Risks and Uncertainties (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]

Unusual Risks and Uncertainties [Table Text Block]

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

COVID-19 Pandemic — The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted global economic activity, including electricity and energy consumption, and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving and many countries, including the United States, have reacted by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures, and restricting travel.

For the quarter ending March 31, 2020, COVID-19 had a limited impact on the financial results and operations of the Company, as the full extent of the economic impact of the pandemic only started to materialize in the geographies in which we operate in the second half of March 2020. The magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time and may have material and adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods.

Goodwill — The Company considers a reporting unit at risk of impairment when its fair value does not exceed its carrying amount by more than 10%. During the annual goodwill impairment test performed as of October 1, 2019, the Company determined that the fair value of its Gener reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 3%. Therefore, Gener's $868 million goodwill balance is considered "at risk", largely due to the Chilean Government's announcement to phase out coal generation by 2040, and a decline in long-term energy prices.

Given the uncertainties in the global market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company assessed whether current events or circumstances indicated it was more likely than not the fair value of the Gener reporting unit was reduced below its carrying amount in the first quarter of 2020. After assessing the relevant factors, the Company determined there was no triggering event requiring a reassessment of goodwill impairment as of March 31, 2020. While the duration and severity of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown, further deterioration in the global market could result in changes to assumptions utilized in the goodwill assessment.

The Company monitors its reporting units at risk of impairment for interim impairment indicators, and believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations are reasonable as of March 31, 2020. Should the fair value of any of the Company’s reporting units fall below its carrying amount because of reduced operating performance, market declines, changes in the discount rate, regulatory changes, or other adverse conditions, goodwill impairment charges may be necessary in future periods.