Taxes On Earnings

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]

Taxes On Earnings

Taxes on Earnings

As of October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits (net of federal tax benefits) were $60.3 million and $52.1 million inclusive of $12.2 million and $12.8 million of related interest, respectively. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a part of its provision for taxes on earnings. If recognized, $40.3 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The difference between the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the amounts that would impact the effective tax rate relates to amounts attributable to deferred income tax assets and liabilities. These amounts are net of federal and state income taxes.

During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations may lapse pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year tax returns. If this occurs, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, reducing the provision for taxes on earnings by up to $1.4 million.

The Company is generally open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service under the statute of limitations for fiscal years 2009 through 2011. The Company’s state income tax returns are generally open to audit under the various statutes of limitations for fiscal years 2007 through 2011. Certain state tax returns are currently under audit by state tax authorities. The Company does not expect the results of these audits to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.