The Major Difference Between Accounting for Pensions and the Accounting

question 67

Multiple Choice

The major difference between accounting for pensions and the accounting for other postretirement benefits is that firms:

• A) do not need to report an excess of the accumulated benefits obligations over assets in a postretirement benefits fund as a liability on the balance sheet.
• B) do not need to disclose any estimates used in calculating projected benefits.
• C) postretirement benefits are normally not material for most companies and do not need to be disclosed.
• D) do not need to set aside funds for future postretirement benefits as they do for pension benefits.

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Definitions:

Dividend

A portion of a company's earnings, decided by the board of directors, to be distributed among shareholders, typically in the form of cash payments or additional shares.

Net Profits

The amount of money left over after all expenses, taxes, and deductions are subtracted from a company's total revenue.

Compensating Balance

A minimum account balance that a company agrees to maintain in a bank in return for banking services.

Business Loan

A loan specifically intended for business purposes, providing the necessary capital for start-up or expansion.