TransAlta Net Earnings Fall to 17 Million Canadian Dollars
The power generator reported a drop in net earnings from 42 million Canadian dollars in the prior-year period
TransAlta Corporation (TAC), one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, reported net earnings of 17 million Canadian dollars for the three months ended March 31, 2026. This represents a decrease from the 42 million Canadian dollars the company recorded during the same period in 2025.
Revenues fell to 565 million Canadian dollars from 758 million Canadian dollars in the prior-year quarter. The company's gross margin declined to 361 million Canadian dollars, compared with 432 million Canadian dollars in the first quarter of 2025. This contraction occurred as fuel and purchased power costs dropped to 165 million Canadian dollars from 277 million Canadian dollars.
Operating income for the period was 92 million Canadian dollars, down from 100 million Canadian dollars in the previous year. The company reported that operations, maintenance and administration expenses rose slightly to 181 million Canadian dollars from 173 million Canadian dollars. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased to 105 million Canadian dollars from 146 million Canadian dollars.
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders were 13 million Canadian dollars, resulting in basic and diluted earnings of 0.04 a share. In the first quarter of 2025, earnings attributable to common shareholders were 46 million Canadian dollars, or 0.15 a share.
Total comprehensive income rose to 43 million Canadian dollars from 32 million Canadian dollars in the prior-year period. This increase was supported by 26 million Canadian dollars in other comprehensive income, which included 12 million Canadian dollars in gains from translating net assets of foreign operations.
TransAlta paid 21 million Canadian dollars in common share dividends during the quarter. The company's total equity attributable to shareholders stood at 1,407 million Canadian dollars as of March 31, 2026, compared to 1,732 million Canadian dollars at the end of the same period in 2025.
The company stated that actual results may be impacted by fluctuations in power prices, changes in electricity supply and demand, and the ability to replace expiring contracts.