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Income Taxes
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Income Taxes  
Income Taxes

Note 8 – Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2011 is equal to our expected annual tax rate of 30%. This is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to income in foreign jurisdictions taxed at lower rates, partially offset by losses in the U.S., where the tax benefit for these losses is fully reserved. In the first quarter of 2011, our effective annual tax rate was estimated to be 28%. The tax rate of 32% for the second quarter reflects the increase in the expected annual rate.

Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was 25%. This was lower than the expected annual tax rate of 35%, due to discrete items of $256 related to the true-up of our provisions for prior year tax returns as filed and other tax adjustments. The expected annual rate was equal to the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to income in foreign jurisdictions taxed at lower rates, offset by losses in the U.S., where the tax benefit for these losses is fully reserved. In the first quarter of 2010, our effective annual tax rate was estimated to be 33%. The tax rate of 22% for the second quarter reflects discrete items of $256, partially offset by the increase in the expected annual rate.

At December 31, 2010, we had U.S. net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of $21,247. Of this amount, $14,727 would result in a benefit to earnings. The remainder represents tax deductions for employee stock option gains, the benefit for which would be credited to paid-in capital. The U.S. loss carryforwards expire in varying amounts beginning in 2020 and continuing through 2029. In addition, if certain substantial changes in the company's ownership were deemed to have occurred, there would be an annual limitation on the amount of the U.S. carryforwards that could be utilized. At December 31, 2010, we also had foreign NOL carryforwards of $4,834. The foreign NOL carryforwards have no expiration dates. A valuation reserve has been provided for the U.S. and certain foreign operating loss carryforwards to offset the future benefits because we have not determined that their realization is more likely than not.