Accounting for Pensions and Postretirement Benefits
51. A pension asset is reported when
a. the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of pension plan assets.
b. the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of pension plan assets, but a
prior service cost exists.
c. pension plan assets at fair value exceed the accumulated benefit obligation.
d. pension plan assets at fair value exceed the projected benefit obligation.
52. Which of the following is true of pension termination?
a. Companies can terminate a pension plan whenever they wish to do so.
b. Terminating a pension plan is illegal in U.S.
c. A company must start a new defined benefit plan after it eliminates the old one.
d. FASB requires recognition in earnings of a gain or loss when a pension obligation is
settled.
53. According to the FASB, recognition of a liability is required when the projected benefit
obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets. Conversely, when the fair value of plan
assets exceeds the projected benefit obligation, the Board
a. requires recognition of an asset.
b. requires recognition of an asset if the excess fair value of plan assets exceeds the
corridor amount.
c. recommends recognition of an asset but does not require such recognition.
d. does not permit recognition of an asset.
54. Which of the following disclosures of pension plan information would not normally be
required?
a. The major components of pension expense
b. The amount of prior service cost changed or credited in previous years.
c. The funded status of the plan and the amounts recognized in the financial statements
d. The rates used in measuring the benefit amounts
55. The main purpose of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is to
a. require minimum funding of pensions.
b. require plan administrators to publish a comprehensive description and summary of
their plans.
c. administer terminated plans and to impose liens on the employer’s assets for certain
unfunded pension liabilities.
d. All of these answers are correct.
56. Which of the following statements is true about postretirement health care benefits?
a. They are generally funded.
b. The benefits are well-defined and level in dollar amount.
c. The beneficiary is the retiree, spouse, and other dependents.
d. The benefit is payable monthly.
*57. Which of the following disclosures of postretirement benefits would not be required by
professional pronouncements?
a. Postretirement expense for the period
b. A schedule showing changes in postretirement benefits and plan assets during the year
c. The amount of the EPBO
d. The assumptions and rates used in computing the EPBO and APBO