INCOME TAXES

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The Company's effective tax rate in the first six months of fiscal 2021 was 12.0%, as compared to .3% in the first six months of fiscal 2020. The Company recognized a discrete tax benefit from stock option exercises in both the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020 of $13.5 million and $47.6 million, respectively. The tax benefit from stock option exercises in both periods was the result of strong appreciation in HEICO's stock price during the optionees' holding periods and the $34.1 million larger benefit recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was the result of more stock options exercised. Additionally, the effective tax rate in the first six months of fiscal 2021 reflects the favorable impact of higher tax-exempt unrealized gains in the cash surrender values of life insurance policies related to the HEICO Leadership Compensation Plan ("HEICO LCP").

The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 19.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2021, down from 22.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease principally reflects the favorable impact of higher tax-exempt unrealized gains in the cash surrender values of life insurance policies related to the HEICO LCP.