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Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN) FY 2024 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from Clearway Energy, Inc.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2024. Filing date: 2025-02-25. Report date: 2024-12-31. Accession: 0001567683-25-000007.

This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high.

Company profile: CWEN · All MD&A years: index · Previous year: FY 2023 · Next year: FY 2025

Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations

As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income to this Form 10-K. Also refer to Item 1 — Business and Item 1A — Risk Factors, which include detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Discussions of the year ended December 31, 2022 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and year-to-year comparisons of the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:

•Executive Summary, including a description of the business and significant events that are important to understanding the results of operations and financial condition;

•Results of operations, including an explanation of significant differences between the periods in the specific line items of the consolidated statements of income;

•Financial condition addressing liquidity position, sources and uses of cash, capital resources and requirements, commitments and off-balance sheet arrangements;

•Known trends that may affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition in the future; and

•Critical accounting policies which are most important to both the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment.

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Executive Summary

Introduction and Overview

Clearway Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a publicly-traded energy infrastructure investor with a focus on investments in clean energy and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America. The Company is sponsored by Clearway Energy Group LLC, or CEG, which is equally owned by GIP and TotalEnergies. On October 1, 2024, BlackRock acquired 100% of the business and assets of GIM, which is the investment manager of the GIP funds that own an interest in CEG.

The Company is one of the largest owners of clean energy generation assets in the U.S. and a leading contributor to the transition to a world powered by clean energy. The Company’s portfolio comprises approximately 11.8 GW of gross capacity in 26 states, including approximately 9 GW of wind, solar and battery energy storage systems, or BESS, and approximately 2.8 GW of dispatchable combustion-based power generation assets included in the Flexible Generation segment that provide critical grid reliability services. Through this environmentally-sound, diversified and primarily contracted portfolio, the Company endeavors to provide its investors with stable and growing dividend income. The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from long-term contractual arrangements for the output or capacity from these assets. The weighted average remaining contract duration of the Company’s Renewables segment offtake agreements was approximately 12 years as of December 31, 2024 based on CAFD.

Significant Events

Third-Party Acquisition

•On November 25, 2024, the Company entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Tuolumne wind facility, a 137 MW operating facility located in Klickitat County, Washington, from an investment-grade regulated entity for approximately $219 million. After factoring in estimated closing adjustments and new non-recourse facility-level debt, the Company expects its total long-term corporate capital commitment to acquire the facility to be between $70 million and $75 million, which the Company expects to fund with existing sources of liquidity. Tuolumne reached commercial operations in 2009. As part of the acquisition, the Company will enter into a 15-year PPA with the seller of the facility. The Company also has received a PPA contractual extension option to enable a potential future repowering of the facility. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the first half of 2025.

Drop Down Transactions

•On February 12, 2025, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to sell its membership interests in Mt. Storm, a 264 MW wind facility that is located in Grant County, West Virginia, for $121 million in cash consideration in order for Clearway Renew to repower the facility, which will occur in two phases. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and third-party approvals and is expected in the second half of 2025. Additionally, the agreement contains an exclusive option for the Company to purchase the Class B membership interests in the tax equity fund that upon mechanical completion of the first phase of the repowering of the facility will own Mt. Storm. Mechanical completion of the first phase of the Mt. Storm repowering is expected to occur in the second half of 2026 with the second phase of the repowering expected to occur in the second half of 2027. The repowering of the facility is expected to increase the facility’s capacity to 335 MW.

•On December 20, 2024, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to acquire the Class A membership interests in the Honeycomb Portfolio, which includes four BESS facilities under construction in Utah, representing 320 MW of capacity, for $78 million in cash consideration. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the first half of 2026.

•On November 18, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Dan’s Mountain Parent Holdco LLC, acquired the Class A membership interests in Dan’s Mountain TargetCo LLC, the indirect owner of Dan’s Mountain, a 55 MW wind facility, that is currently under construction in Allegany County, Maryland, from Clearway Renew for initial cash consideration of $7 million. At substantial completion, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2025, the Company estimates it will pay an additional $31 million to Clearway Renew. Dan’s Mountain TargetCo LLC, a partnership between the Company and Clearway Renew, consolidates as primary beneficiary, Dan’s Mountain Tax Credit Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Dan’s Mountain wind facility. See Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions, for further discussion of the transaction.

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•On October 28, 2024, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to acquire the Class A membership interests in Pine Forest TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that upon mechanical completion will own Pine Forest, a 300 MW solar facility that will be paired with a 200 MW BESS facility currently under construction in Hopkins County, Texas, for $46 million in cash consideration, subject to closing adjustments. Also, on October 28, 2024, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to acquire 50% of the Class B membership interests in Pine Forest TE Holdco LLC for $90 million in cash consideration, subject to closing adjustments. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the second half of 2025.

•On June 27, 2024, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to acquire the Class A membership interests in Luna Valley, a 200 MW solar facility currently under construction in Fresno County, California, and Daggett 1, a 114 MW BESS facility currently under construction in San Bernardino, California, for $143 million in cash consideration, subject to closing adjustments. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the first half of 2025.

•On May 7, 2024, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew to acquire the Class A membership interests in Rosamond South I, a 140 MW solar facility that will be paired with a 117 MW BESS facility currently under construction in Rosamond, California, for $21 million in cash consideration, subject to closing adjustments. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the first half of 2025.

