INCOME TAXES |
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Sep. 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | INCOME TAXES Income tax expense and effective tax rates were:
The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was driven by tax expense recorded in profitable jurisdictions, partially offset by the utilization of deferred tax assets which were subject to a valuation allowance, and by operating losses in certain jurisdictions where we had determined that it is not more likely than not to realize the associated tax benefits. Our effective income tax rate, for each period presented, also differs from the federal U.S. statutory rate primarily due to differences in income tax rates between U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, as well as utilization of deferred tax assets which were subject to a valuation allowance. There were no significant or unusual discrete tax items during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. We had unrecognized tax benefits of $5.3 million and $4.6 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and we do not expect any significant changes in tax benefits in the next twelve months. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, income tax expense increased $0.5 million compared to the same period in 2019. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 9.8% compared to an effective tax rate of 12.0% for the same period in 2019, a 2.2% decrease. This decrease in the effective tax rate was driven primarily by the utilization of deferred tax assets which were subject to a valuation allowance, tax expense recorded in profitable jurisdictions, and by operating losses in certain jurisdictions where we have determined that it is not more likely than not to realize the associated tax benefits. Our effective income tax rate, for each period presented, also differs from the federal U.S. statutory rate primarily due to differences in income tax rates between U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, as well as utilization of deferred tax assets which were subject to a valuation allowance. Our tax rate is volatile and may increase or decrease with changes in, among other things, the amount of income or loss by jurisdiction, our ability to utilize net operating losses and foreign tax credits, changes in tax laws, and the movement of liabilities established pursuant to accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions as statutes of limitations expire, positions are effectively settled, or when additional information becomes available. There are proposed or pending tax law changes in various jurisdictions and other changes to regulatory environments in countries in which we do business that, if enacted, may have an impact on our effective tax rate. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing our forecasted taxable income by considering both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary differences, taxable income in prior carry back years (if permitted) and the availability of tax planning strategies. As of September 30, 2020, valuation allowances remain in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is necessary to see further positive evidence, such as sustained achievement of cumulative profits, before these valuation allowances can be released. Given the current earnings trend, sufficient positive evidence may become available for us to release all or a portion of the valuation allowance within twelve months. However, the exact timing and amount of the valuation allowance releases are subject to change based on the level of profitability achieved in future periods. We will continue to assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets.
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