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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Edison International is the ultimate parent holding company of SCE and Edison Energy, LLC, doing business as Trio. SCE is an investor-owned public utility primarily engaged in the business of supplying and delivering electricity to an approximately 50,000 square mile area across Southern, Central, and Coastal California. Trio is a global energy advisory firm providing integrated sustainability and energy solutions to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Trio's business activities are currently not material to report as a separate business segment, and SCE is the single reportable segment. See "Segment Information" below for further discussion.
These combined notes to the consolidated financial statements apply to both Edison International and SCE unless otherwise described. Edison International's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Edison International, SCE, and other controlled subsidiaries. References to Edison International refer to the consolidated group of Edison International and its subsidiaries. References to "Edison International Parent and Other" refer to Edison International Parent and its competitive subsidiaries and "Edison International Parent" refer to Edison International on a stand-alone basis, not consolidated with its subsidiaries. SCE's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SCE, its controlled subsidiaries and a variable interest entity, SCE Recovery Funding LLC., of which SCE is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
Edison International's and SCE's accounting policies conform to GAAP, including the accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises, which reflect the ratemaking policies of the CPUC and the FERC. SCE applies authoritative guidance for rate-regulated enterprises to the portion of its operations in which regulators set rates at levels intended to recover the estimated costs of providing service, plus a return on net investments in assets, or rate base. Regulators may also impose certain penalties or grant certain incentives. Due to timing and other differences in the collection of electric utility revenue, these accounting principles require an incurred cost that would otherwise be charged to expense by a non-regulated entity to be capitalized as a regulatory asset if it is probable that the cost is recoverable through future rates; and conversely the accounting principles require recording of a regulatory liability for amounts collected in rates to recover costs expected to be incurred in the future or amounts collected in excess of costs incurred and refundable to customers. In addition, SCE recognizes revenue and regulatory assets from alternative revenue programs, which enables the utility to adjust future rates in response to past activities or completed events, if certain criteria are met. SCE assesses at the end of each reporting period whether regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. See Note 11 for the composition of regulatory assets and liabilities.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period's presentation, including the separate presentation of accrued interest on Edison International's and SCE's consolidated balance sheets.
Segment Information
Segment Information
The President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Edison International, as the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), assesses Edison International’s performance and allocates resources based on its net income. This measure is reported as "Net income attributable to Edison International common shareholders" on Edison International's consolidated statements of income. The President and CEO of SCE, as its CODM, evaluates SCE's performance and allocates resources based on "Net income available for common stock" reported on SCE's consolidated statements of income. These net income measures are used by the Edison International and SCE CODMs to compare earnings from period to period and facilitate their respective assessment of performance of Edison International and SCE. The CODMs also use core earnings (loss) for financial planning and for additional analyses of performance. Core earnings (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined as earnings attributable to shareholders less non-core items. Non-core items include income or loss from discontinued operations and income or loss from significant discrete items that management does not consider representative of ongoing earnings. Edison International's and SCE's significant segment expenses agree to those disclosed in the consolidated statements of income. The measures of Edison International's and SCE's segment assets are reported on Edison International's and SCE's consolidated balance sheets, respectively, as total assets.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds. Generally, the carrying value of cash equivalents equals the fair value, as these investments have original maturities of three months or less.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
The allowance for uncollectible accounts is recorded based on SCE's estimate of expected credit losses and adjusted over the life of the receivables as needed. Since the customer base of SCE is concentrated in Southern California which exposes SCE to a homogeneous set of economic conditions, the allowance is measured on a collective basis on the historical amounts written-off, assessment of customer collectibility and current economic trends, including unemployment rates and any likelihood of recession for the region. The increase in the provision of uncollectible accounts and write-offs for the year ended December 31, 2024, is driven primarily by consumer protection programs.
Inventory
Inventory
SCE's inventory is primarily composed of materials, supplies and spare parts, and generally stated at weighted average cost or net realizable value when appropriate.
