (28 )   -     (28 )   -     (28 )
Formation of TransAlta Renewables Inc.
    -     -     -     4     -     4     206     210  
Distributions paid, and payable, to non-controlling interests
    -     -     -     -     -     -     (45 )   (45 )
Common shares issued
    161     -     -     -     -     161     -     161  
Balance, Sept. 30, 2013
    2,887     781     9     (591 )   (136 )   2,950     514     3,464  
                                                   
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 5

 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION
                       
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
                       
                         
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
Unaudited
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
                         
Operating activities
                       
Net earnings (loss)
    13       (3 )     57       39  
Depreciation and amortization
    148       141       443       425  
Gain on sale of assets (Note 3)
    -       -       (1 )     -  
California claim (Note 5)
    -       -       (28 )     -  
Accretion of provisions
    5       4       14       13  
Decommissioning and restoration costs settled
    (4 )     (6 )     (11 )     (19 )
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (Note 7)
    11       38       9       5  
Unrealized (gain) loss from risk management activities
    (29 )     (15 )     9       44  
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss
    (4 )     4       4       5  
Provisions
    (4 )     10       -       10  
Asset impairment reversals
    (1 )     (18 )     (1 )     (18 )
Sundance Units 1 and 2 return to service
    -       15       -       15  
Equity (income) loss (Note 3)
    -       (2 )     -       5  
Other non-cash items
    5       8       1       16  
Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital
    140       176       496       540  
Change in non-cash operating working capital balances
    76       77       50       61  
Cash flow from operating activities
    216       253       546       601  
                                 
Investing activities
                               
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (Note 11)
    (144 )     (160 )     (324 )     (442 )
Additions to intangibles
    (6 )     (8 )     (19 )     (21 )
Addition to equity investments (Note 3)
    -       -       (13 )     (10 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant, and equipment
    2       10       2       11  
Proceeds on sale of equity investments (Note 3)
    -       -       218       -  
Realized gains (losses) on financial instruments
    3       4       (10 )     16  
Net increase (decrease) in collateral received from counterparties
    (1 )     1       (1 )     (1 )
Net decrease in collateral paid to counterparties
    -       -       4       2  
Decrease in finance lease receivable
    1       -       2       1  
Other
    -       (1 )     -       1  
Change in non-cash investing working capital balances
    (13 )     4       4       (17 )
Cash flow used in investing activities
    (158 )     (150 )     (137 )     (460 )
                                 
Financing activities
                               
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings under credit facilities (Note 12)
    1       (299 )     (532 )     (170 )
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 12)
    (2 )     (3 )     (207 )     (8 )
Net proceeds on sale of additional non-controlling interest in subsidiary (Note 8)
    -       -       129       -  
Issuance of long-term debt (Note 12)
    -       -       434       -  
Dividends paid on common shares (Note 13)
    (29 )     (1 )     (110 )     (64 )
Dividends paid on preferred shares (Note 14)
    (9 )     (9 )     (28 )     (28 )
Net proceeds on issuance of preferred shares (Note 14)
    161       -       161       -  
Net proceeds on sale of non-controlling interest in subsidiary
    -       207       -       207  
Realized gains (losses) on financial instruments
    (6 )     -       17       -  
Distributions paid to subsidiaries' non-controlling interests (Note 8)
    (19 )     (8 )     (63 )     (43 )
Decrease in finance lease obligation
    (2 )     (3 )     (7 )     (7 )
Other
    (1 )     1       -       -  
Cash flow from (used in) financing activities
    94       (115 )     (206 )     (113 )
Cash flow from (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities
    152       (12 )     203       28  
Effect of translation on foreign currency cash
    (1 )     -       -       -  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    151       (12 )     203       28  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    94       67       42       27  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
    245       55       245       55  
Cash income taxes paid (received)
    (6 )     8       21       33  
Cash interest paid
    36       39       157       158  
                                 
See accompanying notes.
                               
 
 
6 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. Basis of Preparation

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting using the same accounting policies as those used in TransAlta Corporation’s (“TransAlta” or the “Corporation”) most recent annual consolidated financial statements, except as outlined in Note 2(A). These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures included in the Corporation’s annual consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and the subsidiaries that it controls.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which consist of normal recurring adjustments and accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results. TransAlta’s results are partly seasonal due to the nature of the electricity market and related fuel costs. Higher maintenance costs are ordinarily incurred in the second and third quarters when electricity prices are expected to be lower, as electricity prices generally increase in the winter months in the Canadian market.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on Oct. 29, 2014.

B. Use of Estimates and Significant Judgments

The preparation of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with IAS 34 requires management to use judgment and make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates are subject to uncertainty. Actual results could differ from these estimates due to factors such as fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation and commodity prices, and changes in economic conditions, legislation, and regulations.

Management has assessed that it is highly probable the sale described in Note 3 will close within a one-year time frame, thereby meeting the conditions of IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for presenting the assets as held for sale within current assets. Net earnings include the equity loss from these investments up to the date of this reclassification.

Refer to Note 2(W) of the 2013 audited annual consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of the significant accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty.
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 7

 
 
2. ACCOUNTING CHANGES

A. Current Accounting Policy Changes

I. Inception Gains and Losses

In the first quarter of 2014, the Corporation restated the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at Dec. 31, 2013 to reclassify the inception gains or losses arising from differences between the fair value of a financial instrument at initial recognition (the transaction price) and the amount calculated through a valuation model. These amounts were previously reported as gross contra-risk management assets or liabilities. The adjustment reclassifies them as direct offsets to the value of the derivative contract to which they relate. As a result of the adjustment, long-term risk management assets and long-term risk management liabilities were reduced by $160 million at Dec. 31, 2013. Corresponding adjustments to the Dec. 31, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position were immaterial. Refer to Note 9(C) for further information on inception gains and losses.

