Intangibles
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, PSEG had intangible assets of $14 million and $20 million, respectively, related to RECs, which are recorded at cost and evaluated for impairment at least annually. As load is served under contracts requiring energy from renewable sources, the related expense is recorded.
The changes to PSEG’s intangible assets during 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
Emissions AllowancesRECsTotal Intangibles
Millions
Balance as of January 1, 2021$112 $46 $158 
Retirements(58)(114)(172)
Purchases89 98 
Sales and Transfers (A)(62)(1)(63)
Impairments(1)— (1)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$ $20 $20 
Retirements— (76)(76)
Purchases— 70 70 
Balance as of December 31, 2022$ $14 $14 

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2022Feb 22, 2023Showing above
2021Feb 24, 2022
2020Mar 1, 2021
2019Feb 26, 2020
2018Feb 28, 2019
2017Feb 26, 2018
2016Feb 27, 2017
2015Feb 26, 2016

About Goodwill & Intangibles Disclosures

Goodwill and intangible asset disclosures reveal the premium paid in acquisitions and how management assesses whether that premium retains its value. Since goodwill is no longer amortized under US GAAP, the annual impairment test is the only mechanism that adjusts carrying values downward — making the assumptions behind that test critically important for investors.

Key signals: a history of goodwill impairments suggests management consistently overpays for acquisitions. Watch the gap between reporting unit fair value and carrying amount — when fair value exceeds carrying amount by less than 10-20%, a small decline in business performance could trigger a write-down. For finite-lived intangibles, examine useful life assumptions across customer relationships, technology, and trade names; aggressive estimates inflate near-term earnings. Compare total intangibles-to-total-assets ratios against peers to assess acquisition dependency. Rising goodwill as a percentage of equity can signal balance sheet fragility.