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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Income Taxes
(16) Income Taxes—The provision for income taxes was comprised of the following:

 

Three months ended April 30,

   2011     2010  

Income tax expense

   $      611         $    2,563      

Generally, the provision for income taxes is the result of the mix of profits and losses earned by us and our subsidiaries in tax jurisdictions with a broad range of income tax rates, withholding taxes (primarily in certain foreign jurisdictions), changes in tax reserves, and the application of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Accounting guidance requires that on a quarterly basis we evaluate our provision for income tax expense (benefit) of U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions based on our projected results of operations for the full year and record an adjustment in the current quarter.

 

Three months ended April 30,

   2011     2010  

Effective Tax Rate

     (35%)        (13%)   

Period specific items expense (benefit)

   $   (1,334 )      $     353      

Without period specific items, our effective tax rate is (112%) for the three months ended April 30, 2011. Under our forecast of income for the year, we project a 12% effective tax rate with the inclusion of period specific items. Our effective tax rate differs from tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to:

 

   

The benefit of lower tax rates on earnings of foreign subsidiaries;

 

   

Reduction in reserves for uncertain foreign tax positions; and

 

   

The application of tax incentives for research and development in certain foreign jurisdictions.

These differences are partially offset by:

 

   

U.S. losses for which no tax benefit has been recognized;

 

   

Non-deductible employee stock purchase plan compensation expense; and

 

   

Withholding taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Actual results may differ significantly from our current projections. Further, on a quarterly basis, our effective tax rate could fluctuate considerably and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are higher or lower than anticipated in countries where we have corresponding higher or lower statutory rates.

As of April 30, 2011, we had a liability of $42,422 for income taxes associated with uncertain income tax positions. All of these tax positions are classified as long-term liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of any cash payments required to settle these liabilities; however, we generally do not anticipate the settlement of the liabilities will require payment of cash within the next twelve months. We do not believe that the ultimate settlement of these liabilities will materially affect our liquidity. Further, certain liabilities may result in the reduction of deferred tax assets rather than settlement in cash.