Cahal-Michael Company has a postretirement health care benefit plan. On January 1, 2018, the following plan-related data were available:
($ in thousands)
Net loss-AOCI..........................................................................................$ 336
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.................................................2,800
Fair value of plan assets..............................................................................500
Average remaining service period to retirement..........14 years (same in previous 10 years)
The rate of return on plan assets during 2018 was 10%, although it was expected to be 9%. The actuary revised assumptions regarding the APBO at the end of the year, resulting in a $39,000 increase in the estimate of that obligation.
Required:
1. Calculate any amortization of the net loss that should be included as a component of postretirement benefit expense for 2018.
2. Assume the postretirement benefit expense for 2018, not including the amortization of the net loss component, is $212,000. What is the expense for the year?
3. Determine the net loss or gain as of December 31, 2018.