Emission Allowances and Energy Credits
Emission Allowances and Energy Credits
SCE is allocated GHG allowances annually which it is then required to sell into quarterly auctions. GHG proceeds from the auctions are recorded as a regulatory liability to be refunded to customers. SCE purchases GHG allowances in quarterly auctions or from counterparties to satisfy its GHG emission compliance obligations and recovers such costs of GHG allowances from customers. GHG allowances held for use are classified as "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets and are stated, similar to an inventory method, at the lower of weighted average cost or market. SCE will evaluate GHG allowances for impairment upon a triggering event that would indicate SCE might not recover the full cost of an allowance. SCE had GHG allowances held for use of $66 million and $128 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. GHG emission obligations were $22 million and $117 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are classified as "Other current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
SCE is allocated low carbon fuel standard ("LCFS") credits which it sells to market participants. Proceeds from the sales, net of selling fees and program administration expenses, are recorded in a balancing account to be refunded to eligible customers. SCE's net proceeds from the sale of these LCFS credits were $243 million and $248 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. LCFS credits are classified as "Regulatory liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
SCE plant additions, including replacements and betterments, are capitalized. Direct material and labor and indirect costs such as construction overhead, administrative and general costs, employee benefits, and property taxes are capitalized as part of plant additions. The CPUC authorizes a capitalization rate for each of the indirect costs which are allocated to each project based on either labor or total costs.
Estimated useful lives authorized by the CPUC in the 2021 GRC and weighted average useful lives of SCE's property, plant and equipment, are as follows:
Estimated Useful LivesWeighted Average
Useful Lives
Generation plant
10 years to 54 years
39 years
Distribution plant
20 years to 67 years
50 years
Transmission plant
30 years to 65 years
53 years
General plant and other
5 years to 60 years
19 years
Depreciation of utility property, plant and equipment is computed on a straight-line, remaining-life basis. SCE's depreciation expense was $2.8 billion, $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation expense stated as a percentage of average original cost of depreciable utility plant was, on a composite basis, 4.3%, 4.1% and 4.2% for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The original costs of retired property are charged to accumulated depreciation. See Note 2 for further information.
Nuclear fuel for Palo Verde is recorded as utility plant (nuclear fuel in the fabrication and installation phase is recorded as construction in progress) in accordance with CPUC ratemaking procedures. Palo Verde nuclear fuel is amortized using the units of production method.
Allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") represents the estimated cost of debt and equity funds that finance utility-plant construction and is capitalized during certain plant construction. AFUDC is recovered in rates through depreciation expense over the useful life of the related asset. Equity AFUDC represents a method to compensate SCE for the estimated cost of equity used to finance utility plant additions and is recorded as part of construction in progress.
The following table summarizes SCE's AFUDC related to debt and equity:
Years ended December 31,
(in millions)202420232022
Debt AFUDC1
$82 $74 $53 
Equity AFUDC2
187 157 137 
1Reflected as a reduction of "Interest expense" on the consolidated statements of income.
2Reflected in "Other income" on the consolidated statements of income.
Major Maintenance
Major maintenance costs for SCE's facilities and equipment are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairments of long-lived assets are evaluated based on a review of estimated future cash flows expected to be generated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such investments or assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess of fair value over the carrying amount. Fair value is determined via market, cost and income-based valuation techniques, as appropriate.
Accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises also require recognition of an impairment loss if it becomes probable that the regulated utility will abandon a plant investment, or if it becomes probable that the cost of a recently completed plant will be disallowed, either directly or indirectly, for ratemaking purposes, and a reasonable estimate of the disallowance amount can be made.
Upon approval of the TKM Settlement Agreement, SCE will record an impairment charge of approximately $10 million in the first quarter of 2025. For further information on the TKM Settlement Agreement, see "Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies—Contingencies—Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides."
