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Tax Matters
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Tax Matters
Tax Matters

A. Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations
The following table provides the components of Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes on income:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

United States
 
$
(6,809
)
 
$
(4,744
)
 
$
(1,678
)
International
 
15,773

 
16,984

 
17,394

Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes on income(a), (b)
 
$
8,965

 
$
12,240

 
$
15,716

(a) 
2015 v. 2014––The increase in the domestic loss was primarily due to the loss of exclusivity for Celebrex and Zyvox, higher restructuring charges and higher selling, informational and administrative expenses, partially offset by the performance of certain products including Prevnar 13 and Ibrance, and the impact of Hospira operations. The decrease in international income is primarily due to a foreign currency loss related to Venezuela, higher asset impairments, and the loss of exclusivity for Lyrica in certain developed markets, partially offset by lower research and development costs.
(b) 
2014 v. 2013––The increase in the domestic loss was primarily due to lower revenues, the non-recurrence of income from a litigation settlement in 2013 with Teva and Sun for patent-infringement damages resulting from their “at-risk” launches of generic Protonix in the U.S., higher charges related to other legal matters, a non-tax deductible charge in the third quarter of 2014 to account for an additional year of the Branded Prescription Drug Fee in accordance with final regulations issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), higher research and development expenses, and higher charges for business and legal entity alignment costs, partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets, lower restructuring charges and other costs associated with acquisitions and cost-reduction/productivity initiatives, and lower asset impairments. The decrease in international income is primarily related to lower revenues, the non-recurrence of the gain associated with the transfer of certain product rights to Pfizer’s equity-method investment in China (Hisun Pfizer) in 2013, and higher research and development expenses, partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets, lower restructuring charges and other costs associated with acquisitions and cost-reduction/productivity initiatives and the non-recurrence of certain charges.

The following table provides the components of Provision for taxes on income based on the location of the taxing authorities:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

United States
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
67

 
$
393

 
$
142

State and local
 
(8
)
 
85

 
(106
)
Deferred income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
300

 
725

 
2,124

State and local
 
(36
)
 
(256
)
 
(33
)
Total U.S. tax provision
 
323

 
948

 
2,127

International
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current income taxes
 
1,951

 
2,321

 
2,544

Deferred income taxes
 
(284
)
 
(149
)
 
(365
)
Total international tax provision
 
1,667

 
2,172

 
2,179

Provision for taxes on income
 
$
1,990

 
$
3,120

 
$
4,306



In 2015, the Provision for taxes on income was impacted by the following:
•
U.S. tax expense of approximately $2.1 billion as a result of providing U.S. deferred income taxes on certain funds earned outside the U.S. that will not be indefinitely reinvested overseas, virtually all of which were earned in the current year (see Note 5C);
•
Tax benefits of approximately $360 million, representing tax and interest, resulting from the resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years, primarily with various foreign tax authorities, and from the expiration of certain statutes of limitations;
•
The permanent extension of the U.S. R&D tax credit, which was signed into law in December 2015, as well as tax benefits associated with certain tax initiatives;
•
The non-deductibility of a foreign currency loss related to Venezuela;
•
The non-deductibility of a charge for the agreement in principle to resolve claims relating to Protonix; and
•
The non-deductibility of a $251 million fee payable to the federal government as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (U.S. Healthcare Legislation).
In 2014, the Provision for taxes on income was impacted by the following:
•
U.S. tax expense of approximately $2.2 billion as a result of providing U.S. deferred income taxes on certain funds earned outside the U.S. that will not be indefinitely reinvested overseas, virtually all of which were earned in 2014 (see Note 5C);
•
Tax benefits of approximately $350 million, representing tax and interest, resulting from the resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years, primarily with various foreign tax authorities, and from the expiration of certain statutes of limitations;
•
The favorable impact of the decline in the non-tax deductible loss recorded in 2013 related to an option to acquire the remaining interest in Teuto, since we expect to retain the investment indefinitely;
•
The extension of the U.S. R&D tax credit, which was signed into law in December 2014; and
•
The non-deductibility of a $362 million fee payable to the federal government as a result of the U.S. Healthcare Legislation.
In 2013, the Provision for taxes on income was impacted by the following:
•
U.S. tax expense of approximately $2.3 billion as a result of providing U.S. deferred income taxes on certain funds earned outside the U.S. that will not be indefinitely reinvested overseas, virtually all of which were earned in 2013 (see Note 5C);
•
U.S. tax benefits of approximately $430 million, representing tax and interest, resulting from a multi-year settlement with the IRS with respect to audits of the Wyeth tax returns for the years 2006 through date of acquisition, and international tax benefits of approximately $470 million, representing tax and interest, resulting from the resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years with various foreign tax authorities, and from the expiration of certain statutes of limitations;
•
The unfavorable tax rate associated with the $1.3 billion of patent litigation settlement income;
•
The non-deductibility of the $292 million of goodwill derecognized and the jurisdictional mix of the other intangible assets divested as part of the transfer of certain product rights to Hisun Pfizer;
•
The non-deductibility of the $223 million loss on an option to acquire the remaining interest in Teuto, since we expect to retain the investment indefinitely, and the non-deductibility of a $32 million impairment charge related to our equity-method investment in Teuto;
•
The extension of the U.S. R&D tax credit (resulting in the full-year benefit of the 2012 and 2013 U.S. R&D tax credit being recorded in 2013); and
•
The non-deductibility of a $280 million fee payable to the federal government as a result of the U.S. Healthcare Legislation.
In all years, federal, state and international net tax liabilities assumed or established as part of a business acquisition are not included in Provision for taxes on income (see Note 2A).

