Risks and Uncertainties (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

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 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, 2021, the Company had no reporting units considered to be “at risk,” as the fair value of all reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts by more than 10%. The Company monitors its reporting units for interim impairment indicators, and has determined that no triggering events requiring a reassessment of goodwill impairment exist as of September 30, 2022.

However, the Company has seen degradation in certain inputs to the discount rate used in our goodwill impairment analysis, such as increasing interest rates and country risk premiums in certain markets, since the date

of our last impairment test. These changes to the inputs of our discount rate may negatively impact our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2022. The analysis of the cash flows to which these inputs are applied is currently in process. It is currently not known if these inputs to the discount rate are significant enough to result in an impairment of goodwill.

Should the fair value of any of the Company’s reporting units fall below its carrying amount as a result of these inputs or other changes such as 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.

Alto Maipo — On August 27, 2021, Alto Maipo updated its creditors with respect to the construction budget and long-term business plan for the project, which considers different scenarios for spot prices, decarbonization initiatives, and hydrological conditions, among other significant variables. Under some of these scenarios, Alto Maipo may experience reduced future cash flows, which would limit its ability to repay debt. Alto Maipo’s management initiated negotiations with its creditors to restructure its obligations and achieve a sustainable long-term capital structure for Alto Maipo. On November 17, 2021, Alto Maipo SpA commenced a reorganization proceeding in accordance with Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, through a voluntary petition. Consequently, after the Chapter 11 filing, the Company is no longer considered to have control over Alto Maipo, which resulted in its deconsolidation. The Company recognized an after-tax loss of approximately $1.2 billion, net of noncontrolling interests, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, associated with the loss of control attributable to the former controlling interest.

On May 26, 2022, Alto Maipo emerged from bankruptcy in accordance with Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Alto Maipo, as restructured, is considered a VIE. As the Company lacks the power to make significant decisions, it does not meet the criteria to be considered the primary beneficiary of Alto Maipo and therefore will not consolidate this entity. The Company has elected the fair value option to account for its investment in Alto Maipo. If Alto Maipo is unable to meet its obligations under the restructured arrangements as they come due, the creditors may enforce their rights under the credit agreements. These finance agreements are non-recourse with respect to The AES Corporation.