TransAlta Appoints Mike Politeski as CFO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 23 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy TAC?
TransAlta Corporation announces the appointment of Mike Politeski as Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, CFO, and Grant Arnold as Executive Vice President, Growth and Chief Commercial Officer, CCO, effective May 1, 2026 and May 6, 2026, respectively. The appointments correspond with the transition of current EVP and CFO, Joel Hunter, to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, effective April 30, 2026, following the retirement of current President and CEO, John Kousinioris.
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Analyst Views on TAC
Wall Street analysts forecast TAC stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 12.660
Low
12.96
Averages
17.38
High
19.44
Current: 12.660
Low
12.96
Averages
17.38
High
19.44
About TAC
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. It provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses, and utility customers with affordable, energy-efficient, and reliable power. Its portfolio includes hydro, wind, solar, battery storage, natural gas, and thermal power. Its segments include Hydro, Wind & Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, Energy Marketing, and Corporate. It has over 88 energy assets in the portfolio. It has a diversified fleet of hydro, wind, solar, natural gas, and cogeneration generates over 9,000 megawatts of electricity. It delivers renewable energy solutions for large-scale commercial partners, including technology companies. It operates a fleet of electrical power generation assets, including Antrim Wind Project, Lakeswind Facility, Old Town Wind Project, White Rock East Project, Mass Solar Project, Fortescue River Gas Pipeline, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
TransAlta Appoints New CEO and CFO
- Executive Changes: TransAlta announced the appointment of current CFO Joel Hunter as the new President and CEO effective April 30, succeeding retiring President and CEO John Kousinioris, indicating a strategic shift in leadership.
- Financial Leadership Transition: To fill the vacancy left by Joel Hunter, the company appointed Mike Politeski as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President effective May 1, bringing over 25 years of capital markets and financial strategy experience, which is expected to provide fresh financial insights.
- Commercial Function Enhancement: Grant Arnold has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President effective May 6, aiming to strengthen the company's commercial strategy and enhance market competitiveness to ensure continued growth in the power sector.
- Market Reaction: In pre-market trading, TransAlta shares were priced at $12.62, down 0.32% on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a cautious market response to the executive changes, which may impact investor confidence.
See More
TransAlta Appoints New Executives to Leadership Team
- Executive Appointments: TransAlta has appointed Mike Politeski as Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and Grant Arnold as Executive Vice President of Growth and Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 1 and May 6, 2026, respectively, indicating a strategic shift in leadership to support future growth.
- Experienced Leaders: Politeski brings over 25 years of financial management experience, having served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer at Veren Inc., while Arnold has over 30 years in the power generation and energy sector, previously serving as President and CEO of BluEarth Renewables, enhancing the company's leadership in the industry.
- Management Transition: These appointments coincide with the transition of current EVP and CFO Joel Hunter to President and CEO effective April 30, 2026, marking a significant change in the company's upper management structure.
- Strategic Implications: The addition of these executives not only brings extensive industry experience to TransAlta but also signifies a close alignment between leadership renewal and the company's future development strategy, aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive energy market.
See More
TransAlta Corporation 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting Announcement
- Shareholder Meeting Details: TransAlta Corporation will hold its annual and special meeting of shareholders on April 30, 2026, in a virtual format at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time (1:30 p.m. Eastern Time), providing shareholders with a convenient way to participate.
- Streamlined Agenda: The meeting will only cover formal business without a management presentation, aimed at enhancing efficiency and focusing on shareholder voting and decision-making processes.
- Earnings Release Schedule: TransAlta plans to release its first quarter 2026 results before markets open on May 6, 2026, followed by a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time), offering in-depth financial analysis for investors and analysts.
- Diverse Participation Options: Investors can join the conference call via a registration link, choosing to dial in or receive an automated call, ensuring all stakeholders can easily access the latest company updates.
See More
TransAlta Upgraded to Outperform, Stock Rises 6.5%
- Rating Upgrade: National Bank Financial upgraded TransAlta (TAC) from Sector Perform to Outperform with a C$22 price target, anticipating several catalysts that could drive the stock higher.
