In: Accounting
Regarding Prior Service Cost Amortization, the increase or decrease to Pension Expense on the Fox Co:
Correct answer is: 75,000 increase.
Explanation:
Prior Service Cost (PSC-Fox uses years of service amortization method) = 300,000
Service years left :
10 employees retire in 2 years = 10*2 = 20
15 employees retire in 3 years = 15*3 = 45
20 employees retire in 4 years = 20 * 4 = 80
35 employees retire in 5 years = 35 *5 = 175
For 80 employees, total service years left = 20 + 45 + 80 + 175 = 320
In 2019 no one of 80 employees retire.
Amortization of Prior Service Cost Amortization for 2019 = 300,000 * (80 / 320) = 75,000
Pension Expense = Service cost + Interest cost - Expected return on plan assets + Amortization of prior service cost +/- Amortization of actuarial gains and losses
As such due to liability of Prior Service cost, amortization of prior service cost increases Pension expense of 2019 by 75,000.