B. Tax Rate Reconciliation
The reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for Income from continuing operations follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

U.S. statutory income tax rate
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Taxation of non-U.S. operations(a), (b), (c)
 
(9.6
)
 
(7.4
)
 
(2.5
)
Tax settlements and resolution of certain tax positions(d)
 
(4.0
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(5.7
)
U.S. Healthcare Legislation(d)
 
0.9

 
1.0

 
0.6

U.S. R&D tax credit and manufacturing deduction(d)
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.8
)
Certain legal settlements and charges(d)
 
3.1

 
—

 
(0.2
)
All other, net(e)
 
(2.1
)
 
0.5

 
1.0

Effective tax rate for income from continuing operations
 
22.2
 %
 
25.5
 %
 
27.4
 %
(a) 
For taxation of non-U.S. operations, this rate impact reflects the income tax rates and relative earnings in the locations where we do business outside the U.S., together with the cost of repatriation decisions, as well as changes in uncertain tax positions not included in the reconciling item called “Tax settlements and resolution of certain tax positions”. Specifically: (i) the jurisdictional location of earnings is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year as tax rates outside the U.S. are generally lower than the U.S. statutory income tax rate, and the rate impact of this component is influenced by the specific location of non-U.S. earnings and the level of such earnings as compared to our total earnings; (ii) the cost of repatriation decisions, and other U.S. tax implications of our foreign operations, is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year and generally offsets some of the reduction to our effective tax rate each year resulting from the jurisdictional location of earnings; and (iii) the impact of changes in uncertain tax positions not included in the reconciling item called “Tax settlements and resolution of certain tax positions” is a component of our effective tax rate each year that can result in either an increase or decrease to our effective tax rate. The jurisdictional mix of earnings, which includes the impact of the location of earnings as well as repatriation costs, can vary as a result of the repatriation decisions, as a result of operating fluctuations in the normal course of business and as a result of the extent and location of other income and expense items, such as restructuring charges, asset impairments and gains and losses on strategic business decisions. See also Note 5A for the components of pre-tax income and Provision for taxes on income, which is based on the location of the taxing authorities, and for information about settlements and other items impacting Provision for taxes on income.
(b) 
In all periods presented, the reduction in our effective tax rate resulting from the jurisdictional location of earnings is largely due to generally lower tax rates, as well as manufacturing and other incentives associated with our subsidiaries in Puerto Rico, Singapore, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. We benefit from a Puerto Rican incentive grant that expires in 2029. Under the grant, we are partially exempt from income, property and municipal taxes. In Singapore, we benefit from incentive tax rates effective through 2031 on income from manufacturing and other operations. Hospira’s infusion technologies business benefits from income tax exemptions in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic through 2028 and 2019, respectively.
(c) 
The rate impact in 2015 also includes the non-deductibility of a foreign currency loss related to Venezuela. The favorable rate impact in 2014 also includes the decline in the non-tax deductible loss recorded in 2013 related to an option to acquire the remaining interest in Teuto, since we expect to retain the investment indefinitely. The rate impact in 2013 also includes the non-deductibility of the goodwill derecognized and the jurisdictional mix of the other intangible assets divested as part of the transfer of certain product rights to Hisun Pfizer, and the non-deductibility of the loss on an option to acquire the remaining interest in Teuto, since we expect to retain the investment indefinitely, and the non-deductibility of an impairment charge related to our equity-method investment in Teuto. For additional information, see Note 2E.
(d) 
For a discussion about tax settlements and resolution of certain tax positions, the impact of U.S. Healthcare Legislation, the U.S. R&D tax credit and the impact of certain legal settlements and charges, see Note 5A. The extension of the U.S. R&D tax credit in January 2013 resulted in the full-year benefit of the 2012 and 2013 U.S. R&D tax credit being recorded in 2013.
(e) 
All other, net in 2015 primarily relates to tax benefits associated with certain tax initiatives in the normal course of business.