•On April 16, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Cedar Creek Wind Holdco LLC, acquired Cedar Creek Holdco LLC, the indirect owner of Cedar Creek, a 160 MW wind facility that is located in Bingham County, Idaho, from Clearway Renew for cash consideration of $117 million. Cedar Creek Holdco LLC consolidates as primary beneficiary, Cedar Creek TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Cedar Creek wind facility. See Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions, for further discussion of the transaction.

•On March 15, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, TSN1 TE Holdco LLC, acquired Texas Solar Nova 2, a 200 MW solar facility that is located in Kent County, Texas, from Clearway Renew for cash consideration of $112 million, $17 million of which was funded by the Company with the remaining $95 million funded through a contribution from the cash equity investor in Lighthouse Renewable Holdco 2 LLC, which is a partnership. Lighthouse Renewable Holdco 2 LLC indirectly consolidates as primary beneficiary, TSN1 TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns Texas Solar Nova 1 and Texas Solar Nova 2. See Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions, for further discussion of the transaction.

RA Agreements

•On January 14, 2025, the Company contracted with a load serving entity to sell approximately 75 MW of El Segundo’s RA commencing in August 2026 and ending in December 2029. On February 4, 2025, the Company contracted with an additional load serving entity to sell approximately 197 MW of El Segundo’s RA commencing in August 2026 and ending December 2029. El Segundo is now contracted for 100% of its capacity through 2027 and approximately 50% of its capacity through 2028.

•On May 6, 2024, the Company contracted with a load serving entity to sell approximately 97 MW of Walnut Creek’s RA commencing in January 2027 and ending in December 2027. Walnut Creek is contracted for 100% of its capacity through 2026 and is now contracted for approximately 20% of its capacity through 2027.

•On March 28, 2024, the Company contracted with a load serving entity to sell approximately 90 MW of Marsh Landing’s RA commencing in September 2026 and ending in December 2030. On July 31, 2024, the Company contracted with an additional load serving entity to sell approximately 195 MW of Marsh Landing’s RA commencing in October 2026 and ending in December 2028. Marsh Landing is now contracted for approximately 99% of its capacity through 2027 and approximately 49% of its capacity through 2028.

Facility-level Financing Activities

•In connection with the 2024 Drop Downs of Texas Solar Nova 2, Cedar Creek and Dan’s Mountain, the Company assumed non-recourse facility-level debt. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the non-recourse facility-level debt associated with each facility.

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•On December 27, 2024, when the repowering of the Cedro Hill wind facility reached substantial completion, tax equity investors contributed $152 million to acquire the Class A membership interests in Cedro Hill TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Cedro Hill wind facility. The tax equity proceeds were utilized, along with $54 million in construction loan proceeds, to repay the tax equity bridge loan and cash equity bridge loan, to fund construction completion and related reserves, to pay construction invoices and to pay associated fees with the remaining $26 million distributed to CEG. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the transactions.

•On October 23, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Capistrano Portfolio Holdco LLC, entered into a financing agreement, which included the issuance of a $121 million term loan, as well as $42 million in letters of credit in support of debt service and facility obligations. The Company utilized the proceeds from the term loan to pay off the existing debt related to Broken Bow and Crofton Bluffs and to pay related financing costs. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the financing arrangement.

•On July 25, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Natural Gas Holdco, entered into a financing agreement that provides for a $200 million letter of credit facility, which is being utilized to support the collateral needs of the merchant facilities in the Flexible Generation segment and freed up capacity on the Company’s corporate revolving credit facility. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the letter of credit facility.

•On June 13, 2024, when the Rosamond Central BESS facility reached substantial completion, the Company paid $279 million to Clearway Renew as additional purchase price to complete its acquisition of the facility, which occurred on December 1, 2023. The additional purchase price consisted of $64 million that was funded by the Company from existing sources of liquidity and $215 million funded through contributions from third-party investors. Clearway Renew utilized the proceeds to repay the loan that was previously issued to its consolidated subsidiary by Rosie Class B LLC and to redeem Rosie Class B LLC’s entire equity investment in Rosie Central BESS. The Company utilized proceeds from Clearway Renew, along with $39 million held previously in escrow and $56 million of the Company’s additional purchase price contributed back to the Company by CEG, to repay the tax equity bridge loan, to make a distribution to the cash equity investor, to fund construction completion reserves and to pay associated fees. See Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, and Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the transactions.

•On June 11, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, NIMH Solar LLC, refinanced its amended and restated credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature in September 2024, resulting in the issuance of a $137 million term loan facility, as well as $17 million in letters of credit in support of debt service and facility obligations. The Company utilized the proceeds from the term loan and existing sources of liquidity to pay off the existing debt. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the refinanced credit agreement.

•On May 1, 2024, when the Victory Pass and Arica solar and BESS facilities reached substantial completion, the Company paid $165 million to Clearway Renew as additional purchase price in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the Class A membership interests in VP-Arica TargetCo LLC on October 31, 2023. Also on May 1, 2024, the cash equity investor contributed an additional $347 million, the tax equity investor contributed an additional $410 million and CEG contributed $52 million, which were utilized, along with $103 million held previously in escrow, to repay the cash equity bridge loan, to repay the tax equity bridge loan, to fund construction completion reserves and to pay associated fees. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, for further discussion of the transactions.

Environmental Matters and Regulatory Matters

Details of environmental matters and regulatory matters are presented in Item 1 — Business, Regulatory Matters and Item 1A — Risk Factors. Details of some of this information relate to costs that may impact the Company’s financial results.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table provides selected financial information:

Year ended December 31,
(In millions)202420232022
Operating Revenues
Energy and capacity revenues$1,500$1,382$1,465
Other revenues909982
Contract amortization(184)(186)(175)
Mark-to-market for economic hedges(35)19(182)
Total operating revenues1,3711,3141,190
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of fuels436029
Operations and maintenance346314295
Other costs of operations11299111
Depreciation, amortization and accretion627526512
Impairment losses1216
General and administrative393640
Transaction and integration costs847
Development costs2
Total operating costs and expenses1,1751,0511,012
Gain on sale of business1,292
Operating Income1962631,470
Other Income (Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates351229
Other income, net485217
Loss on debt extinguishment(5)(6)(2)
Derivative interest income (expense)29(17)100
Other interest expense(336)(320)(332)
Total other expense, net(229)(279)(188)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes(33)(16)1,282
Income tax expense (benefit)30(2)222
Net (Loss) Income(63)(14)1,060
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests(151)(93)478
Net Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc.$88$79$582
Year ended December 31,
Business metrics:202420232022
Solar MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a)8,6585,4254,991
Wind MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a)9,9519,4149,343
Renewables MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a)18,60914,83914,334
Solar weighted-average capacity factor (b)29.8%27.5%28.4%
Wind weighted-average capacity factor (c)30.1%28.3%29.9%
Thermal MWt sold (in thousands) (d)835
Thermal MWh sold (in thousands) (d)19
Flexible Generation MWh generated (in thousands) (a) (e)8479961,236
Flexible Generation equivalent availability factor90.6%90.2%92.2%

(a) Volumes do not include the MWh generated/sold by the Company’s equity method investments.

(b) Typical average capacity factors for solar facilities is 25%. The weighted-average capacity factors can vary based on seasonality and weather.

(c) Typical average capacity factors for wind facilities is 25-45%. The weighted-average capacity factors can vary based on seasonality and weather.

(d) On May 1, 2022, the Company completed the sale of 100% of its interests in the Thermal Business to KKR.

(e) Volumes generated in 2022 were not sold as the Flexible Generation facilities sold only capacity rather than energy prior to 2023.

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Management’s discussion of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased by $57 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to a combination of the drivers summarized in the table below:

(In millions)
Flexible Generation SegmentDecrease primarily driven by lower prices for capacity revenue due to the expiration of PPAs and commencement of RA capacity revenue at the Walnut Creek and Marsh Landing facilities during the second quarter of 2023 and the El Segundo facility during the third quarter of 2023.$(74)
Decrease driven by the sales-type lease revenue recognition of the Marsh Landing Black Start addition during the second quarter of 2023.(21)
Increase primarily driven by higher energy revenue due to the commencement of merchant operations following the expiration of PPAs at the Walnut Creek, Marsh Landing and El Segundo facilities during 2023.1
Renewables SegmentIncrease driven by the Daggett 2, Daggett 3, Victory Pass and Arica solar and BESS acquisitions, which reached commercial operations in December 2023, July 2023, March 2024 and April 2024, respectively, the acquisition of Texas Solar Nova 1 and Texas Solar Nova 2 in December 2023 and March 2024, respectively, and the Rosamond Central BESS acquisition, which reached commercial operations in June 2024.138
Increase primarily driven by higher wind production at the Alta wind facilities.50
Increase driven by the acquisition of the Cedar Creek wind facility in April 2024.15
Contract amortizationIncrease primarily driven by the Walnut Creek PPA, which was fully amortized during the second quarter of 2023.2
Mark-to-market economic hedgesDecrease primarily driven by an increase in forward power prices in the ERCOT and PJM markets.(68)
Increase due to heat rate call option contracts entered into by El Segundo, Marsh Landing and Walnut Creek during the third quarter of 2023.14
$57

Cost of Fuels

Cost of fuels decreased by $17 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the associated costs of the sales-type lease recognition of the Marsh Landing Black Start addition during the second quarter of 2023.

Operations and Maintenance Expense

Operations and maintenance expense increased by $32 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the solar and BESS acquisitions referenced above.

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased by $101 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the solar and BESS acquisitions referenced above.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased by $23 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps, lower depreciation expense and higher wind production.

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Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $30 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the following:

(In millions)
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps due to changes in interest rates$(46)
Increase in interest expense due to an increase in principal balances for the Renewables segment primarily due to solar and BESS acquisitions18
Other(2)
$(30)

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $30 million on pretax loss of $33 million. For the same period in 2023, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2 million on pretax loss of $16 million.

As further described in Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company has elected to prospectively adopt the guidance in ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Taxes Disclosures, or ASU 2023-09. The following table is a reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% to the Company’s effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 in accordance with the guidance in ASU No. 2023-09:

Year Ended December 31,
2024
(In millions, except percentages)
Loss Before Income Taxes$(33)
Tax at 21%(7)21.0%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (a)6(18.2)%
Tax credits(4)12.1%
Nontaxable/nondeductible items:
HLBV impact32(96.9)%
Employee share-based payments2(6.0)%
Other1(2.9)%
Income tax expense$30(90.9)%
Effective income tax rate(90.9)%

(a) State taxes in California made up the majority of the tax effect in this category.

