XML 56 R17.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.2.0.727
Income Taxes
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Tax Disclosure
Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was approximately 25% and 26% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was not meaningful due to discrete items including the recording of a valuation allowance on the losses recognized on our Canadian pipe fabrication and module assembly projects.

Our estimated annual rate for 2015 is 24%, which is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due to lower tax rates on foreign earnings and noncontrolling interests of approximately 7% and 10%, respectively, offset by an increase in the estimated annual rate due to withholding tax obligations for which we do not expect to recognize an offsetting foreign tax credit in 2015. Our estimated annual effective rate is subject to change based on changes in the actual jurisdictions where our 2015 earnings are generated.

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $526 million and $538 million, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance was $(13) million and $10 million in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $(12) million and $32 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The valuation allowance is primarily related to U.S. federal, foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets that, in the judgment of management, are not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily related to the utilization of federal loss carryforwards as a result of the gain on disposition of assets. The tax benefit associated with the reduction in the valuation allowance is reflected in our estimated annual effective tax rate for the year.

The reserve for uncertain tax positions included in "other liabilities" and "deferred income taxes" on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $235 million and $228 million, respectively. The net change in the uncertain tax position for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $8 million and $(3) million, respectively, and $7 million and less than $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.