Question

Presented below is information related to Stage Department Stores, Inc. pension plan for 2018.

Service cost $1,100,000
Funding contribution for 2018 1,060,000
Settlement rate used in actuarial computation 10%
Expected return on plan assets 9%
Amortization of PSC (due to benefit increase) 180,000
Amortization of unrecognized net gains 96,000
Projected benefit obligation (at beginning of period) 1,080,000
Fair value of plan assts (at beginning of period) 720,000

Instructions

1.Compute the amount of pension expense to be reported for 2018. (Show computations.)

2.Prepare the journal entry to record pension expense and the employer’s contribution for 2018.

Answer 1

(a)

Service cost	$1,100,000
Interest on projected benefit obligation ($1,080,000 × 10%)	$108,000
Expected return on plan assets ($720,000 × 9%)	($64,800)
Amortization of PSC	$180,000
Amortization of net gains	($96,000)
Pension expense—2018	$1,227,200

2.

General Journal	Debit	Credit
Pension Expense	$1,227,200
Other Comprehensive Income (G/L)	$96,000
Cash		$1,060,000
Other Comprehensive Income (PSC)		$180,000
Pension Asset / Liability		$83,200