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The following table is a reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% to the Company’s effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with the guidance prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09:

Year Ended December 31,
2023
(In millions, except percentages)
Loss Before Income Taxes$(16)
Tax at 21%(3)
State taxes, net of federal benefit(2)
Impact of non-taxable partnership earnings21
Valuation allowance3
Investment tax credits(1)
Production tax credits (a)(16)
Rate change1
State taxes assessed at subsidiaries(3)
Other(2)
Income tax benefit$(2)
Effective income tax rate12.5%

(a) On December 6, 2023, the Company executed an agreement with a third party to sell the PTCs generated by the Alta X and Alta XI wind facilities, which resulted in a $14 million income tax benefit (reduction to income tax expense).

The effective income tax rate may vary from period to period depending on, among other factors, the geographic and business mix of earnings and losses, earnings and losses allocated to partners’ interest in Clearway Energy LLC, which includes the effects of applying the HLBV method of accounting for book purposes to certain partnerships, and changes in valuation allowances in accordance with ASC 740. These factors and others, including the Company’s history of pre-tax earnings and losses, are taken into account in assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company had a net loss of $151 million attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests comprised of the following:

(In millions)
Losses attributable to tax equity financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method (primarily due to VP-Arica TE Holdco LLC and Rosie TE HoldCo LLC HLBV losses)$(404)
Income attributable to third-party partnerships (primarily due to VP-Arica TE Holdco LLC and Rosie TE Holdco LLC HLBV losses)168
CEG’s economic interest in Clearway Energy LLC85
$(151)

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had a net loss of $93 million attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests comprised of the following:

(In millions)
Losses attributable to tax equity financing arrangements and the application of HLBV method (primarily due to Daggett TE Holdco LLC and Daggett 2 TE Holdco LLC HLBV losses)$(388)
Income attributable to third-party partnerships (primarily due to Daggett TE Holdco LLC and Daggett 2 TE Holdco LLC HLBV losses)226
CEG’s economic interest in Clearway Energy LLC69
$(93)

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s principal liquidity requirements are to meet its financial commitments, finance current operations, fund capital expenditures, including acquisitions from time to time, service debt and pay dividends. As a normal part of the Company’s business, depending on market conditions, the Company will from time to time consider opportunities to repay, redeem, repurchase or refinance its indebtedness. Changes in the Company’s operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, acquisitions or other events may cause the Company to seek additional debt or equity financing in future periods. There can be no guarantee that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Debt financing, if available, could impose additional cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions.

Current Liquidity Position

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s liquidity was approximately $1,330 million and $1,505 million, respectively, comprised of cash, restricted cash and availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

As of December 31,
20242023
(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Clearway Energy, Inc. and Clearway Energy LLC, excluding subsidiaries$138$410
Subsidiaries194125
Restricted cash:
Operating accounts184176
Reserves, including debt service, distributions, performance obligations and other reserves217340
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash7331,051
Revolving credit facility availability597454
Total liquidity$1,330$1,505

The Company’s liquidity includes $401 million and $516 million of restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds to satisfy the requirements of certain debt arrangements and funds held within the Company’s facilities that are restricted in their use. As of December 31, 2024, these restricted funds were comprised of $184 million designated to fund operating expenses, approximately $37 million designated for current debt service payments, and $102 million restricted for reserves, including debt service, performance obligations and other reserves, as well as capital expenditures. The remaining $78 million is held in distribution reserve accounts.

Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and $103 million in letters of credit outstanding. The facility will continue to be used for general corporate purposes, including financing of future investments or acquisitions and posting letters of credit.

Management believes that the Company’s liquidity position, cash flows from operations and availability under its revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet the Company’s financial commitments; debt service obligations; growth, operating and maintenance capital expenditures; and to fund dividends to holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class C common stock. Management continues to regularly monitor the Company’s ability to finance the needs of its operating, financing and investing activity within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management.

Credit Ratings

Credit rating agencies rate a firm’s public debt securities. These ratings are utilized by the debt markets in evaluating a firm’s credit risk. Ratings influence the price paid to issue new debt securities by indicating to the market the Company’s ability to pay principal, interest and preferred dividends. Rating agencies evaluate a firm’s industry, cash flow, leverage, liquidity and hedge profile, among other factors, in their credit analysis of a firm’s credit risk.

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The following table summarizes the credit ratings for the Company and its Senior Notes as of December 31, 2024. The ratings outlook is stable.

S&PMoody’s
Clearway Energy, Inc.BBBa2
4.750% Senior Notes, due 2028BBBa2
3.750% Senior Notes, due 2031BBBa2
3.750% Senior Notes, due 2032BBBa2

Sources of Liquidity

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity include cash on hand, cash generated from operations, proceeds from sales of assets, borrowings under new and existing financing arrangements and the issuance of additional equity and debt securities as appropriate given market conditions. As described in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, the Company’s financing arrangements consist of corporate level debt, which includes Senior Notes and the revolving credit facility; the ATM Program; and facility-level financings for its various assets.

