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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the company recorded income tax expense of $2.6 million, compared to income tax expense of $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in the company's tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 relative to the prior year resulted primarily from a lower level of income and a more favorable jurisdictional mix of pre-tax earnings.  The effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to results of foreign operations that are subject to income taxes at different statutory rates and certain jurisdictions where the company cannot recognize tax benefits on current losses.
The company will continue to periodically evaluate its valuation allowance requirements in light of changing facts and circumstances, and may adjust its deferred tax asset valuation allowances accordingly. It is reasonably possible that the company will either add to, or reverse a portion of its existing deferred tax asset valuation allowances in the future. Such changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowances will be reflected in the current operations through the company’s income tax provision, and could have a material effect on operating results.
The company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were $36.2 million as of March 31, 2014, and $35.9 million as of December 31, 2013.  All of the company’s unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2014, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that federal, state and foreign tax audit resolutions could reduce unrecognized tax benefits by up to $14.5 million, either because the company’s tax positions are sustained on audit or settled, or the applicable statute of limitations closes.
Among other regular and ongoing examinations by federal and state jurisdictions globally, the company is under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the calendar years 2008 through 2011. In August 2012, the company received a Notice of Proposed Assessment (“NOPA”) related to the disallowance of the deductibility of a $380.9 million foreign currency loss incurred in calendar year 2008. In September 2012, the company responded to the NOPA indicating its formal disagreement and subsequently received an Examination Report which includes the proposed disallowance. The largest potential adjustment for this matter could, if the IRS were to prevail, increase the company’s potential federal tax expense and cash outflow by approximately $134.0 million plus interest and penalties, if any. The company filed a formal protest to the proposed adjustment during the fourth quarter of 2012. In January 2013, the company received a formal rebuttal from the IRS and notification of the assignment of this matter to its Appeals division. Subsequent to an Appeals conference in September 2013, the Appeals division advised the company that the issue has been tentatively resolved in the company's favor. However, this tentative resolution is subject to review by the Joint Committee on Taxation and there can be no assurance that this matter will be ultimately resolved in the company’s favor. The company will continue to pursue all administrative and, if necessary, judicial remedies with respect to resolving this matter. The IRS also examined and proposed adjustments to the research and development credit generated in 2009. The company has tentatively resolved this issue; however, this tentative resolution is also subject to review by the Joint Committee on Taxation. Given the uncertainty, neither of the resolutions have been reflected in the current year results; however, should the resolutions be accepted by the Joint Committee on Taxation, the potential adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.
The company regularly assesses the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from examinations to determine the adequacy of its tax reserves.  As of March 31, 2014, the company believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax positions it has taken will be sustained upon the resolution of its audits resulting in no material impact on its consolidated financial position and the results of operations and cash flows.  However, the final determination with respect to any tax audits, and any related litigation, could be materially different from the company’s estimates and/or from its historical income tax provisions and accruals and could have a material effect on operating results and/or cash flows in the periods for which that determination is made.  In addition, future period earnings may be adversely impacted by litigation costs, settlements, penalties, and/or interest assessments.
As of March 31, 2014, there have been no significant developments in the quarter with respect to the company’s other ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions.