United Parcel Service, Inc. announced an accounting change relating to expense recognition for company-sponsored pension and postretirement benefit plans. The new method, adopted in the fourth quarter of 2011, will result in simpler, more transparent financial reporting. The accounting change is expected to add $0.03 to adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter. On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter and total year will be reduced by $0.51 and $0.41, respectively which is inclusive of both the mark-to-market adjustment and the benefit resulting from the accounting change. The company expects to record a pre-tax $827 million charge for the 2011 mark-to-market adjustment and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.12.