Capistrano Portfolio Holdco LLC Financing

On October 23, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Capistrano Portfolio Holdco LLC, entered into a financing agreement which included the issuance of a $121 million term loan, as well as $42 million in letters of credit in support of debt service and facility obligations. The Company utilized the proceeds from the term loan to pay off the existing debt in the amount of $63 million related to Broken Bow and Crofton Bluffs and to pay related financing costs.

Natural Gas Holdco LC Facility

On July 25, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Natural Gas Holdco, entered into a financing agreement that provides for a $200 million letter of credit facility, which is being utilized to support the collateral needs of the merchant facilities in the Flexible Generation segment and freed up capacity on the Company’s corporate revolving credit facility. The letter of credit facility has an initial term of three years and the option for two additional one-year extensions. As of December 31, 2024, $105 million was outstanding under the letter of credit facility.

Uses of Liquidity

The Company’s requirements for liquidity and capital resources, other than for operating its facilities, are categorized as: (i) debt service obligations, as described more fully in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt; (ii) capital expenditures; (iii) off-balance sheet arrangements; (iv) acquisitions and investments, as described more fully in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities; and (v) cash dividends to investors.

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Debt Service Obligations

Principal payments on debt as of December 31, 2024, are due in the following periods:

Description20252026202720282029There-afterTotal
(In millions)
Corporate-level debt:
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2028$$$$850$$$850
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2031925925
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2032350350
Total Corporate-level debt8501,2752,125
Facility-level debt:
Agua Caliente Solar LLC, due 20373940414344367574
Alta Wind Asset Management LLC, due 203111222210
Alta Wind I-V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 20355455576063320609
Alta Wind Realty Investments LLC, due 203123333418
Borrego, due 2038233333145
Buckthorn Solar, due 2025112112
Capistrano Portfolio Holdco LLC, due 2033111213151552118
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 202725261970
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 203872529346407
Carlsbad Holdco, LLC, due 20383911913148193
Cedar Creek, due 2029323298108
Cedro Hill, due 20299910106199
CVSR, due 20373032353740399573
CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037910910996143
Daggett 2, due 2028111152155
Daggett 3, due 2028217217
Dan’s Mountain, due 2025 (a)143143
DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, due 20403030282019229356
Mililani Class B Member Holdco LLC, due 20283338190
NIMH Solar, due 2031 and 2033151616161746126
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 202637578
Rosie Class B LLC, due 20296677165191
TSN1 Class B Member LLC, due 202978910142176
Utah Solar Holdings, due 20361516161212157228
Viento Funding II, LLC, due 20291720242574160
Other151616171235111
Total facility-level debt5553933337768212,2325,110
Total debt$555$393$333$1,626$821$3,507$7,235

(a) At December 31, 2024, amount includes $125 million of construction-related financings recorded in long-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet that is being funded through long-term equity contributions.

Capital Expenditures

The Company’s capital spending program is mainly focused on maintenance capital expenditures, consisting of costs to maintain the assets currently operating, such as costs to replace or refurbish assets during routine maintenance, and growth capital expenditures, consisting of costs to construct new assets, costs to increase the operating capacity of existing assets and costs to complete the construction of assets where construction is in process.

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For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company used approximately $287 million and $212 million, respectively, to fund capital expenditures, primarily in the Renewables segment, funded through construction-related financing. Growth capital expenditures included $107 million incurred in connection with the Victory Pass and Arica solar and BESS facilities, $54 million incurred in connection with the repowering of the Cedro Hill wind facility, $41 million incurred in connection with the Rosamond Central BESS facility, $23 million incurred in connection with Dan’s Mountain, $14 million incurred in connection with the Texas Solar Nova 1 and Texas Solar Nova 2 facilities, $14 million incurred in connection with the Daggett 2 solar and BESS facility, $10 million incurred in connection with the Daggett 3 solar and BESS facility, $7 million incurred in connection with the Cedar Creek wind facility and $6 million incurred by other facilities. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred $11 million and $22 million, respectively, of maintenance capital expenditures, which are net of credits received from equipment manufacturers.

The Company estimates $24 million of maintenance capital expenditures for 2025. These estimates are subject to continuing review and adjustment and actual capital expenditures may vary from these estimates.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Obligations under Certain Guarantee Contracts

The Company may enter into guarantee arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties.

Retained or Contingent Interests

The Company does not have any material retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity.

Obligations Arising Out of a Variable Interest in an Unconsolidated Entity

Variable interest in equity investments — As of December 31, 2024, the Company has several investments with an ownership interest percentage of 50% or less. GenConn is a VIE for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s pro-rata share of non-recourse debt held by unconsolidated affiliates was approximately $282 million as of December 31, 2024. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to the Company. See also Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

In addition to the Company’s capital expenditure programs, the Company has a variety of contractual obligations and other commercial commitments that represent prospective cash requirements. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt and Note 17, Leases, for additional discussion.

By Remaining Maturity at December 31,
20242023
Contractual Cash ObligationsUnder 1 Year1-3 Years3-5 YearsOver 5 YearsTotalTotal
(In millions)
Long-term debt (including estimated interest)$865$1,281$2,814$3,850$8,810$9,928
Operating leases3469707719441,155
Natural gas transportation obligations (a)7
Other liabilities (b)305248187317445
Total$929$1,402$2,932$4,808$10,071$11,535

(a) These contractual cash obligations relate to reservation charges under the backbone transportation service contracts. In 2024, these contracts were amended to a volumetric approach and only incur charges when dispatched.

