15.	INCOME TAXES:

The Company is subject to income taxes in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions. The effective income tax rate was a benefit of 3.8% and an expense of 18.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $216,000 and income tax expense of $2.3 million, respectively. The recorded amounts include deductions for employee share awards in excess of compensation costs (“windfalls”) under ASU No. 2016-09 of $1.3 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company's ability to generate future taxable income to obtain benefit from the reversal of temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. As part of its assessment management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. At this time there is no evidence to release the valuation allowances that relate to UDC Ireland and New Jersey research and development credit.