Initial and annual contributions to the wildfire insurance fund established pursuant to California Assembly Bill 1054 (the "Wildfire Insurance Fund" and "AB 1054")
Initial and annual contributions to the wildfire insurance fund established pursuant to California Assembly Bill 1054 (the "Wildfire Insurance Fund" and "AB 1054")
Edison International and SCE accounted for the contributions to the Wildfire Insurance Fund similarly to prepaid insurance. No period of coverage was provided in AB 1054, therefore expense is being allocated to periods ratably based on an estimated period of coverage. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, Edison International and SCE had a $1.9 billion and a $2.0 billion long-term asset, respectively, as well as a $138 million and $204 million current asset, respectively, reflected as "Wildfire Insurance Fund contributions" in their consolidated balance sheets for the initial $2.4 billion contribution made during 2019 and the present value of annual contributions SCE committed to make to the Wildfire Insurance Fund, reduced by amortization. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, long-term liabilities of $363 million and $450 million, respectively, have been reflected in "Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities" for the present value of unpaid contributions. Contributions were discounted to the present value using US treasury interest rates at the date SCE committed to participate in the Wildfire Insurance Fund.
Edison International and SCE reassesses the period of coverage of the fund at least annually in the first quarter each year, and adjustments are applied on a prospective basis. At December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the asset was amortized based on an estimated period of coverage of 20 years, 15 years, and 15 years, respectively. All expenses related to the
contributions are being reflected in "Wildfire Insurance Fund Expense" in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in the estimated period of coverage provided by the Wildfire Insurance Fund could lead to material changes in future expense recognition. In estimating the period of coverage, Edison International and SCE used Monte Carlo simulations based on historical data from wildfires caused by electrical utility equipment to estimate expected losses, using ten years (2014 – 2023) of available historical data in 2024, nine years (2014 – 2022) of available historical data in 2023, and eight years (2014 – 2021) of available historical data in 2022. The details of the operation of the Wildfire Insurance Fund and estimates related to claims by SCE, PG&E, and SDG&E against the fund have been applied to the expected loss simulations to estimate the period of coverage of the fund. The most sensitive inputs to the estimated period of coverage are the expected frequency of wildfire events caused by investor-owned utility electrical equipment and the estimated costs associated with those forecasted events. These inputs are most affected by the historical data used in estimating expected losses. There were fires in the service area of SCE, PG&E and SDG&E since the inception of the Wildfire Insurance Fund, including fires for which the cause is unknown, which may in the future be determined to be covered by the Wildfire Insurance Fund and have not been reflected or estimated in this analysis will be included in this analysis at that time.
As of the date of this filing, SCE is continuing to perform its annual assessment for 2025 to reassess its estimate of the life of the Wildfire Insurance Fund. Edison International and SCE assess the Wildfire Insurance Fund contribution assets for impairment each reporting period. An impairment will be recorded if the recorded asset exceeds SCE's ability to benefit from the remaining coverage provided by the Wildfire Insurance Fund.
Nuclear Decommissioning and Asset Retirement Obligations
Nuclear Decommissioning and Asset Retirement Obligations
The fair value of a liability for an ARO is recorded in the period in which it is incurred, including a liability for the fair value of a conditional ARO, if the fair value can be reasonably estimated even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. When an ARO liability is initially recorded, SCE capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. For each subsequent period, the liability is increased for accretion expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.
SCE has not recorded an ARO for assets that are expected to operate indefinitely or where SCE cannot estimate a settlement date (or range of potential settlement dates). As such, ARO liabilities are not recorded for certain retirement activities, including certain hydroelectric facilities.
The following table summarizes the changes in SCE's ARO liability:
December 31,
(in millions)20242023
Beginning balance$2,666 $2,754 
Accretion1
137 144 
Revisions(2)(3)
Liabilities settled(221)(229)
Ending balance$2,580 $2,666 
1An ARO represents the present value of a future obligation. Accretion is an increase in the liability to account for the time value of money resulting from discounting.