(b) Includes water right agreements, service and maintenance agreements and LTSA commitments.

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Acquisitions and Investments

The Company intends to acquire generation assets developed and constructed by CEG as well as generation assets from third parties where the Company believes its knowledge of the market and operating expertise provides a competitive advantage, and to utilize such acquisitions as a means to grow its business.

Cedro Hill Repowering Financing Activities — On December 27, 2024, when the repowering of the Cedro Hill wind facility reached substantial completion, tax equity investors contributed $152 million to acquire the Class A membership interests in Cedro Hill TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Cedro Hill wind facility. The tax equity proceeds were utilized, along with $54 million in construction loan proceeds, to repay the tax equity bridge loan and cash equity bridge loan, to fund construction completion and related reserves, to pay construction invoices and to pay associated fees with the remaining $26 million distributed to CEG. Also at substantial completion, the outstanding construction loans were converted to a term loan. Under the financing agreement, the Company borrowed an additional $88 million during 2024.

Tuolumne Third-Party Acquisition — On November 25, 2024, the Company entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Tuolumne wind facility, a 137 MW operating facility located in Klickitat County, Washington, from an investment-grade regulated entity for approximately $219 million. After factoring in estimated closing adjustments and new non-recourse facility-level debt, the Company expects its total long-term corporate capital commitment to acquire the facility to be between $70 million and $75 million, which the Company expects to fund with existing sources of liquidity. Tuolumne reached commercial operations in 2009. As part of the acquisition, the Company will enter into a 15-year PPA with the seller of the facility. The Company also has received a PPA contractual extension option to enable a potential future repowering of the facility. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain third-party approvals and is expected in the first half of 2025.

Dan’s Mountain Drop Down — On November 18, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Dan’s Mountain Parent Holdco LLC, acquired the Class A membership interests in Dan’s Mountain TargetCo LLC, the indirect owner of the Dan’s Mountain wind facility, from Clearway Renew for initial cash consideration of $7 million. At substantial completion, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2025, the Company estimates it will pay an additional $31 million to Clearway Renew. Dan’s Mountain TargetCo LLC, a partnership between the Company and Clearway Renew, consolidates as primary beneficiary, Dan’s Mountain Tax Credit Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Dan’s Mountain wind facility. Dan’s Mountain has a 12-year PPA with an investment-grade utility that will commence when the underlying operating assets reach commercial operations, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2025. The acquisition was funded with existing sources of liquidity. As part of the acquisition of Dan’s Mountain, the Company assumed the facility’s financing agreement, which included a cash equity bridge loan that was partially paid off at acquisition date and a tax equity bridge loan, both of which will be completely paid off when the facility reaches substantial completion. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company borrowed an additional $24 million in tax equity bridge loans.

Rosamond Central BESS Drop Down and Financing Activities — On June 13, 2024, when the Rosamond Central BESS facility reached substantial completion, the Company paid $279 million to Clearway Renew as additional purchase price to complete its acquisition of the facility, which occurred on December 1, 2023. The additional purchase price consisted of $64 million that was funded by the Company from existing sources of liquidity and $215 million funded through contributions from third-party investors. Including the additional purchase price, the Company’s total purchase price was $349 million, $80 million of which was funded by the Company with the remaining $269 million funded through contributions from third-party investors. Clearway Renew utilized the additional proceeds to repay the balance of $184 million on the loan previously issued to its consolidated subsidiary by Rosie Class B LLC and to redeem Rosie Class B LLC’s entire equity investment in Rosie Central BESS of $28 million. The Company utilized proceeds from Clearway Renew, along with $39 million held previously in escrow and $56 million of the Company’s additional purchase price that was contributed back to the Company by CEG, to repay the tax equity bridge loan, to make a distribution to the cash equity investor, to fund construction completion reserves and to pay associated fees. Additionally, on June 13, 2024, the outstanding construction loans were converted to a term loan. Under the financing agreement, the Company borrowed an additional $30 million during 2024.

Victory Pass and Arica Drop Down — On May 1, 2024, when the Victory Pass and Arica solar and BESS facilities reached substantial completion, the Company paid $165 million to Clearway Renew as additional purchase price in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the Class A membership interests in VP-Arica TargetCo LLC on October 31, 2023, which was funded with existing sources of liquidity. Also on May 1, 2024, the cash equity investor contributed an additional $347 million, the tax equity investor contributed an additional $410 million and CEG contributed $52 million, which were utilized, along with $103 million held previously in escrow, to repay the cash equity bridge loan, to repay the tax equity bridge loan, to fund construction completion reserves and to pay associated fees. Prior to the repayment of the tax equity bridge loan, the Company borrowed an additional $62 million during 2024.

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Cedar Creek Drop Down — On April 16, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, Cedar Creek Wind Holdco LLC, acquired Cedar Creek Holdco LLC, the indirect owner of Cedar Creek, a 160 MW wind facility that is located in Bingham County, Idaho, from Clearway Renew for cash consideration of $117 million. Cedar Creek Holdco LLC consolidates as primary beneficiary, Cedar Creek TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns the Cedar Creek wind facility. Cedar Creek has a 25-year PPA with an investment-grade utility that commenced in March 2024. The acquisition was funded with existing sources of liquidity. Additionally, the Company assumed the facility’s financing agreement, which included a construction loan that converted to a term loan at acquisition date along with a cash equity bridge loan and tax equity bridge loan that were both repaid at acquisition date.

