Sapphire Distribution has a defined benefit pension plan. Pension information concerning the fiscal years 2014 and 2015 are presented below ($ in millions)

(in '000s)

Information provided by Pension Plan Actuary:

a.

Projected benefit obligation at Dec. 31, 2013

$1,815.00

b.

Prior service cost from plan amendment on January 1, 2014 (straight-line amortization for 10-year average

remaining service period.)

300

c.

Service cost for 2014

560

d.

Service cost for 2015

585

e.

Discount rate used by actuary on projected benefit obligation for 2013 & 2014

10%

f.

Payments to retirees in 2014

480

g.

Payments to retirees in 2015

500

h.

No changes in actuarial assumptions or estimates

i.

Net gain -- AOCI on January 1, 2014

250

j.

Net gains and losses are amortized for 10 years beginning in 2014

Information provided by Pension Fund Trustee:

a.

Plan asset balance at fair value on January 1, 2014

$1,755.00

b.

2014 contributions

540

c.

2015 contributions

600

d.

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

12%

e.

2014 actual return on plan assets

250

f.

2015 actual return on plan assets

362

Required:

1.

Calculate pension expense for 2014 & 2015.

2.

Determine the balances in the PBO and Plan Asset accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2015.

3.

Prepare the journal entries for 2014 and 2015 to record pension expense

4.

Prepare the journal entries for 2014 and 2015 to record any gains and losses and new prior service cost.

5.

Prepare the journal entries for 2014 and 2015 to record the cash contributions to plan assets and benefits paid to retirees.