Risks and Uncertainties (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Unusual Risks and Uncertainties [Table Text Block]

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. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on demand for electricity and, as a result, on the financial results and operations of the Company. 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.

As a result of the long-lived asset impairments at Gener during the third quarter of 2020, the Company determined there was a triggering event requiring a reassessment of goodwill impairment at September 1, 2020. The Company determined the fair value of its Gener reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 13%. Although the fair value exceeds its carrying value by more than 10%, the Company continues to monitor the Gener reporting unit for potential interim goodwill impairment triggering events.

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 September 30, 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.