II. Inventory writedown

During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation restated the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for periods ended Sept. 30, 2013 to reclassify inventory writedown as a component of fuel and purchased power. These amounts were previously reported as standalone components of operating income. The adjustment is intended to better capture within gross margin the generally offsetting effects that changes in future power prices have on mark-to-market gains or losses from economic forward power sale hedges, included in revenue, and on inventory writedown or reversals. As a result of the adjustment, fuel and purchased power for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2013, increased by $5 million and $21 million, respectively. The inventory writedown for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 amounts to $6 million.

III. IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation

On Jan. 1, 2014, the Corporation adopted the amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. There was no impact of adopting the IAS 32 amendments on the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

IV. IAS 36 Impairment of Assets

On Jan. 1, 2014, the Corporation adopted the amended disclosure requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. The amended disclosure requirements did not have an impact on the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

B. Future Accounting Changes

Accounting standards that have been previously issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) but are not yet effective, and have not been applied by the Corporation include:

I. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

In July 2014, on completion of the impairment phase of the project to reform accounting for financial instruments and replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. IFRS 9 includes guidance, some of which was previously issued by the IASB, on the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, impairment of financial assets (i.e. recognition of credit losses), and a new hedge accounting model.
 
 
8 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
Please refer to Note 3 of the Corporation’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements for information regarding previously issued sections of IFRS 9.

The new requirements for impairment of financial assets introduce an expected-loss impairment model which requires more timely recognition of expected credit losses. IAS 39 impairment requirements are based on an incurred loss model where credit losses are not recognized until there is evidence of a trigger event.

IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2018 with early application permitted. The Corporation is assessing the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

II. IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers which replaces existing revenue recognition guidance with a single comprehensive accounting model. The model specifies that an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. IFRS 15 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2017 with early application permitted. The Corporation is assessing the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

C. Comparative Figures

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. These reclassifications did not impact previously reported net earnings.
 
3. DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

On June 12, 2014, the Corporation closed the previously announced sale of its 50 per cent interest in CE Generation, LLC (“CE Gen”), CalEnergy LLC, and the Blackrock development project to MidAmerican Renewables for gross proceeds of U.S.$200.5 million. The original consideration of U.S.$188.5 million was increased as a result of a U.S.$12 million contribution made by the Corporation in May, 2014. As a result of the sale, the Corporation recognized a pre-tax gain of $1 million ($2 million after-tax) as part of gains on sale of assets in the second quarter earnings. The gain includes reclassified cumulative translation gains on the divested net assets of $6 million, offset by related cumulative after-tax losses of $7 million from the related net investment hedge. The gain is reported in the Generation Segment.

The sale of Wailuku Holding Company, LLC (“Wailuku”) is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014 for proceeds of U.S.$5 million, accordingly, the investment in Wailuku continues to be classified as held for sale.
 
4. NET INTEREST EXPENSE

The components of net interest expense are as follows:
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Interest on debt
    60       61       179       179  
Capitalized interest
    (1 )     -       (1 )     (2 )
Interest expense
    59       61       178       177  
Accretion of provisions
    5       4       14       13  
Net interest expense
    64       65       192       190  
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 9

 
 
5. CALIFORNIA CLAIM

On May 30, 2014, the Corporation announced that its settlement with California utilities, the California Attorney General and certain other parties (the “California Parties”) to resolve claims related to the 2000 - 2001 power crisis in the State of California had been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The settlement provides for the payment by the Corporation of U.S.$52 million in two equal payments and a credit of approximately U.S.$97 million for monies owed to the Corporation from accounts receivable. The first payment of U.S.$26 million was paid in June, 2014 and the second is due in 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Corporation accrued for the then expected settlement of these disputes with the California Parties, which resulted in a pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately U.S.$52 million. The finalization of the settlement in May, 2014, resulted in an additional pre-tax charge to second quarter earnings of U.S.$5 million.
 
6. INSURANCE RECOVERY

During the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014, the Corporation received $8 million in insurance proceeds, of which $6 million was related to claims for repair costs on certain hydro facilities as a result of flooding during 2013 and accounted for as a reduction to period operations, maintenance, and administration. The balance, in the amount of $2 million, related to purchases of replacement equipment and business interruption insurance for various prior years claims.
 
7. INCOME TAXES

The components of income tax expense (recovery) are as follows:
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Current income tax expense
    7       10       24       35  
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous years
    -       -       -       1  
Adjustments in respect of deferred income tax of a prior period
    -       -       2       -  
Deferred income tax recovery related to the origination and reversal of temporary differences
    (2 )     (2 )     (19 )     (28 )
Deferred income tax recovery resulting from changes in tax rates or laws(1)
    -       -       -       (7 )
Deferred tax recovery arising from previously unrecognized tax loss, tax credit, or temporary difference of a prior period
    -       -       (37 )     -  
Deferred income tax expense arising from the writedown of deferred income tax assets
    13       40       63       40  
Income tax expense
    18       48       33       41  
   
(1) Relates to the impact of adjusting the deferred tax rate to incorporate the Ontario M&P tax credit. Previously, the Corporation had been using the Ontario general corporate tax rate of 11.5 per cent.
 
 
Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) as follows:
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Current income tax expense
    7       10       24       36  
Deferred income tax expense
    11       38       9       5  
Income tax expense
    18       48       33       41  

 
10 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
During the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014, $13 million and $27 million (2013 - $40 million and $40 million), respectively, of deferred income tax assets were written off related to the tax benefits of losses associated with the Corporation’s directly owned U.S. operations. The Corporation wrote these assets off as it was no longer considered probable that sufficient taxable income would be available from the Corporation’s directly owned U.S. operations to utilize the underlying tax losses, due to reduced price growth expectations.
 
8. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Summarized financial information relating to subsidiaries with significant non-controlling interests is as follows:
 
I. TransAlta Cogeneration L.P.
 
 
 
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues
    71       55       228       212  
Net earnings (loss)
    16       (7 )     54       28  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
    17       (5 )     68       42  
                                 
Amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest:
                               
Net earnings (loss)
    9       (3 )     28       14  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
    10       (4 )     35       21  
                                 
Distributions paid to the non-controlling interest
    12       6       43       39  

As at
 
Sept. 30, 2014
   
Dec. 31, 2013
 
Current assets
    52       56  
Long-term assets
    601       632  
Current liabilities
    (53 )     (56 )
Long-term liabilities
    (55 )     (68 )
Total equity
    (545 )     (564 )
Equity attributable to the non-controlling interest
    (270 )     (280 )
Non-controlling interest share (per cent)
    49.99       49.99  
 
II. TransAlta Renewables

On April 29, 2014, the Corporation completed a secondary offering of 11,950,000 common shares of TransAlta Renewables at a price of $11.40 per common share. The offering resulted in gross proceeds to the Corporation of approximately $136 million. Following completion of the offering, TransAlta owns approximately 70.3 per cent of the common shares of TransAlta Renewables. As a result of the transaction, the carrying amount of the non-controlling interests was increased by $109 million to reflect the approximate 10.4 per cent increase in their relative interest in TransAlta Renewables and a $20 million gain, net of tax and issuance costs attributable to common shareholders, was recognized directly in retained earnings.
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 11

 
 
Amounts attributable to the TransAlta Renewables’ non-controlling interests include the 17 per cent non-controlling interest in its Kent Hills wind farm.
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues
    43       44       161       175  
Net earnings
    1       2       29       36  
Total comprehensive income
    1       2       29       37  
                                 
Amounts attributable to the non-controlling interests:
                               
Net earnings and total comprehensive income
    1       -       8       2  
                                 
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests
    7       6       20       8  

As at
 
Sept. 30, 2014
   
Dec. 31, 2013
 
Current assets
    35       59  
Long-term assets
    1,915       1,954  
Current liabilities
    (220 )     (100 )
Long-term liabilities
    (689 )     (846 )
Total equity
    (1,041 )     (1,067 )
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
    (337 )     (237 )
Non-controlling interests share (per cent)
    29.7       19.3  
 
9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

A. Financial Assets and Liabilities - Measurement

Financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on an ongoing basis at cost, fair value, or amortized cost.

B. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

I. Levels I, II, and III Fair Value Measurements

The Level I, II, and III classifications in the fair value hierarchy utilized by the Corporation are defined below. The fair value measurement of a financial instrument is included in only one of the three levels, the determination of which is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the derivation of the fair value.

a. Level I

Fair values are determined using inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the ability to access. In determining Level I fair values, the Corporation uses quoted prices for identically traded commodities obtained from active exchanges such as the New York Mercantile Exchange.

b. Level II

Fair values are determined, directly or indirectly, using inputs that are observable for the asset or liability.

Fair values falling within the Level II category are determined through the use of quoted prices in active markets, which in some cases are adjusted for factors specific to the asset or liability, such as basis, credit valuation, and location differentials.
 
 
12 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 

The Corporation’s energy trading financial instruments include, in Level II, over-the-counter derivatives with values based on observable commodity futures curves and derivatives with inputs validated by broker quotes or other publicly available market data providers. Level II fair values are also determined using valuation techniques, such as option pricing models and regression or extrapolation formulas, where the inputs are readily observable, including commodity prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and implied volatilities for options.

In determining Level II fair values of other risk management assets and liabilities and long-term debt measured and carried at fair value, the Corporation uses observable inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates. For certain financial instruments where insufficient trading volume or lack of recent trades exists, the Corporation relies on similar interest or currency rate inputs and other third-party information such as credit spreads.

c. Level III

Fair values are determined using inputs for the asset or liability that are not readily observable.

The Corporation may enter into commodity transactions for which market-observable data is not available. In these cases, Level III fair values are determined using valuation techniques such as the Black-Scholes, mark-to-forecast, and historical bootstrap models with inputs that are based on historical data such as unit availability, transmission congestion, demand profiles for individual non-standard deals and structured products, and/or volatilities and correlations between products derived from historical prices.

The Corporation also has various contracts with terms that extend beyond a liquid trading period. As forward market prices are not available for the full period of these contracts, the value of these contracts is derived by reference to a forecast that is based on a combination of external and internal fundamental modelling, including discounting. As a result, these contracts are classified in Level III.

The Corporation has a Commodity Exposure Management Policy (the “Policy”), which governs both the commodity transactions undertaken in its proprietary trading business and those undertaken to manage commodity price exposures in its generation business. The Policy defines and specifies the controls and management responsibilities associated with commodity trading activities, as well as the nature and frequency of required reporting of such activities.

Methodologies and procedures regarding energy trading Level III fair value measurements are determined by the Corporation’s Risk Management department. Level III fair values are calculated within the Corporation’s Energy Trading Risk Management system based on underlying contractual data as well as observable and non-observable inputs. Development of non-observable inputs requires the use of judgment. To ensure reasonability, system-generated Level III fair value measurements are reviewed and validated by the Risk Management and Finance departments. Review occurs formally on a quarterly basis or more frequently if daily review and monitoring procedures identify unexpected changes to fair value or changes to key parameters.

The effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions as inputs to valuation techniques from which the Level III energy trading fair values are determined at Sept. 30, 2014 is estimated to be a +/- $116 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $105 million) impact to the carrying value of the financial instruments. Fair values are stressed for volumes and prices. An amount of +/-$88 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $87 million) in the stress value stems from a long dated power sale contract that is designated as a cash flow hedge, while the remaining +/-$28 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $18 million) accounts for the rest of the portfolio. The variable volumes are stressed up and down one standard deviation from historically available production data. Prices are stressed for longer-term deals where there are no liquid market quotes using various internal and external forecasting sources to establish a high and a low price range.
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 13

 

Information about the effects on fair values of significant unobservable inputs used in determining Level III fair values is as follows:
 
Description
Effects on fair values as at
Sept. 30, 2014
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable input
Range
         
Unit contingent
 
 
Price discount
0.3 - 1.7 per cent
power purchases
38
Historical analysis
Volumetric discount(1)
0 - 23 per cent
         
Long-term power sale
338
Long-term
price forecast
Illiquid future
power prices (per MW)
U.S.$23 - U.S.$63
and $78 - $113
         
     
Volumes (MWh)
16 - 24 per cent of
available generation
     
Illiquid commodity forward
price volatilities
6 - 27 per cent
     
Vanilla and exotic
Illiquid future power
prices (per MWh)
U.S.$23 - U.S.$63
Coal supply
revenue sharing
(6)
option valuation
techniques
Illiquid future coal
prices (per Ton)
U.S.$14 - U.S.$17
         
Unit contingent power sales
(2)
Black-Scholes
Illiquid commodity forward
price volatilities
43 - 52 per cent
 
(1) A change in the volumetric discount, could, depending on other market dynamics, result in a directionally similar change in the price discount.
 
