Income Taxes

We compute and apply to ordinary income an estimated annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted business levels and activities, including the mix of domestic and foreign results and enacted tax laws. The estimated annual effective tax rate is updated quarterly based on actual results and updated operating forecasts. Ordinary income refers to income (loss) before income tax expense excluding significant, unusual, or infrequently occurring items. The tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item is recorded in the interim period in which it occurs as a discrete item of tax. These items may include the cumulative effect of changes in tax laws or rates, impairment charges, adjustments to prior period uncertain tax positions, or adjustments to our valuation allowance due to changes in judgment of the realizability of deferred tax assets. We assess this approach each quarter to determine if there are any mitigating circumstances where a discrete tax rate computation would be more appropriate.

The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014:



	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense (benefit)	$	2,040		$	(5,287	)
Pretax income (loss)	$	6,250		$	(16,804	)
Effective tax rates	32.6		%	31.5		%

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects a discrete period effective tax rate applied to ordinary income of 31.5%. The annual effective tax rate computed for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was 32.6%. These rates differ from the statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix. Discrete items of tax included in the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2014 were not material.

A discrete period calculation was used to report the tax provision for the first three months of 2014 rather than an estimated annual effective tax rate because the estimated range of forecasted annual profit before tax produces significant variability and makes it difficult to reasonably estimate the annual effective tax rate. We are expected to be at a near break-even level of forecasted income for the year. However, due to the $17.9 million million of rationalization and related charges for the quarter relating to the global initiative announced on October 31, 2013 to reduce our Industrial Materials’ cost base and improve our competitive position, we incurred a loss for the quarter. The rationalization plan is targeted to be substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of 2014, after which time we expect to return to overall profitability in the second half of the year. See Note 2 for more information on Rationalizations.

As of March 31, 2014, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $4.7 million, which, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits of $2.5 million may occur within 12 months due to the expiration of statutes of limitation.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we settled our audits with the U.S. federal tax authorities for the tax years ended 2008 and 2010-2011 reducing our unrecognized tax benefits by $2.7 million, of which $0.3 million had a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. All U.S. federal tax years prior to 2012 are generally closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the applicable domestic tax authorities. All other jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2008.

We continue to assess the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Examples of positive evidence would include a strong earnings history, an event or events that would increase our taxable income through a continued reduction of expenses, and tax planning strategies that would indicate an ability to realize deferred tax assets. In circumstances where the significant positive evidence does not yet outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required, we have maintained valuation allowances on those deferred tax assets.