Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the period decreased by 14% to R52 billion, reflecting a challenging macroeconomic environment [15][30] - Free cash flow improved by more than 70% compared to the prior year, reaching almost ZAR 12.6 billion, a 75% increase [33][34] - Net debt was reduced to $3.7 billion, achieving the target of staying under $4 billion, marking the lowest level since 2016 [12][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the South African business, mining EBITDA increased by 15%, while gas EBITDA rose by 35% due to higher gas prices and sales volumes [37] - Fuels segment saw a decline of 38% due to weaker rand oil prices and lower refining margins [37] - International Chemicals increased its share of group adjusted EBITDA from 9% to 15%, driven by improved U.S. Ethylene margins and stronger palm kernel oil pricing [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic environment was highly volatile, influenced by global tariffs and geopolitical tensions, impacting various business segments differently [32] - The chemical segments benefited from stronger U.S. Ethylene margins and a 5% uplift in the overall chemicals basket price [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its foundation, resetting international chemicals, and restoring the South African value chain [8][26] - A commitment to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is part of the strategic roadmap, with significant progress in renewable energy initiatives [47][50] - The company aims to improve cash generation to accelerate deleveraging while advancing its growth and transformation agenda [27][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges in the operating environment but expressed confidence in the execution of strategic plans [9][26] - The focus remains on safety, operational reliability, and optimizing capital allocation to navigate ongoing macro volatility [28][41] - Future guidance includes maintaining cost and capital discipline while targeting further reductions in net debt [43][44] Other Important Information - The company invested R600 million in social programs globally, supporting over 250 students and contributing to community infrastructure projects [24][25] - The upcoming retirement of key executives marks a transition in leadership, with new appointments aimed at addressing both short and long-term goals [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx savings and guidance for FY 2026 - The company achieved CapEx below guidance due to a rigorous approach, deferring low-risk activities and optimizing capital spend [56][64] - Guidance for FY 2026 remains similar to FY 2025 despite no shutdown, with expectations for increased volumes from the destoning plant [56][64] Question: Gas volumes and impairment calculations - Gas volumes from Mozambique are expected to ramp up, but total recoverable gas volumes were revised down due to changes in the WACC rate [58][66] - The commissioning of the integrated processing facility is on track, but delays in the CTT project have been encountered [58][73] Question: Outlook for chemical prices and debt reduction - The company is focused on deleveraging, using excess cash to reduce gross debt and improve net debt position [92] - The effective tax rate has increased due to non-permissible deductions, impacting overall tax payments [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - TransAlta reported adjusted EBITDA of CAD 349 million for Q2 2025, an increase of CAD 33 million compared to the same period in 2024, driven by favorable ancillary service pricing and asset optimization [11][12] - Free cash flow for the quarter was CAD 177 million, consistent with the same period last year [13] - Average fleet availability was 91.6% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hydro segment adjusted EBITDA increased to CAD 126 million from CAD 83 million year-over-year, attributed to higher intercompany sales and emissions credits [11] - Wind and solar segment adjusted EBITDA remained stable at CAD 89 million, impacted by lower tax attributes revenue from Oklahoma assets [12] - Gas segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to CAD 128 million from CAD 142 million, primarily due to lower realized power prices and higher carbon and natural gas pricing [12] - Energy Transition segment adjusted EBITDA rose to CAD 19 million, a CAD 17 million increase year-over-year [12] - Energy Marketing adjusted EBITDA decreased by CAD 13 million to CAD 26 million due to subdued market volatility [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alberta's spot price averaged CAD 40 per megawatt hour in Q2 2025, down from CAD 45 per megawatt hour in 2024 [13] - The hydro fleet achieved an average realized merchant price of CAD 82 per megawatt hour, a 105% premium to the average spot price [14] - The gas fleet realized a 55% premium to the average spot price [14] - Ancillary service pricing settled at CAD 42 per megawatt hour, a 5% premium to the average spot price [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize the value of its legacy thermal energy campuses and capture opportunities in securing data center customers [17] - TransAlta is focused on maintaining financial strength and flexibility while pursuing strategic M&A opportunities [18] - The company is committed to achieving its 2026 CO2 emissions reduction target and enhancing its diversified portfolio [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting 2025 guidance ranges and highlighted the positive momentum in securing data center opportunities in Alberta [11][17] - The company is optimistic about the development of a data center industry in Alberta, which is expected to rebalance the current oversupply of generation [10][36] - Management acknowledged the importance of clarity from the ISO regarding future phases of data center development [52] Other Important Information - TransAlta successfully recontracted its Melancon and Wolf Island wind facilities, extending contract dates to 2031 and 2034 respectively [6][7] - The company is actively engaged in commercial negotiations for its Centralia site and expects to share detailed development plans soon [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the gating factors to successfully execute an MOU for data centers? - Management indicated that there are no significant impediments, but finalizing terms takes time [22][24] Question: How is the organization viewing midlife natural gas M&A opportunities? - Management confirmed that it is an increasing focus, with several opportunities being explored in core markets [26][27] Question: Has the timeline for securing an MOU changed since the Q1 call? - Management acknowledged that while there has been progress, the timeline has evolved due to clarity from the ISO [32][34] Question: Can Alberta deliver power to gigawatt scale data centers? - Management expressed confidence in Alberta's ability to support a vibrant data center industry, which would benefit their diverse fleet [36] Question: How is the carbon credit portfolio being managed? - Management emphasized the value of their environmental attributes and their role in ensuring competitiveness and meeting customer needs [56]