Description
Effects on fair values as at
Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable input
Range
         
Unit contingent
 
Historical
Price discount
0 - 2 per cent
power purchases
43
 
bootstrap
Volumetric discount(1)
0 - 14 per cent
         
Long-term power sale
225
Long-term
price forecast
Illiquid future
power prices (per MW)
$34.40 - $90.83
         
     
Volumes (MWh)
18 - 25 per cent of
Coal supply
revenue sharing
(12)
Black-Scholes
Illiquid future implied
volatilities in MidC power
available generation
35 per cent
         
Unit contingent
power sales
(5)
Black-Scholes
Illiquid commodity forward
price volatilities
55 per cent
 
(1) A change in the volumetric discount, could, depending on other market dynamics, result in a directionally similar change in the price discount.
 
The effects on fair values of significant unobservable inputs exclude the effects of observable inputs such as liquidity and credit discounts.
 
 
14 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
II. Energy Trading

Energy trading includes risk management assets and liabilities that are used in the Energy Trading and Generation segments in relation to trading activities and certain contracting activities. To the extent applicable, changes in net risk management assets and liabilities for non-hedge positions are reflected within earnings of the Energy Trading and Generation business segments.

The following tables summarize the key factors impacting the fair value of energy trading risk management assets and liabilities by classification level during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
 
 
Hedges
 
Non-Hedges
 
Total
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
Net risk management assets (liabilities) at Dec. 31, 2013
-
(66)
55
 
-
14
11
 
-
(52)
66
Changes attributable to:
                     
Market price changes on existing contracts
-
(14)
113
 
-
(5)
16
 
-
(19)
129
Market price changes on new contracts
-
(1)
-
 
-
(12)
17
 
-
(13)
17
Contracts settled
-
14
(1)
 
-
18
(41)
 
-
32
(42)
                       
Net risk management assets (liabilities) Sept. 30, 2014
-
(67)
167
 
-
15
3
 
-
(52)
170
                   
Additional Level III information:
                 
Gains recognized in OCI
   
113
     
-
     
113
Total gains included in earnings before income taxes
   
1
     
33
     
34
Unrealized losses included in earnings before income taxes relating to net assets held at Sept. 30, 2014
   
-
     
(8)
     
(8)
 
 
Hedges
 
Non-Hedges
 
Total
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
Net risk management assets (liabilities) at Dec. 31, 2012
-
(63)
3
 
(1)
79
28
 
(1)
16
31
Changes attributable to:
                     
Market price changes on existing contracts
-
(25)
(5)
 
-
3
13
 
-
(22)
8
Market price changes on new contracts
-
(3)
(31)
 
-
3
(11)
 
-
-
(42)
Contracts settled
-
8
-
 
3
(50)
(10)
 
3
(42)
(10)
Transfers out of Level III(1)
-
-
-
 
-
28
(28)
 
-
28
(28)
                       
Net risk management assets (liabilities) at Sept. 30, 2013
-
(83)
(33)
 
2
63
(8)
 
2
(20)
(41)
                   
Additional Level III information:
                 
Losses recognized in OCI
   
(36)
     
-
     
(36)
Total gains included in earnings before income taxes
   
-
     
2
     
2
Unrealized losses included in earnings before income taxes relating to net assets held at Sept. 30, 2013
   
-
     
(8)
     
(8)
 
(1) The trade terms of these contracts were originally beyond a liquid trading period where forward price forecasts were not available for the full period of the contract. During the period, the contract terms were determined to be within a liquid trading period where observable prices are available.

 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 15

 
 
III. Other Risk Management Assets and Liabilities
 
Other risk management assets and liabilities primarily include risk management assets and liabilities that are used in hedging non-energy trading transactions, such as interest rates, the net investment in foreign operations, and other foreign currency risks.
 
The following tables summarize the key factors impacting the fair value of other risk management assets and liabilities by classification level during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
 
 
Hedges
 
Non-Hedges
 
Total
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
                       
Net risk management assets at Dec. 31, 2013
-
26
-
 
-
1
-
 
-
27
-
Changes attributable to:
                     
Market price changes on existing contracts
-
30
-
 
-
-
-
 
-
30
-
Market price changes on new contracts
-
27
-
 
-
3
-
 
-
30
-
Contracts settled
-
(11)
-
 
-
-
-
 
-
(11)
-
                       
Net risk management assets at Sept. 30, 2014
-
72
-
 
-
4
-
 
-
76
-

 
Hedges
 
Non-Hedges
 
Total
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
 
Level I
Level II
Level III
Net risk management assets (liabilities) at Dec. 31, 2012
-
(50)
-
 
-
1
-
 
-
(49)
-
Changes attributable to:
                     
Market price changes on existing contracts
-
31
-
 
-
-
-
 
-
31
-
Market price changes on new contracts
-
1
-
 
-
2
-
 
-
3
-
Contracts settled
-
9
-
 
-
(1)
-
 
-
8
-
                       
Net risk management assets (liabilities) at Sept. 30, 2013
-
(9)
-
 
-
2
-
 
-
(7)
-
 
IV. Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at other than fair value is as follows:
 
    Fair value    
Total
carrying
 
   
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
    value  
Long-term debt(1) - Sept. 30, 2014
    -       4,234       -       4,234       4,064  
Long-term debt(1) - Dec. 31, 2013
    -       4,367       -       4,367       4,262  
   
(1) Includes current portion and excludes $62 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $60 million) of debt measured and carried at fair value.
 

