Note 8 - Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

8. INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 was 28.1% and 26.6%, respectively. Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2010 was 26.6% and 28.2%, respectively. The higher effective income tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2011 compared to the prior year period is primarily attributable to  the decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $800 and related interest and penalties recognized of approximately $100 due to statute of limitation lapses with tax authorities in the prior year.  The lower effective income tax rate for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 compared to the prior year period is primarily attributable to the mix of domestic and foreign income for the year.  Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate due to changes in the amount and mix of domestic and foreign income, changes in tax legislation, changes in valuation allowances and changes in assessments of uncertain tax positions, as well as accumulated interest and penalties.