Exxon Mobil Corporation discloses the following information in its pension footnote in its 10-K report:

a. How much pension expense does Exxon Mobil Corporation report in its 2017 income statement?

b. What effect does its "expected return on plan assets" have on its reported pension expense? Explain.

c. Explain use of the word expected as it relates to results of pension plan investments.

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(In millions) 2017 Service cost $1,380 Interest cost 1,570 Expected return on plan assets. Amortization of actuarial loss (gain). Amortization of prior service cost... Net pension enhancement and curtailment/settlement cost. (1,775) 914 52 628 Net periodic pension benefit cost... $2,769