- Project Value Reevaluation: The analyst noted that the recent 22% pullback in TAC's stock no longer reflects the value of its upcoming US$600M Keephills data center project and Centralia gas conversion, with Alberta power prices expected to recover to the mid-C$70s to mid-C$80s per MWh range.
- EBITDA Growth Outlook: At its investor day, TransAlta outlined a path to double-digit EBITDA growth through 2029, supported by an expected Alberta net load growth of 900-1,300 MW, which could push pool prices to $85-$120/MWh and drive EBITDA to $1.35B-$1.8B.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The anticipated increase in free cash flow and growing debt capacity should further support TransAlta's financial flexibility to pursue a diverse mix of greenfield, brownfield, and accretive M&A opportunities, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
TransAlta Partners with Pension Fund for Data Center Development
- Partnership Agreement: TransAlta has signed an exclusive agreement with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Brookfield to serve as the power provider for a planned data center in Alberta, which is expected to enhance the company's positioning in emerging markets.
- Power Purchase Agreement: The MoU establishes a framework for phased development at the Keephills site, including an initial long-term power purchase agreement for approximately 230 MW, with potential expansion opportunities totaling up to 1 GW of load, indicating significant growth potential in renewable energy.
- Financial Performance Fluctuations: Although TransAlta reported a Q4 adjusted loss of C$0.06 per share, down from an adjusted profit of C$0.01 per share in the same quarter last year, the company raised its quarterly dividend to C$0.07, reflecting confidence in future cash flows.
- Revenue Decline Impact: The Q4 attributable loss slightly decreased to C$62 million, or C$0.21 per share, compared to a loss of C$65 million, or C$0.22 per share, in the prior year, but revenue fell 11% year-over-year to C$599 million, highlighting pressures from increased market competition.
See More
TransAlta Corporation Announces Investor Day in Toronto
- Investor Day Announcement: TransAlta Corporation will hold its Investor Day on March 23, 2026, in Toronto, starting at 9:00 a.m., aimed at providing investors with a comprehensive overview of the company's strategic priorities and long-term plans, which is expected to attract significant investor interest.
- Hybrid Format: The event will be hosted in a hybrid format, allowing investors to attend in person or via live webcast, reflecting the company's commitment to meeting investor needs while providing convenience for those unable to attend in person.
- Financial Outlook Presentation: During the Investor Day, TransAlta will share its financial outlook and growth opportunities, which is anticipated to provide investors with valuable market insights and a better understanding of the company's future direction.
- Recording Availability: For those unable to attend live, TransAlta will make a recording of the event and the corresponding presentation available, ensuring that all investors can access important information and enhancing communication between the company and its investors.
See More
TransAlta Appoints New CEO and CFO
- Executive Changes: TransAlta announced the appointment of current CFO Joel Hunter as the new President and CEO effective April 30, succeeding retiring President and CEO John Kousinioris, indicating a strategic shift in leadership.
- Financial Leadership Transition: To fill the vacancy left by Joel Hunter, the company appointed Mike Politeski as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President effective May 1, bringing over 25 years of capital markets and financial strategy experience, which is expected to provide fresh financial insights.
- Commercial Function Enhancement: Grant Arnold has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President effective May 6, aiming to strengthen the company's commercial strategy and enhance market competitiveness to ensure continued growth in the power sector.
- Market Reaction: In pre-market trading, TransAlta shares were priced at $12.62, down 0.32% on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a cautious market response to the executive changes, which may impact investor confidence.
See More
TransAlta Appoints New Executives to Leadership Team
- Executive Appointments: TransAlta has appointed Mike Politeski as Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and Grant Arnold as Executive Vice President of Growth and Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 1 and May 6, 2026, respectively, indicating a strategic shift in leadership to support future growth.
- Experienced Leaders: Politeski brings over 25 years of financial management experience, having served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer at Veren Inc., while Arnold has over 30 years in the power generation and energy sector, previously serving as President and CEO of BluEarth Renewables, enhancing the company's leadership in the industry.