AROs related to decommissioning of SCE's nuclear power facilities are based on site-specific studies conducted as part of each NDCTP conducted before the CPUC. ARO are revised when updated site-specific decommissioning cost estimates are available.
The ARO for decommissioning SCE's San Onofre and Palo Verde nuclear power facilities was $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. The liability to decommission SCE's nuclear power facilities is based on a 2024 decommissioning study, filed as part of the 2024 NDCTP, for San Onofre Unit 1, 2, and 3 and a 2023 decommissioning study for Palo Verde.
Decommissioning of San Onofre Unit 1 began in 1999 and the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from Unit 1 to dry cask storage in the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation ("ISFSI") 1 was completed in 2005. Major decommissioning work for Unit 1 has been completed except for certain underground work.
Decommissioning of San Onofre Units 2 and 3 began in June 2013 and the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from San Onofre Units 2 and 3 to dry cask storage in the two ISFSIs was completed in August 2020. In August 2020, SCE commenced, and is currently conducting major decommissioning activities in accordance with the terms of the Coastal Developmental Permit for San Onofre Units 2 and 3.
Due to regulatory recovery of SCE's nuclear decommissioning expense, prudently incurred costs for nuclear decommissioning activities do not affect SCE's earnings. Through the ratemaking process, SCE has substantially collected in rates, as a component of depreciation expense, all amounts for the future decommissioning of its nuclear assets and has placed those amounts in independent trusts. Amounts collected in rates in excess of the ARO liability are classified as ARO regulatory liabilities. See Note 11 for further information. Amortization of the ARO asset (included within the unamortized nuclear investment) and accretion of the ARO liability are deferred as decreases to the ARO regulatory liability account, resulting in no impact on earnings.
Changes in the estimated costs, timing of decommissioning or the assumptions underlying these estimates could cause material revisions to the estimated total cost to decommission. SCE currently estimates that it will spend approximately $7.6 billion through 2098 to decommission its nuclear facilities. This estimate is based on SCE's decommissioning cost methodology used for ratemaking purposes, escalated at rates ranging from 2.1% to 7.5% (depending on the cost element) annually. These costs are expected to be funded from independent decommissioning trusts. SCE estimates annual after-tax earnings on the decommissioning funds of 3.6% to 5.7% dependent on asset class. If the estimated costs increase, the assumed return on trust assets is not earned, or costs escalate at higher rates, SCE expects that additional funds needed for decommissioning will be recoverable through future rates, subject to a reasonableness review. See Note 10 for further information.
SCE's nuclear decommissioning costs are subject to CPUC review through the triennial regulatory proceedings. SCE's nuclear decommissioning trust investments primarily consist of fixed income investments that are classified as available-for-sale and equity investments. Due to regulatory mechanisms, investment earnings and realized gains and losses have no impact on earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on decommissioning trust funds, including impairment, increase or decrease the trust assets and the related regulatory asset or liability and have no impact on electric utility revenue or decommissioning expense. SCE reviews each fixed income security for impairment on the last day of each month. If the fair value on the last day of the month is less than the amortized cost for that security, SCE impairs the disclosed amortized cost. If the fair value is greater or less than the carrying value for that security at the time of sale, SCE recognizes a related realized gain or loss, respectively.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred Financing Costs
Debt premium, discount, and issuance expenses incurred in connection with obtaining financing are deferred and amortized over the life of each debt issue. These deferred amounts are recorded as an offset to long-term debt. See Note 5 for further details. Under CPUC ratemaking procedures, SCE's debt reacquisition expenses are amortized over the remaining life of the reacquired debt, or if refinanced, the life of the new debt. The unamortized losses on reacquired debt are reflected as long-term "Regulatory assets" in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 11 for further details.
