TransAlta Corporation TAC reported second-quarter 2017 adjusted loss of 2 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Total RevenueIn second-quarter 2017, TransAlta’s total revenue of $374 million (C$503 million) surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $355 million by 6.5%. However, revenues were down 2.09% from $382 million (C$492 million) in the prior-year quarter.Quarterly HighlightsDuring the second quarter, TransAlta’s cost of fuel, purchased power and other amounted to C$180 million ($134.9 million), increasing 3.5% year over year from C$174 million.The company’s Operations, Maintenance and Administration amounted to C$127 million ($95.1 million) reflecting an increase of 4.1% year over year from C$122 million.Total operating income in the reported quarter decreased 41.5% from C$41million year over year to C$24 million ($18 million).Interest expenses decreased 4.8% from C$62 million year over year to C$59 million ($44.2 million).Financial UpdateCash and cash equivalents were $38.5 million (C$50 million) as of Jun 30, 2017, falling significantly from $226.9 million (C$305 million) as of Dec 31, 2016.Total of long-term net debt was at $2,856.7 million (C$3,709 million) as of Jun 30, 2017, lower than $2,896 million (C$3,893 million) as of Dec 31, 2016.Cash used in operating activities was $48.5 million (C$63 million), decreased from $91.6 million (C$119 million) as of Jun 30, 2016.TransAlta Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise TransAlta Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | TransAlta Corporation QuoteGuidanceTransAlta revised guidance for 2017 comparable EBITDA in the range of C$1,025-C$1,100 million from the previous outlook of C$1,025–C$1,135 million, Funds from Operations to be in the range of C$765–C$820 million, and Free Cash Flow to be in the range of C$270–C$310 million lowering its range from the previously announced outlook.Performance of Other UtilitiesAmong other players from the industry that have reported second-quarter earnings, both WEC Energy Group WEC and Xcel Energy Inc. XEL beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while FirstEnergy Corporation FE reported earnings on par with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Zacks RankTransAlta carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.It's not the one you think.See This Ticker Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC): Free Stock Analysis Report Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL): Free Stock Analysis Report FirstEnergy Corporation (FE): Free Stock Analysis Report TransAlta Corporation (TAC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research