...Balance Sheet Discipline: The AES Corporation's ratings and Outlook stability benefit from continued balance sheet discipline, including execution of planned debt reduction and a balanced approach to share buybacks relative to the financial performance of investments and debt levels. As of Aug. 1, 2016, AES prepaid $300 million in parent debt, exceeding the initial target of $200 million for 2016, a credit positive. Diversified and Contracted Portfolio: AES invests in a portfolio of electric utilities and power- generating assets across four continents. Investment diversity mitigates macro- and microeconomic environment adversity that affects local domestic electricity sectors. Growth through investment in contracted assets improves cash flow quality: 66% of pretax contribution in 2016 is expected to come from long-term contacted generation, with weighted average contract term of seven years, and 18% from regulated utilities. Stopping the Bleeding from Sul: AES agreed to sell its distribution...