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense is as follows:
Edison InternationalSCE
Years ended December 31,
(in millions)202420232022202420232022
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense$41 $39 $37 $34 $32 $31 
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized by Edison International and SCE when a performance obligation to transfer control of the promised goods is satisfied or when services are rendered to customers. This typically occurs when electricity is delivered to customers, which includes amounts for services rendered but unbilled at the end of a reporting period.
SCE's Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Provision of Electricity
SCE principally generates revenue through supplying and delivering electricity to its customers. Rates charged to customers are based on tariff rates, approved by the CPUC and FERC. Starting with SCE's 2021 GRC, revenue is authorized through quadrennial GRC proceedings, which are intended to provide SCE a reasonable opportunity to recover its costs and earn a return on its CPUC-jurisdictional rate base. The CPUC sets an annual revenue requirement for the base year and the remaining three years are set by a methodology established in the GRC proceeding. As described above, SCE also earns revenue, with no return, to recover costs for power procurement, certain wildfire related expenses and other activities.
Revenue is authorized by the FERC through a formula rate which is intended to provide SCE a reasonable opportunity to recover transmission capital and operating costs that are prudently incurred, including a return on its FERC-jurisdictional rate base. Under the operation of the formula rate, transmission revenue is updated to actual cost of service annually.
For SCE's electricity sales for both residential and non-residential customers, SCE satisfies the performance obligation of delivering electricity over time as the customers simultaneously receive and consume the delivered electricity.
Energy sales are typically on a month-to-month implied contract for transmission, distribution and generation services. Revenue is recognized over time as the energy is supplied and delivered to customers and the respective revenue is billed and paid on a monthly basis.
CPUC and FERC rates decouple authorized revenue from the volume of electricity sales and the price of energy procured so that SCE has the opportunity to receive revenue equal to amounts authorized by the relevant regulatory agencies. As a result, the volume of electricity sold does not have a direct impact on SCE's financial results. See Note 7 for further information on SCE's revenue.
Sales and Use Taxes
SCE bills certain sales and use taxes levied by state or local governments to its customers. Included in these sales and use taxes are franchise fees, which SCE pays to various municipalities (based on contracts with these municipalities) in order to operate within the limits of the municipality. SCE bills these franchise fees to its customers based on a CPUC-authorized rate. These franchise fees, which are required to be paid regardless of SCE's ability to collect from the customer, are accounted for on a gross basis. SCE's franchise fees billed to customers were $183 million, $168 million, and $172 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. When SCE acts as an agent for sales and use tax, the taxes are accounted for on a net basis. Amounts billed to and collected from customers for these taxes are remitted to the taxing authorities and are not recognized as electric utility revenue.
SCE's Alternative Revenue Programs
The CPUC and FERC have authorized additional, alternative revenue programs which adjust billings for the effects of broad external factors or provide for additional billings if the utility achieves certain objectives. These alternative revenue programs allow SCE to recover costs that SCE has been authorized to pass on to customers, including costs of certain capital and operations and maintenance activities, costs to purchase electricity and natural gas, and to fund public purpose, demand response, and customer energy efficiency programs, and earn a reasonable return. In general, revenue is recognized for these alternative revenue programs at the time the costs are incurred, or at the time when specific events permitting billing of the additional revenues have been completed. SCE begins recognizing revenues for these programs when a program has been established by an order from either the CPUC or FERC that allows for automatic adjustment of future rates, the amount of revenue for the period is objectively determinable and probable of recovery and the revenue will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period.
Power Purchase Agreements
Power Purchase Agreements
SCE enters into power purchase agreements ("PPAs") in the normal course of business. A power purchase agreement may be considered a variable interest in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). If SCE is the primary beneficiary in the VIE, SCE is required to consolidate the VIE. None of SCE's PPAs resulted in consolidation at December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 3 for further discussion of PPAs that are considered variable interests.