The fair values of the Corporation’s debentures and senior notes are determined using prices observed in secondary markets. Non-recourse and other long-term debt fair values are determined by calculating an implied price based on a current assessment of the yield to maturity.
 
 
16 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 

The book value of other short-term financial assets and liabilities (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, collateral paid, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, collateral received, and dividends payable) approximates fair value due to the liquid nature of the asset or liability.
 
C. Inception Gains and Losses
 
In some instances, a difference may arise between the fair value of a financial instrument at initial recognition (the “transaction price”) and the amount calculated through a valuation model. This unrealized gain or loss at inception is recognized in net earnings (loss) only if the fair value of the instrument is evidenced by a quoted market price in an active market, observable current market transactions that are substantially the same, or a valuation technique that uses observable market inputs. Where these criteria are not met, the difference is deferred on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in risk management assets or liabilities, and is recognized in net earnings (loss) over the term of the related contract. Refer to note 9(B) for Level III fair valuation techniques used. The difference between the transaction price and the fair value determined using a valuation model, yet to be recognized in net earnings (loss), and a reconciliation of changes during the period are as follows:
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Unamortized net gain at beginning of period
    165       5       160       5  
New inception gains
    7       174       16       173  
Amortization recorded in net earnings during the period
    6       (1 )     2       -  
Unamortized net gain at end of period
    178       178       178       178  

 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 17

 
 
10. RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 
A. Risk Management Assets and Liabilities

Aggregate risk management assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
As at
 
Sept. 30, 2014
   
Dec. 31, 2013
 
         
(Restated)*
 
   
Net investment
hedges
   
Cash flow
hedges
   
Fair value
hedges
   
Not designated
as a hedge
   
Total
   
Total
 
Risk management assets
                                   
Energy trading
                                   
Current
    -       3       -       69       72       99  
Long-term
    -       192       -       7       199       101  
Total energy trading risk
management assets
    -       195       -       76       271       200  
                                                 
Other
                                               
Current
    3       46       -       8       57       14  
Long-term
    -       24       6       1       31       15  
Total other risk
management assets
    3       70       6       9       88       29  
                                                 
Risk management liabilities
                                               
Energy trading
                                               
Current
    -       27       -       31       58       84  
Long-term
    -       68       -       27       95       102  
Total energy trading risk
management liabilities
    -       95       -       58       153       186  
                                                 
Other
                                               
Current
    -       7       -       4       11       1  
Long-term
    -       -       -       1       1       1  
Total other risk
management liabilities
    -       7       -       5       12       2  
                                                 
Net energy trading risk
management assets (liabilities)
    -       100       -       18       118       14  
Net other risk management
assets (liabilities)
    3       63       6       4       76       27  
Net total risk management
assets (liabilities)
    3       163       6       22       194       41  
                                                 
* See Note 2(A) for prior period restatements.
                                         

 
18 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
Hedges

a. Net Investment Hedges

During the second quarter of 2014, following the divestiture described in Note 3, the Corporation de-designated U.S.$180 million of U.S.-denominated debt hedging its net investment in its U.S. operations. Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) of the cumulative translation adjustment of the disposed foreign operation and the related cumulative net investment hedge amounts have been included in the second quarter gain on disposition. During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation de-designated an additional U.S.$90 million of U.S.-denominated debt hedging other U.S. operations. This change did not impact earnings or AOCI of the period. Prospectively, the de-designated tranches of U.S.-denominated debt are being hedged with foreign currency derivative instruments. 

b. Cash Flow Hedges

During the third quarter of 2014, one of the Corporation’s subsidiaries with Australian functional currency became exposed to future payments of JPY5.3 billion for the acquisition of components of property, plant, and equipment over the period to June, 2017. The subsidiary’s exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations is hedged using foreign currency forward purchase contracts.

During the second quarter of 2014, the Corporation de-designated a cash flow hedge of the foreign-exchange exposure on a U.S.$20 million debt. No significant reclassifications from AOCI arise as a result of this discontinuation of hedge accounting.

As at Sept. 30, 2014, cumulative gains of $3 million related to certain cash flow hedges that were previously de-designated and no longer meet the criteria for hedge accounting continue to be deferred in AOCI and will be reclassified to net earnings as the forecasted transactions occur or immediately if the forecasted transactions are no longer expected to occur.

Over the next 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2015, the Corporation estimates that $15 million of after-tax losses will be reclassified from AOCI to net earnings. These estimates assume constant natural gas and power prices, interest rates, and exchange rates over time; however, the actual amounts that will be reclassified may vary based on changes in these factors.

B. Nature and Extent of Risks Arising from Financial Instruments

The following discussion is limited to the nature and extent of certain risks arising from financial instruments, which are also more fully discussed in Note 20(B) of the Corporation’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements.

I. Commodity Price Risk

Value at Risk (“VaR”) is the most commonly used metric employed to track and manage the market risk associated with commodity and other derivatives. VaR is used to determine the potential change in value of the Corporation’s proprietary trading portfolio, over a three day period within a 95 per cent confidence level, resulting from normal market fluctuations. VaR is estimated using the historical variance - covariance approach.

a. Commodity Price Risk - Proprietary Trading

The Corporation’s Energy Trading Segment conducts proprietary trading activities and uses a variety of instruments to manage risk, earn trading revenue, and gain market information.

VaR at Sept. 30, 2014 associated with the Corporation’s proprietary energy trading activities was $2 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $2 million).
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 19

 
 
b. Commodity Price Risk - Generation

The Generation Segment utilizes various commodity contracts and other financial instruments to manage the commodity price risk associated with its electricity generation, fuel purchases, emissions, and byproducts, as considered appropriate. VaR at Sept. 30, 2014 associated with the Corporation’s commodity derivative instruments used in generation hedging activities was $28 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $42 million). VaR at Sept. 30, 2014 associated with positions and economic hedges that do not meet hedge accounting requirements was $5 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $11 million).

II. Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that customers or counterparties will cause a financial loss for the Corporation by failing to discharge their obligations, and the risk to the Corporation associated with changes in creditworthiness of entities with which commercial exposures exist.

