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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 24, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

 
Quarter ended
 
 
3/24/2012
 
3/19/2011
 
Income taxes
$
147

 
$
91

 
Effective tax rate
24.1
%
 
25.2
%
 


Our effective tax rates were lower than the expected U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the majority of our income being earned outside of the U.S. where tax rates are generally lower than the U.S. rate.

Our first quarter effective tax rate was lower than the prior year driven by the positive impact of the $74 million gain recognized upon our acquisition of additional interest in Little Sheep, which resulted in no related tax expense. This was partially offset by lapping prior year favorability resulting from the 37% tax benefit related to the $66 million non-cash write down of LJS and A&W in the quarter ended March 19, 2011.

On June 23, 2010, the Company received a Revenue Agent Report (“RAR”) from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) relating to its examination of our U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2004 through 2006. The IRS has proposed an adjustment to increase the taxable value of rights to intangibles used outside the U.S. that YUM transferred to certain of its foreign subsidiaries. The proposed adjustment would result in approximately $700 million of additional taxes plus net interest to date of approximately$175 million. Furthermore, if the IRS prevails it is likely to make similar claims for years subsequent to fiscal 2006. The potential additional taxes for these later years, through 2011, computed on a similar basis to the 2004-2006 additional taxes, would be approximately $350 million plus net interest of approximately $25 million.

We believe that the Company has properly reported taxable income and paid taxes in accordance with applicable laws and that the proposed adjustment is inconsistent with applicable income tax laws, Treasury Regulations and relevant case law. We intend to defend our position vigorously and have filed a protest with the IRS. As the final resolution of the proposed adjustment remains uncertain, the Company will continue to provide for its position in accordance with GAAP. There can be no assurance that payments due upon final resolution of this issue will not exceed our currently recorded reserve and such payments could have a material adverse effect on our financial position. Additionally, if increases to our reserves are deemed necessary due to future developments related to this issue, such increases could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations as they are recorded. The Company does not expect resolution of this matter within twelve months and cannot predict with certainty the timing of such resolution.