A PPA may also contain a lease for accounting purposes. See "Leases" below and Note 12 and Note 13 for further discussion of SCE's PPAs. A PPA that does not contain a lease may be classified as a derivative which is recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, unless the PPA is eligible for an election to designate as a normal purchase or sale, which is accounted for on an accrual basis as an executory contract.
PPAs that do not meet the above classifications are accounted for on an accrual basis.
Derivatives Instruments
Derivative Instruments
SCE records derivative instruments on its consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value unless otherwise exempted from derivative treatment as normal purchases or sales. The normal purchases and sales exception requires, among other things, physical delivery in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.
Realized gains and losses from SCE's derivative instruments are expected to be recovered from or refunded to customers through regulatory mechanisms and, therefore, SCE's fair value changes have no impact on purchased power expense or earnings. SCE does not use hedge accounting for derivative transactions due to regulatory accounting treatment.
Where SCE's derivative instruments are subject to a master netting agreement and certain criteria are met, SCE presents its derivative assets and liabilities on a net basis on its consolidated balance sheets. In addition, derivative positions are offset against margin and cash collateral deposits. The results of derivative activities are recorded as part of cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 6 for further information on derivative instruments.
Leases
Leases
A lease is defined as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified assets for a period of time in exchange for consideration. An entity controls the use when it has a right to obtain substantially all of the benefits from the use of the asset and has the right to direct the use. SCE determines if an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. For all classes of underlying assets, except battery storage assets where each component is separately accounted for, SCE accounts for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. SCE calculates and uses the rate implicit in the lease if the information is readily available or if not available, SCE uses its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. Incremental borrowing rates are comprised of underlying risk-free rates and secured credit spreads relative to first mortgage bonds with like tenors of lease term durations. Lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets are based on the liability, subject to adjustments, such as lease incentives. The ROU assets also include any lease payments made at or before the commencement date. SCE excludes variable lease payments in measuring lease assets and lease liabilities. SCE's lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. SCE elected to exclude from the balance sheet short-term leases of one year or less.
SCE enters into power purchase agreements that may contain leases. This occurs when a power purchase agreement designates a specific power plant, SCE obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the plant and has the right to direct the use of the plant. SCE also enters into a number of agreements to lease property and equipment in the normal course of business, primarily related to vehicles, office space and other equipment. See Note 13 for further information on leases.
Edison International Parent and Other's leases primarily relate to Trio, which are immaterial to Edison International.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options, performance shares, deferred stock units, and restricted stock units have been granted under Edison International's long-term incentive compensation programs. For equity awards that are settled in common stock, Edison International either issues new common stock, or uses a third party to purchase shares from the market and deliver such shares for the settlement of the awards. Stock options, performance shares, deferred stock units and restricted stock units are settled in common stock. For awards that are otherwise settled entirely in common stock, Edison International withholds or sells shares or substitutes cash awards to the extent necessary to satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations or government levies.
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period based on estimated fair values. For equity awards paid in common stock, fair value is determined at the grant date. For equity awards that have market conditions defined in the grants, expense is recognized based on grant date fair value if the requisite service period is fulfilled. However, with respect to the portion of the performance shares payable in common stock that are subject to financial performance conditions defined in the grants, the number of performance shares expected to be earned is subject to revision and updated at each reporting period, with a related adjustment to compensation expense.
For awards granted to retirement-eligible participants, stock compensation expense is recognized on a prorated basis over the initial year. For awards granted to participants who become eligible for retirement during the requisite service period, stock compensation expense is recognized over the period between the date of grant and the date the participant first becomes eligible for retirement. Edison International and SCE estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest rather than account for forfeitures when they occur. Share-based payments may create a permanent difference between the amount of compensation expense recognized for book and tax purposes. The tax impact of this permanent difference is recognized in earnings in the period it is created. See Note 9 for further information.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Edison International Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), effective beginning July 2021, allows eligible employees to make purchases of Edison International's common stock. The maximum aggregate numbers of shares that may be issued under the ESPP is 3,000,000 shares. Eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions of between 1% and 10% of their eligible base compensation, to purchase shares of common stock at 97% of the market price on the last day of each six months offering period. An eligible employee may purchase up to $25,000 worth of Edison International's
common stock per calendar year under the ESPP. The ESPP is considered noncompensatory and stock issuances under the ESPP are recorded directly in equity.