The Corporation uses external credit ratings, as well as internal ratings in circumstances where external ratings are not available, to establish credit limits for customers and counterparties. The following table outlines the distribution, by credit rating, of certain financial assets as at Sept. 30, 2014:
 
(Per cent)
Inve s tm e nt gr ade
Non-inve s tm e nt gr ade
Total
Accounts receivable
88
12
100
Risk management assets
100
0
100
 
The Corporation’s maximum exposure to credit risk at Sept. 30, 2014, without taking into account collateral held or right of set-off, is represented by the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and risk management assets as per the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Letters of credit and cash are the primary types of collateral held as security related to these amounts.

The maximum credit exposure to any one counterparty for commodity trading operations and hedging, including the fair value of open trading positions, net of any collateral held, at Sept. 30, 2014 was $33 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $23 million).

III. Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk relates to the Corporation’s ability to access capital to be used for proprietary trading activities, commodity hedging, capital projects, debt refinancing, and general corporate purposes.

A maturity analysis of the Corporation’s financial liabilities is as follows:
 
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019 and thereafter
   
Total
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    410       -       -       -       -       -       410  
Debt(1)
    3       714       29       782       758       1,841       4,127  
Energy trading risk management (assets) liabilities
    5       2       10       3       (4 )     (134 )     (118 )
Other risk management (assets) liabilities
    (9 )     (39 )     (3 )     (10 )     (15 )     -       (76 )
Interest on long-term debt(2)
    53       178       171       162       125       803       1,492  
Dividends payable
    55       -       -       -       -       -       55  
Total
    517       855       207       937       864       2,510       5,890  
 
(1) Excludes impact of hedge accounting and includes drawn credit facilities that are currently scheduled to mature in 2015 and 2017.
(2) Not recognized as a financial liability on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
 
20 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
C. Collateral and Contingent Features in Derivative Instruments
 
Collateral is posted in the normal course of business based on the Corporation’s senior unsecured credit rating as determined by certain major credit rating agencies. Certain of the Corporation’s derivative instruments contain financial assurance provisions that require collateral to be posted only if a material adverse credit-related event occurs. If a material adverse event resulted in the Corporation’s senior unsecured debt to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to such derivative instruments could request ongoing full collateralization.

As at Sept. 30, 2014, the Corporation had posted collateral of $86 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $94 million) in the form of letters of credit on derivative instruments in a net liability position. Certain derivative agreements contain credit-risk-contingent features, including a credit rating downgrade to below investment grade, which if triggered would result in the Corporation having to post an additional $82 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $88 million) of collateral to its counterparties based upon the value of the derivatives at Sept. 30, 2014.
 
11. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

A reconciliation of the changes in the carrying amount of PP&E is as follows:
 
   
Land
   
Thermal generation
   
Gas generation
   
Renewable generation
   
Mining property and equipment
   
Assets under construction
   
Capital spares and other(1)
   
Total
 
As at Dec. 31, 2013
    77       2,952       912       2,242       578       153       279       7,193  
Additions
    -       4       -       -       -       303       17       324  
Additions - finance lease
    -       -       -       -       16       -       -       16  
Disposals
    -       -       -       (1 )     -       -       -       (1 )
Asset impairment reversals
    -       -       1       -       -       -       -       1  
Depreciation
    -       (203 )     (77 )     (74 )     (40 )     -       (9 )     (403 )
Revisions and additions to decommissioning and restoration costs
    -       14       5       -       3       -       -       22  
Retirement of assets
    -       (9 )     (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     -       -       (13 )
Change in foreign exchange rates
    1       17       3       4       -       (2 )     2       25  
Transfers
    2       121       43       18       9       (193 )     (2 )     (2 )
As at Sept. 30, 2014
    80       2,896       886       2,187       565       261       287       7,162  
   
(1) Includes major spare parts and stand-by equipment available, but not in service, and spare parts used for routine, preventative or planned maintenance.
 
 
During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation evaluated the recoverable amount of its cash-generating units for asset and goodwill impairment testing purposes, and found no significant impairment charges or reversals. The valuations incorporated the most current future power price assumptions available at the time of the valuation for assets with merchant capacity. Following Sept. 30, 2014, decreases in future power prices have been noted in the main markets in which the Corporation operates. These decreases have not been reflected into the valuations. The Corporation’s U.S. Coal assets, which have previously been impaired, are particularly sensitive to future power price fluctuations. The Corporation will continue to monitor changes in future power prices as it pertains to asset impairment over the fourth quarter.
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 21

 
 
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
A. Debt and Letters of Credit

The amounts outstanding are as follows:
 
As at
 
Sept. 30, 2014
   
Dec. 31, 2013
 
   
Carrying value
   
Face value
   
Interest(1)
   
Carrying value
   
Face value
   
Interest(1)
 
Credit facilities(2)
    336       335       1.9 %     852       852       2.6 %
Debentures
    1,042       1,051       6.1 %     1,269       1,251       6.1 %
Senior notes(3)
    2,350       2,340       4.9 %     1,797       1,809       5.6 %
Non-recourse(4)
    378       381       5.9 %     376       380       5.9 %
Other
    20       20       6.0 %     28       28       6.3 %
      4,126       4,127               4,322       4,320          
Less: recourse current portion
    (560 )     (560 )             (209 )     (209 )        
Less: non-recourse current portion
    (156 )     (156 )             -       -          
Total long-term debt
    3,410       3,411               4,113       4,111          
                   
(1) Interest is an average rate weighted by principal amounts outstanding before the effect of hedging.
                 
(2) Composed of bankers' acceptances and other commercial borrowings under long-term committed credit facilities. Includes U.S.$300 million at Sept. 30, 2014 (Dec. 31, 2013 - U.S.$300 million).
 
(3) U.S. face value at Sept. 30, 2014 - U.S.$2.1 billion (Dec. 31, 2013 - U.S.$1.7 billion).
                         
(4) Includes U.S.$20 million at Sept. 30, 2014 (Dec. 31, 2013 - U.S.$20 million).
                                 
 
During the second quarter, the Corporation’s 6.45 per cent medium term notes matured and were paid out in the amount of
$200 million. The remaining Debentures bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.00 per cent to 7.30 per cent and have maturity dates ranging from 2019 to 2030.

In June 2014, the Corporation issued U.S.$400 million of senior notes due in 2017 that carry a coupon rate of 1.90 per cent, payable semi-annually, at an issue price equal to 99.887 per cent of the principal amount of the notes.

As at Sept. 30, 2014, TransAlta had a total of $2.1 billion (Dec. 31, 2013 - $2.1 billion) of committed credit facilities and bilateral credit facilities, of which $1.4 billion (Dec. 31, 2013 - $0.9 billion) was not drawn, and was available, subject to customary borrowing conditions.

The total outstanding letters of credit as at Sept. 30, 2014 was $363 million (Dec. 31, 2013 - $370 million) with no (Dec. 31, 2013 - nil) amounts exercised by third parties under these arrangements. All letters of credit expire within one year and are expected to be renewed, as needed, in the normal course of business.

B. Restrictions

Debt agreements of $1 million related to the Windsor plant, owned by the Corporation’s TransAlta Cogeneration L.P. subsidiary, include principal and interest funding provisions that restrict the Corporation’s ability to access funds generated by the operations of the plant. The Corporation has provided a letter of credit in the amount of the funding requirements, thereby permitting it to access the funds.

Debentures of $343 million issued by the Corporation’s Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. subsidiary include restrictive covenants requiring the proceeds received from the sale of assets to be reinvested into similar renewables assets.
 
 
22 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
13. COMMON SHARES

A. Issued and Outstanding

TransAlta is authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares without nominal or par value.
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
 
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
   
Common
shares (millions)
 
Amount
 
Common
shares
(millions)
 
Amount
 
Common
shares (millions)
 
Amount
 
Common
shares
(millions)
 
Amount
 
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period
    271.8     2,962     262.1     2,836     268.2     2,916     254.7     2,730  
 
Issued under the dividend reinvestment
and optional common share purchase plan
    1.6     19     4.2     55     5.2     65     11.6     161  
      273.4     2,981     266.3     2,891     273.4     2,981     266.3     2,891  
Amounts receivable under
Employee Share Purchase Plan
    -     (2 )   -     (4 )   -     (2 )   -     (4 )
Issued and outstanding, end of period
    273.4     2,979     266.3     2,887     273.4     2,979     266.3     2,887  
 
B. Dividends
 
The following table summarizes the common share dividends declared or paid within the nine months ended Sept. 30:
 
Date
declared
 
Payment
date
Dividend per
share ($)
Total
dividends
Dividends
paid in cash
Dividends paid
in shares
2014
           
             
July 22, 2014
 
Oct. 1, 2014
0.18
49
30
19
Apr. 28, 2014
 
July 1, 2014
0.18
49
30
19
Feb. 20, 2014
 
Apr. 1, 2014
0.18
48
31
17
Oct. 30, 2013
 
Jan. 1, 2014
0.29
78
50
28
2013
           
             
July 23, 2013
 
Oct. 1, 2013
0.29
77
51
26
Apr. 22, 2013
 
June 28, 2013
0.29
76
21
55
Jan. 28, 2013
 
Apr. 1, 2013
0.29
75
22
53
Oct. 24, 2012
 
Jan. 1, 2013
0.29
73
20
53
 
On Oct. 29, 2014, the Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share, payable on Jan. 1, 2015.

On Oct. 1, 2014, 1.6 million common shares were issued for dividends reinvested.

There have been no other transactions involving common shares between the reporting date and the date of completion of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

B. Earnings Per Share

In calculating earnings per share for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014, net earnings attributable to common shareholders has been reduced by the Series G cumulative preferred dividends of $1 million (see Note 14).
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 23

 
 
14. PREFERRED SHARES

A. Issued and Outstanding

TransAlta is authorized to issue an unlimited number of first preferred shares, and the Board of Directors is authorized to determine the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to such shares, subject to certain limitations.

On Aug. 15, 2014, TransAlta completed a public offering of 6.6 million Series G Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares for gross proceeds of $165 million. The holders of the preferred shares are entitled to receive fixed cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of $1.325 per share as approved by the Board of Directors, payable quarterly, yielding 5.30 per cent per annum, for the initial period ending Sept. 30, 2019. The dividend rate will reset on Sept. 30, 2019 and every five years thereafter to a yield per annum equal to the sum of the then five-year Government of Canada bond yield plus 3.80 per cent. The preferred shares are redeemable at the option of TransAlta on or after Sept. 30, 2019 and on Sept. 30 of every fifth year thereafter at a price of $25.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

The Series G preferred shareholders have the right at their option to convert their shares into Series H Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares on Sept. 30, 2019 and on Sept. 30 of every fifth year thereafter. The holders of Series H preferred shares will be entitled to receive quarterly floating rate cumulative dividends as approved by the Board of Directors at a yield per annum equal to the sum of the then three-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 3.80 per cent.
 
At Sept. 30, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2013, the Corporation had 12.0 million Series A, 11.0 million Series C, and 9.0 million Series E Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred shares, issued and outstanding. At Sept. 30, 2014 the Corporation also had 6.6 million (Dec. 31, 2013 – nil) Series G Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred shares, issued and outstanding.

B. Dividends

The following table summarizes the preferred share dividends declared or paid within the nine months ended Sept. 30:
 
     
Series A
Series C
Series E
Date
declared
 
Payment
date
Dividend per
share ($)
Total
dividends
Dividend per
share ($)
Total
dividends
Dividend per
share ($)
Total
dividends
2014
               
                 
July 22, 2014
 
Sept. 30, 2014
0.2875
3
0.2875
4
0.3125
2
Apr. 28, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
0.2875
4
0.2875
3
0.3125
3
Feb. 20, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
0.2875
3
0.2875
3
0.3125
3
                 
2013
               
                 
July 23, 2013
 
Sept. 30, 2013
0.2875
3
0.2875
4
0.3125
2
Apr. 22, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
0.2875
4
0.2875
3
0.3125
3
Jan. 28, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
0.2875
3
0.2875
3
0.3125
3

As at Sept. 30, 2014, cumulative preferred dividends of $1 million have not been recognized on the recently issued Series G preferred shares (Dec. 31, 2013 - nil).