Texas Solar Nova 2 Drop Down — On March 15, 2024, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary, TSN1 TE Holdco LLC, acquired Texas Solar Nova 2, a 200 MW solar facility that is located in Kent County, Texas, from Clearway Renew for cash consideration of $112 million, $17 million of which was funded by the Company with the remaining $95 million funded through a contribution from the cash equity investor in Lighthouse Renewable Holdco 2 LLC, which is a partnership. Lighthouse Renewable Holdco 2 LLC indirectly consolidates as primary beneficiary, TSN1 TE Holdco LLC, a tax equity fund that owns Texas Solar Nova 1 and Texas Solar Nova 2. Texas Solar Nova 2 has an 18-year PPA with an investment-grade counterparty that commenced in February 2024. The Company’s portion of the purchase price was funded with existing sources of liquidity. Additionally, the Company assumed the facility’s financing agreement, which included a tax equity bridge loan that was repaid at acquisition date and a term loan.

Cash Dividends to Investors

The Company intends to use the amount of cash that it receives from its distributions from Clearway Energy LLC to pay quarterly dividends to the holders of its Class A common stock and Class C common stock. Clearway Energy LLC intends to distribute to its unit holders in the form of a quarterly distribution all of the CAFD that is generated each quarter less reserves for the prudent conduct of the business. Dividends on the Class A common stock and Class C common stock are subject to available capital, market conditions and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations. The Company expects that, based on current circumstances, comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable future.

The following table lists the dividends paid on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class C common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024:

Fourth Quarter 2024Third Quarter 2024Second Quarter 2024First Quarter 2024
Dividends per Class A share$0.4240$0.4171$0.4102$0.4033
Dividends per Class C share0.42400.41710.41020.4033

On February 17, 2025, the Company declared a quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class C common stock of $0.4312 per share payable on March 17, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 3, 2025.

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Cash Flow Discussion

The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the comparative periods:

Year ended December 31,
20242023Change
(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$770$702$68
Net cash used in investing activities(725)(523)(202)
Net cash used in financing activities(363)(124)(239)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Changes to net cash provided by operating activities were driven by:(In millions)
Increase in operating income after adjusting for non-cash items$41
Increase in working capital primarily driven by the timing of accounts receivable collections and payments of current liabilities, including accounts payable and current income taxes23
Increase in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates4
$68

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

Changes to net cash used in investing activities were driven by:(In millions)
Increase in cash paid for Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired$(633)
Increase in capital expenditures(75)
Decrease in note receivable – affiliate related to the Rosie Class B LLC loan issued to Clearway Renew358
Payment for equipment deposit from affiliate in 2023 related to the Cedro Hill wind facility55
Decrease in investments in unconsolidated affiliates28
Increase in the return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates27
Payment for equipment deposit in 2023 related to the Cedro Hill wind facility27
Other11
$(202)

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

Changes in net cash used in financing activities were driven by:(In millions)
Increase in payments for long-term debt and a decrease in proceeds from issuance of long-term debt$(714)
Increase in dividends paid to common stockholders and distributions paid to CEG unit holders(23)
Increase in contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of distributions465
Decrease in tax-related distributions20
Decrease in buyouts of noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest6
Decrease in payments of debt issuance costs5
Other2
$(239)

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NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740

As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a cumulative federal NOL carryforward balance of $278 million for financial statement purposes, none of which are subject to expiration. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Company has a cumulative state NOL carryforward balance of $99 million for financial statement purposes, which will expire between 2025 and 2041 if unutilized. The Company does not anticipate material income tax payments through 2026. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, the Company had PTC and ITC carryforward balances totaling $23 million, which will expire between 2035 and 2044 if unutilized.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company has an interest disallowance carryforward of $82 million as a result of Internal Revenue Code §163(j). The disallowed interest deduction has an indefinite carryforward period and any limitations on the utilization of this carryforward have been factored into the Company’s valuation allowance analysis. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had an interest disallowance carryforward of $75 million.

The Company, after the utilization of NOL and tax credit carryforwards, paid $1 million in income taxes during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company does not anticipate being subject to the corporate minimum tax on financial statement income, which is discussed in further detail below.

Federal tax legislation enacted in 2022 contains a number of revisions to the Internal Revenue Code, including a 15% corporate minimum income tax for certain taxpayers, a 1% excise tax on corporate stock repurchases in tax years beginning after December 31, 2022 and business tax credits and incentives for the development of clean energy facilities and the production of clean energy. The Company continues to analyze the potential impact of this tax legislation and monitor guidance that may be issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, but it does not anticipate the corporate minimum tax will apply to it or that the foregoing tax provisions will otherwise have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

The Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities for income tax returns filed in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. All tax returns filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 and forward remain subject to audit. As of December 31, 2024, the U.S. federal partnership returns of three of the Company’s subsidiaries are under audit by the IRS. The IRS has issued proposed adjustments with respect to one of the subsidiaries under audit. The Company believes that such proposed adjustments are without merit and in any case would not impact the Company’s tax liability or the tax liability of such subsidiary. The IRS has not yet issued any proposed adjustments with respect to the other two subsidiaries under audit. The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of each of these audits will not be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and thus no material provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. The outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty and if any issues addressed in tax audits of the Company are resolved in a manner inconsistent with its expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.

