Note 7 - Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

7. INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended January 31, 2012 and 2011 was 30.2% and 27.6%, respectively. The higher effective income tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2012 compared to the prior year period is primarily attributable to a discrete tax benefit recorded in the prior year period for the reinstatement of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit.  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.