On Oct. 29, 2014, the Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2875 per share on the Series A and Series C preferred shares, $0.3125 per share on the Series E preferred shares, and $0.501 per share on the Series G preferred shares all payable Dec. 31, 2014.
 
 
24 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 

15. COMMITMENTS

During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation announced that it had completed contracting, to build and operate an AUD$570 million, 150 megawatt combined cycle gas power station in South Hedland, Western Australia. The fully contracted power station is expected to be commissioned and delivering power to customers in the first half of 2017. As at Sept. 30, 2014, the Corporation had entered into minimum commitments of AUD$42 million under this project.

At Sept. 30, 2014, the Corporation has remaining commitments for $33 million related to construction of a new natural gas pipeline in Australia. This amount is expected to be spent within the next six months.

During the second quarter of 2014, the Corporation entered into a new fixed price natural gas purchase contract for its own use, in the amount of $27 million, expiring in 2016.
 
16. CONTINGENCIES

TransAlta is occasionally named as a party in various claims and legal and regulatory proceedings that arise during the normal course of its business. TransAlta reviews each of these claims, including the nature of the claim, the amount in dispute or claimed, and the availability of insurance coverage. There can be no assurance that any particular claim will be resolved in the Corporation’s favour or that such claims may not have a material adverse effect on TransAlta. Inquiries from regulatory bodies may also arise in the normal course of business, to which the Corporation responds as required.
 
17. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

A. Reported Segment Earnings (Loss)
 
3 months ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
Generation
   
Energy
Trading
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
    636       3       -       639  
Fuel and purchased power
    277       -       -       277  
Gross margin
    359       3       -       362  
Operations, maintenance, and administration
    113       9       16       138  
Depreciation and amortization
    128       -       7       135  
Asset impairment reversals
    (1 )     -       -       (1 )
Taxes, other than income taxes
    6       -       1       7  
Intersegment cost allocation
    3       (3 )     -       -  
Operating income (loss)
    110       (3 )     (24 )     83  
Finance lease income
    12       -       -       12  
Net interest expense
                            (64 )
Earnings before income taxes
                            31  
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 25

 
 
3 months ended Sept. 30, 2013 (Restated - Note 2(A))
 
Generation
   
Energy
Trading
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
    601       22       -       623  
Fuel and purchased power
    265       -       -       265  
Gross margin
    336       22       -       358  
Operations, maintenance, and administration
    103       9       16       128  
Depreciation and amortization
    118       -       6       124  
Asset impairment reversals
    (18 )     -       -       (18 )
Restructuring provision
    (1 )     -       -       (1 )
Taxes, other than income taxes
    7       -       -       7  
Intersegment cost allocation
    4       (4 )     -       -  
Operating income (loss)
    123       17       (22 )     118  
Finance lease income
    11       -       -       11  
Equity income
    2       -       -       2  
Sundance Units 1 and 2 return to service
    (15 )     -       -       (15 )
Net interest expense
                            (65 )
Foreign exchange loss
                            (6 )
Earnings before income taxes
                            45  
 
9 months ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
Generation
   
Energy
Trading
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
    1,829       76       -       1,905  
Fuel and purchased power
    824       -       -       824  
Gross margin
    1,005       76       -       1,081  
Operations, maintenance, and administration
    329       36       39       404  
Depreciation and amortization
    382       -       20       402  
Asset impairment reversals
    (1 )     -       -       (1 )
Taxes, other than income taxes
    20       -       1       21  
Intersegment cost allocation
    10       (10 )     -       -  
Operating income (loss)
    265       50       (60 )     255  
Finance lease income
    36       -       -       36  
Gain on sale of assets
    1       -       -       1  
California claim
    -       (5 )     -       (5 )
Insurance recovery
    2       -       -       2  
Net interest expense
                            (192 )
Foreign exchange loss
                            (7 )
Earnings before income taxes
                            90  
 
 
26 TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014

 
 
9 months ended Sept. 30, 2013 (Restated - Note 2(A))
 
Generation
   
Energy
Trading
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
    1,652       53       -       1,705  
Fuel and purchased power
    669       -       -       669  
Gross margin
    983       53       -       1,036  
Operations, maintenance, and administration
    308       23       45       376  
Depreciation and amortization
    365       -       17       382  
Asset impairment reversals
    (18 )     -       -       (18 )
Restructuring provision
    (2 )     -       (1 )     (3 )
Taxes, other than income taxes
    22       -       -       22  
Intersegment cost allocation
    11       (11 )     -       -  
Operating income (loss)
    297       41       (61 )     277  
Finance lease income
    34       -       -       34  
Equity loss
    (5 )     -       -       (5 )
Sundance Units 1 and 2 return to service
    (15 )     -       -       (15 )
Gain on sale of assets
    -       -       10       10  
Net interest expense
                            (190 )
Foreign exchange loss
                            (2 )
Loss on assumption of pension obligations
                            (29 )
Earnings before income taxes
                            80  

Included in the Generation Segment results for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014 are $4 million (Sept. 30, 2013 -$4 million) and $15 million (Sept. 30, 2013 - $16 million) of incentives received under a Government of Canada program in respect of power generation from qualifying wind and hydro projects.

B. Selected Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Information
 
Total segment assets
 
Generation
   
Energy
Trading
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sept. 30, 2014
    8,915       162       491       9,568  
Dec. 31, 2013 (Restated - Note 2(A))
    9,093       244       287       9,624  
 
C. Depreciation and Amortization on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The reconciliation between depreciation and amortization reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is presented below:
 
   
3 months ended Sept. 30
   
9 months ended Sept. 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Depreciation and amortization expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
    135       124       402       382  
Depreciation included in fuel and purchased power
    13       16       41       42  
Other
    -       1       -       1  
Depreciation and amortization expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    148       141       443       425  
 
 
TRANSALTA CORPORATION / Q3 2014 27