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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes

6. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were 170% and 54%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to the impact of recording losses for which no tax benefit can be recognized in the current period, the amount of these non-deductible losses relative to the amount of pre-tax income, and the impact of other discrete items.

 

The differences between our effective tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate primarily result from our geographic mix of taxable income in various tax jurisdictions and the impact of losses for which no tax benefit can be recognized.

We recognize liabilities when we believe that an uncertain tax position may not be fully sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. This requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate. Our net unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, included in our consolidated balance sheets, were $62 million and $61 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering in April 2014, we entered into an income tax receivable agreement (see Note 15, Subsequent Events).