- Management Transition: These appointments coincide with the transition of current EVP and CFO Joel Hunter to President and CEO effective April 30, 2026, marking a significant change in the company's upper management structure.
- Strategic Implications: The addition of these executives not only brings extensive industry experience to TransAlta but also signifies a close alignment between leadership renewal and the company's future development strategy, aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive energy market.
See More
TransAlta Corporation 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting Announcement
- Shareholder Meeting Details: TransAlta Corporation will hold its annual and special meeting of shareholders on April 30, 2026, in a virtual format at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time (1:30 p.m. Eastern Time), providing shareholders with a convenient way to participate.
- Streamlined Agenda: The meeting will only cover formal business without a management presentation, aimed at enhancing efficiency and focusing on shareholder voting and decision-making processes.
- Earnings Release Schedule: TransAlta plans to release its first quarter 2026 results before markets open on May 6, 2026, followed by a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time), offering in-depth financial analysis for investors and analysts.
- Diverse Participation Options: Investors can join the conference call via a registration link, choosing to dial in or receive an automated call, ensuring all stakeholders can easily access the latest company updates.
See More
TransAlta Upgraded to Outperform, Stock Rises 6.5%
- Rating Upgrade: National Bank Financial upgraded TransAlta (TAC) from Sector Perform to Outperform with a C$22 price target, anticipating several catalysts that could drive the stock higher.
- Project Value Reevaluation: The analyst noted that the recent 22% pullback in TAC's stock no longer reflects the value of its upcoming US$600M Keephills data center project and Centralia gas conversion, with Alberta power prices expected to recover to the mid-C$70s to mid-C$80s per MWh range.
- EBITDA Growth Outlook: At its investor day, TransAlta outlined a path to double-digit EBITDA growth through 2029, supported by an expected Alberta net load growth of 900-1,300 MW, which could push pool prices to $85-$120/MWh and drive EBITDA to $1.35B-$1.8B.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The anticipated increase in free cash flow and growing debt capacity should further support TransAlta's financial flexibility to pursue a diverse mix of greenfield, brownfield, and accretive M&A opportunities, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
TransAlta Partners with Pension Fund for Data Center Development
- Partnership Agreement: TransAlta has signed an exclusive agreement with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Brookfield to serve as the power provider for a planned data center in Alberta, which is expected to enhance the company's positioning in emerging markets.
- Power Purchase Agreement: The MoU establishes a framework for phased development at the Keephills site, including an initial long-term power purchase agreement for approximately 230 MW, with potential expansion opportunities totaling up to 1 GW of load, indicating significant growth potential in renewable energy.
- Financial Performance Fluctuations: Although TransAlta reported a Q4 adjusted loss of C$0.06 per share, down from an adjusted profit of C$0.01 per share in the same quarter last year, the company raised its quarterly dividend to C$0.07, reflecting confidence in future cash flows.
- Revenue Decline Impact: The Q4 attributable loss slightly decreased to C$62 million, or C$0.21 per share, compared to a loss of C$65 million, or C$0.22 per share, in the prior year, but revenue fell 11% year-over-year to C$599 million, highlighting pressures from increased market competition.
See More
TransAlta Corporation Announces Investor Day in Toronto
- Investor Day Announcement: TransAlta Corporation will hold its Investor Day on March 23, 2026, in Toronto, starting at 9:00 a.m., aimed at providing investors with a comprehensive overview of the company's strategic priorities and long-term plans, which is expected to attract significant investor interest.
- Hybrid Format: The event will be hosted in a hybrid format, allowing investors to attend in person or via live webcast, reflecting the company's commitment to meeting investor needs while providing convenience for those unable to attend in person.
- Financial Outlook Presentation: During the Investor Day, TransAlta will share its financial outlook and growth opportunities, which is anticipated to provide investors with valuable market insights and a better understanding of the company's future direction.
- Recording Availability: For those unable to attend live, TransAlta will make a recording of the event and the corresponding presentation available, ensuring that all investors can access important information and enhancing communication between the company and its investors.
See More