SCE Dividends
SCE Dividends
CPUC holding company rules require that SCE's dividend policy be established by the SCE Board of Directors on the same basis as if SCE were a stand-alone utility company, and that the capital requirements of SCE, as deemed to be necessary to meet SCE's electricity service obligations, shall receive first priority from the Boards of Directors of both Edison International and SCE. In addition, the CPUC regulates SCE's capital structure which limits the dividends it may pay to its shareholders.
The common equity component of SCE's CPUC authorized capital structure is 52% on a weighted average basis over the January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 compliance period ("Capital Structure Compliance Period"). The CPUC authorized capital structure differs from the capital structure calculated based on GAAP due to certain exclusions allowed by CPUC, including the impact of SCE's contributions to the Wildfire Insurance Fund under AB 1054.
In August 2023, the CPUC issued a decision on SCE's application to the CPUC for an extension of the waiver of compliance with its equity ratio requirement that allows SCE to exclude from its equity ratio calculations (i) net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events and (ii) debt issued for the purpose of paying claims, and associated expenses, related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events up to an amount equal to the net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. Under the decision, effective as of the beginning of the new cost of capital cycle on January 1, 2023, the CPUC also authorized SCE to exclude from its equity ratio calculations debt that exceeds the net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events due to the timing difference between the wildfire claims payment and the realization of the cash tax benefits. The temporary exclusion will lapse on August 31, 2025, or when determinations regarding cost recovery for both TKM and the Woolsey Fire are made, whichever comes earlier. In January 2025, the CPUC approved the TKM Settlement Agreement, under which SCE is allowed to permanently exclude any after-tax charges to equity associated with the costs disallowed or funded by shareholders in the TKM Settlement Agreement and the debt issued to finance those costs. If the CPUC has not made a determination regarding cost recovery related to the Woolsey Fire by August 31, 2025, SCE will file another application for a waiver of compliance with its equity ratio requirement. While the temporary exclusion is in place, SCE is required to notify the CPUC if an adverse financial event reduces SCE's spot equity ratio by more than one percent from the level most recently filed with the CPUC in the proceeding. The last spot equity ratio SCE filed with the CPUC in the proceeding did not exclude the then $1.8 billion net charge and was 45.2% as of December 31, 2018 (at the time the common equity component of SCE's CPUC authorized capital structure was required to remain at or above 48% on a weighted average basis over the applicable 37-month period). SCE's spot equity ratio on December 31, 2018, would have been 48.7% had the $1.8 billion net charge at December 31, 2018 been excluded, therefore SCE will notify the CPUC if its spot ratio drops below 47.7% in any quarter.
SCE monitors its compliance with the CPUC's equity ratio requirement based on the weighted average of the common equity component of SCE's CPUC authorized capital structure over the Capital Structure Compliance Period using its actual capital structure from the beginning of the Capital Structure Compliance Period through the reporting date together with forecasted performance and expected financing activities for the remainder of the Capital Structure Compliance Period. SCE expects to be compliant with its CPUC authorized capital structure at the end of the Capital Structure Compliance Period.
SCE's ability to declare and pay common dividends may be restricted under the terms of its outstanding series of preference stock. For further information see Note 14.
