Income tax provision

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income tax provision

Note 10 - Income tax provision

The Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates, to determine its quarterly provision (benefit) for income taxes. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rates from quarter to quarter.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes was 10% and (6)% of income (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 63% and 25% of income (loss) before income taxes for the nine months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The change in the effective income tax rate from period to period was primarily driven by a decrease to the Company’s full year financial forecast.

The Company recorded income from discontinued operations, net of tax, as disclosed in Note 2.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $0 as of July 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016.

The total balance of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $0 as of July 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, as a component of income tax expense and the accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included in deferred and other long-term liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. There were no material interest or penalties included in income tax expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2017.