In Its 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders, JDS Corporation Disclosed

question 211

Essay

In its 2018 annual report to shareholders, JDS Corporation disclosed the following information about its pension plan:
$$\begin{array} { | l | r | r | } \hline \text { (\$ in millions) } & \mathbf { 2 0 1 8 } & \mathbf { 2 0 1 7 } \\\hline \text { PROJECTED BENEFIT } & & \\\text { OBLIGATION } & & \\\hline \text { Beginning balance } & \$ 120.0 & \$ 102.2 \\\hline \text { Service cost } & 4.1 & 5.5 \\\hline \text { Interest cost } & 7.0 & 6.5 \\\hline \text { Benefits paid } & ( 2.6 ) & ( 4.4 ) \\\hline \text { Actuarial loss } & \underline { 6.6 } & \underline { 11.4 } \\\hline \text { Ending balance } & \$ 135.1 & \$ 121.2 \\\hline\end{array}$$
The increase in the underfunded projected benefit obligation was primarily attributable to a reduction in the assumed discount rate. This was combined with the effect of increases in benefits under the terms of the plan in excess of current inflation rates. The net result was reflected as a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income.
-Explain how the loss is reported in the financial statements (other than the balance sheet).

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Definitions:

Equity in Subsidiary Earnings

The share of earnings attributed to the parent company from its ownership interest in a subsidiary.

Equity Method

An accounting method used to record investments in associate companies where the investor has significant influence but not full control, typically 20%-50% ownership. The investor's share of the investee's net income or loss is reflected in the investor's financial statements.

Net Income

A company's profit after deducting expenses and taxes from revenue.

Dividends

Payments made by a corporation to its shareholder members. It is the portion of corporate profits paid out to stockholders.