As a California corporation, SCE's ability to pay dividends is also governed by the California General Corporation Law. California law requires that for a dividend to be declared: (a) retained earnings must equal or exceed the proposed dividend, or (b) immediately after the dividend is made, the value of the corporation's assets must exceed the value of its liabilities plus amounts required to be paid, if any, in order to liquidate stock senior to the shares receiving the dividend. Additionally, a California corporation may not declare a dividend if it is, or as a result of the dividend would be, likely to be unable to meet its liabilities as they mature. Prior to declaring dividends, the SCE Board of Directors evaluates available information, including when applicable, information pertaining to wildfire events, to ensure that the California law requirements for the declarations are met. On February 27, 2025, SCE declared a dividend to Edison International of $430 million.
The timing and amount of future dividends are also dependent on a number of other factors including SCE's requirements to fund other obligations and capital expenditures, and its ability to access the capital markets and generate operating cash flows and earnings. If SCE incurs significant costs related to catastrophic wildfires and is unable to recover such costs through insurance, the Wildfire Insurance Fund (for fires after July 12, 2019), or from customers or is unable to access
capital markets on reasonable terms, SCE may be limited in its ability to pay future dividends to Edison International and its preference shareholders.
Edison International Dividend
Edison International's ability to declare and pay common dividends may be restricted under the terms of its outstanding preferred stock. For further information see Note 14.
In December 2024, Edison International declared a 6.1% increase to the annual dividend rate from $3.12 per share to $3.31 per share. On February 27, 2025, Edison International declared a dividend of $0.8275 per share to be paid on April 30, 2025. Edison International intends to maintain its target payout ratio of 45% – 55% of SCE's core earnings.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
Edison International computes earnings per common share ("EPS") using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. Edison International's participating securities are stock-based compensation awards, payable in common shares, which earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with common shares once the awards are vested.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Edison International and SCE estimate their income taxes for each jurisdiction in which they operate. This involves estimating current period tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from the differing treatment of items (such as depreciation) for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the consolidated balance sheets.
Income tax expense includes the current tax liability from operations and the change in deferred income taxes during the year. Interest income, interest expense, and penalties associated with income taxes are generally reflected in "Income tax expense (benefit)" on the consolidated statements of income.
Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized to income tax expense over the lives of the related properties. The scope of projects eligible for investment tax credits was expanded in 2023 to include standalone energy storage projects. The Inflation Reduction Act provided an election that permits investment tax credits related to standalone energy storage projects to be returned to utility customers over a period that is shorter than the life of the related property.
Edison International's eligible subsidiaries are included in Edison International's consolidated federal income tax and combined state tax returns. Edison International has tax-allocation and payment agreements with certain of its subsidiaries.
Pursuant to an income tax-allocation agreement approved by the CPUC, SCE's tax liability is computed as if it filed its federal and state income tax returns on a separate return basis.
Severance Costs
Severance Costs
Severance costs are recorded when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits under an existing plan and the amount can be reasonably estimated. As a result of current and probable reductions in workforce, SCE recorded estimated severance costs of $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Severance costs are included in "Operation and maintenance" on the consolidated statements of income. The severance costs are partially offset by $3 million expected FERC recovery, which is recorded in "Operating Revenue" on the consolidated statements of income.
New Accounting Guidance
New Accounting Guidance
Accounting Guidance Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to enhance the disclosures related to public entities' reportable segments. The new guidance requires an entity with only one reportable segment to include all the required segment disclosures. Edison International and SCE each have one reportable segment, and have adopted this guidance for the year ended December 31, 2024. See "Segment Information" above for further information.
Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring public entities to provide more disclosures primarily related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The guidance also eliminates certain existing disclosure requirements related to uncertain tax positions and unrecognized deferred tax liabilities. The guidance is effective for annual periods after January 1, 2025 with early adoption permitted. The guidance is applied prospectively. Edison International and SCE are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance.
In November 2024, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring public entities to provide disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses. The guidance does not change the expense captions an entity presents on the face of the income statement, rather, it requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual disclosure for the year ended December 31, 2027 and subsequent interim periods with early adoption permitted. The guidance is applied prospectively. Edison International and SCE are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance.