The Following Pension Information Was Disclosed by Starbright International (000's)

Essay

The following pension information was disclosed by Starbright International (000's):
Employee Benefit Plans
The company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans covering substantially all of its domestic employees and certain employees of its foreign subsidiaries. Contributions are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Aggregate amounts charged to operations under the plans in 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $55,740, $58,400, and $46,576, respectively. In addition, certain foreign subsidiaries are required to provide benefits pursuant to government regulations.
A. How does Starbright account for its contributions to its retirement plan?
B. How is Starbright's obligation to its retirement plan reported on its balance sheet?