Final answer:
A change in accounting principle requires that the cumulative effect of the change be shown as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings of the earliest period presented.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is A. Beginning retained earnings of the earliest period presented. When there is a change in accounting principle, the cumulative effect of the change should be shown as an adjustment to the beginning retained earnings of the earliest period presented. This ensures that the financial statements accurately reflect the impact of the accounting principle change on the company's retained earnings. It is important to disclose this adjustment to provide transparency and comparability in financial reporting.