The Company has no material uncertain tax benefits.

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Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The Company may enter into energy-related commodity contracts to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuations in spot market prices. In addition, in order to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the issuance of variable rate debt, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements.

The tables below disclose the activities of non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC 820. Specifically, these tables disaggregate realized and unrealized changes in fair value; disaggregate estimated fair values at December 31, 2024, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at December 31, 2024. For a full discussion of the Company’s valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative Fair Value Measurements in Item 15 — Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

Derivative Activity (Losses)/Gains(In millions)
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2023$(209)
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period(15)
Changes in fair value28
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2024$(196)
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2024
Maturity
Fair Value Hierarchy Losses1 Year or LessGreater Than 1 Year to 3 YearsGreater Than 3 Years to 5 YearsGreater Than 5 YearsTotal FairValue
(In millions)
Level 2$35$45$83$3$166
Level 3(52)(114)(107)(89)(362)
Total$(17)$(69)$(24)$(86)$(196)

The Company has elected to disclose derivative assets and liabilities on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as well as the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions, which may be appropriate to use. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a significant effect, not only on the operation of the business, but on the results reported through the application of accounting measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies has not changed.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these estimates, utilizing historic experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Company considers reasonable. Actual results may differ substantially from the Company’s estimates. Any effects on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the information that gives rise to the revision becomes known.

The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized in Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Company identifies its most critical accounting policies as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial position and results of operations, and that require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s critical accounting policies include income taxes and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, accounting utilizing Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value, or HLBV, and determining the fair value of financial instruments.

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Accounting PolicyJudgments/Uncertainties Affecting Application
Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax AssetsAbility to withstand legal challenges of tax authority decisions or appeals
Anticipated future decisions of tax authorities
Application of tax statutes and regulations to transactions
Ability to utilize tax benefits through carry backs to prior periods and carryforwards to future periods
Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV)Estimates of taxable income (loss) and tax capital accounts
Estimated calculation of specified target investor returns
Application of liquidation provisions of operating agreements
Financial InstrumentsUse of unobservable market inputs such as future electricity prices, future interest rates and discount rates

Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets

In determining whether a valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets, the Company must assess whether it believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income which includes the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences to realize deferred tax assets. The Company considers the timing and future realization of net deferred tax assets, the profit before tax generated in recent years as well as projections of future earnings and estimates of taxable income in arriving at this conclusion. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon earnings in federal and various state and local jurisdictions. Judgment is also required to continually assess changing tax regulations, interpretations and new legislation to determine the impact on the Company’s tax position.

Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV)

Certain portions of the Company’s noncontrolling interest represent third-party interests in the net assets under tax equity arrangements, which are consolidated by the Company, that were established to finance the cost of facilities eligible for certain tax credits and benefits. The Company has determined that the provisions in the contractual agreements of these noncontrolling interests represent substantive profit sharing arrangements. Further, the Company has determined that the appropriate methodology for calculating the noncontrolling interest that reflects the substantive profit sharing arrangements is a balance sheet approach utilizing the HLBV method. Under the HLBV method, the amounts reported as noncontrolling interest represent the amounts the investors to the tax equity arrangements would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date under the liquidation provisions of the contractual agreements, assuming the net assets of the funding structures were liquidated at their recorded amounts determined in accordance with GAAP. The investors’ interests in the results of operations of the funding structures are determined as the difference in noncontrolling interest at the start and end of each reporting period, after taking into account any capital transactions between the structures and the funds’ investors. The calculations utilized to apply the HLBV method include estimated calculations of taxable income or losses for each reporting period as well as estimated calculations of tax capital accounts based on the relevant provisions of each agreement and the related tax guidance. In addition, these calculations often take into account the stipulated targeted investor return specified in the subsidiaries’ operating agreement and agreed by the members of the arrangement. In certain circumstances, the Company and its partners in the tax equity arrangements agree that certain tax benefits are to be utilized outside of the tax equity arrangements, which may result in differences in the amount an investor would hypothetically receive at the initial balance sheet date calculated strictly in accordance with related contractual agreements. These differences are recognized in the consolidated statements of income using a systematic and rational method over the period during which the investor is expected to achieve its target return. In certain cases, the Company must apply judgment in determining the methodology for applying the HLBV method and changes in certain factors may have a significant impact on the amounts that an investor would receive upon a hypothetical liquidation. The use of the HLBV method to allocate income (loss) to the noncontrolling interest holders may create volatility in the consolidated statements of income.

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Financial Instruments

The Company records its financial instruments, which primarily consist of derivative financial instruments, at fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments using discounted cash flow models that require the use of assumptions concerning the amount of estimated future cash flows. The assumptions are determined using external, observable market inputs when available. When observable market inputs are not available, the Company must apply significant judgment to determine market participant assumptions such as future electricity prices, future natural gas prices, future interest rates and discount rates. As these inputs are based on estimates, fair values may not reflect the amounts actually realized from the related transaction.

Recent Accounting Developments

See Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of recent accounting developments.

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