XML 25 R14.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.7.0.1
INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended
Apr. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
The Company computes income taxes using the liability method. This method requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, measured by enacted rates, attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised largely of differences relating to depreciation, rent expense, inventory and various accruals and reserves.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the First Quarter 2017 was 14.2% compared to 34.3% during the First Quarter 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the First Quarter 2017 was primarily the result of tax benefits of $3.5 million for excess stock compensation adjustments as well as the release of a $4.0 million reserve for an uncertain tax position that was resolved during the First Quarter 2017. Additionally, the effective tax rate for both periods was lower than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% due to the mix of income generated in foreign jurisdictions subject to lower tax rates versus the U.S.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in provision for income taxes. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of April 29, 2017, January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 were $3.2 million, $7.3 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and is included within non-current liabilities. The Company recognized less than $0.1 million in each of the First Quarter 2017 and the First Quarter 2016, respectively, of additional interest expense related to its unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in provision for income taxes.

The Company is subject to tax in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, including Canada and Hong Kong. The Company, joined by its domestic subsidiaries, files a consolidated income tax return for federal income tax purposes. The Company, with certain exceptions, is no longer subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal, state and local or foreign tax authorities for tax years 2012 and prior.
Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company's tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs.