TransAlta profit rises on lower maintenance costs

Oct 26 (Reuters) - Canadian electricity generator TransAlta Corp reported a 12 percent rise in third-quarter profit o n lower maintenance costs.

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders rose to C$56 million, or 24 Canadian cents per share, from C$50 million, or 22 Canadian cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding items, it earned 18 Canadian cents per share .