C. Deferred Taxes

On December 31, 2015, we adopted a new accounting standard that requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. We elected to apply this new standard retrospectively. The impact of the change in presentation is that all deferred tax assets and liabilities that were previously reported in current assets and current liabilities, totaling net current deferred tax assets of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2014 have been reclassified to noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, as appropriate.

Deferred taxes arise as a result of basis differentials between financial statement accounting and tax amounts.
The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, shown before jurisdictional netting, follow:
 
 
2015 Deferred Tax
 
2014 Deferred Tax
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
Assets
 
(Liabilities)
 
Assets
 
(Liabilities)
Prepaid/deferred items
 
$
2,247

 
$
(38
)
 
$
1,995

 
$
(53
)
Inventories
 
381

 
(190
)
 
219

 
(56
)
Intangible assets
 
1,063

 
(10,885
)
 
969

 
(9,224
)
Property, plant and equipment
 
65

 
(1,096
)
 
174

 
(1,242
)
Employee benefits
 
3,302

 
(167
)
 
3,950

 
(154
)
Restructurings and other charges
 
318

 
(20
)
 
114

 
(28
)
Legal and product liability reserves
 
730

 
—

 
1,010

 
—

Net operating loss/tax credit carryforwards(a)
 
3,808

 
—

 
2,918

 
—

Unremitted earnings(b)
 
—

 
(23,626
)
 
—

 
(21,174
)
State and local tax adjustments
 
328

 
—

 
295

 
—

All other
 
310

 
(646
)
 
283

 
(783
)
 
 
12,552

 
(36,668
)
 
11,927

 
(32,714
)
Valuation allowances
 
(2,029
)
 
—

 
(1,615
)
 
—

Total deferred taxes
 
$
10,523

 
$
(36,668
)
 
$
10,312

 
$
(32,714
)
Net deferred tax liability (c)
 
 
 
$
(26,145
)
 
 
 
$
(22,402
)
(a) 
The amounts in 2015 and 2014 are reduced for unrecognized tax benefits of $2.9 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, where we have net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, and/or tax credit carryforwards that are available, under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction, to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position.
(b) 
The increase in 2015 reflects additional accruals for certain funds earned outside the U.S. that will not be indefinitely reinvested overseas, virtually all of which were earned in the current year. For additional information, see Note 5A.
(c)
In 2015, Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($732 million),and Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($26.8 billion). In 2014, Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($915 million), and Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($23.3 billion).

We have carryforwards, primarily related to foreign tax credits, net operating and capital losses and charitable contributions, which are available to reduce future U.S. federal and state, as well as international, income taxes payable with either an indefinite life or expiring at various times from 2016 to 2035. Certain of our U.S. net operating losses are subject to limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382.

Valuation allowances are provided when we believe that our deferred tax assets are not recoverable based on an assessment of estimated future taxable income that incorporates ongoing, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, that would be implemented, if necessary, to realize the deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2015, we have not made a U.S. tax provision on approximately $80.0 billion of unremitted earnings of our international subsidiaries. As these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested overseas, the determination of a hypothetical unrecognized deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2015, is not practicable.

D. Tax Contingencies

We are subject to income tax in many jurisdictions, and a certain degree of estimation is required in recording the assets and liabilities related to income taxes. All of our tax positions are subject to audit by the local taxing authorities in each tax jurisdiction. These tax audits can involve complex issues, interpretations and judgments and the resolution of matters may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. Our assessments are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management, but our estimates of unrecognized tax benefits and potential tax benefits may not be representative of actual outcomes, and variation from such estimates could materially affect our financial statements in the period of settlement or when the statutes of limitations expire, as we treat these events as discrete items in the period of resolution.

For a description of our accounting policies associated with accounting for income tax contingencies, see Note 1O. For a description of the risks associated with estimates and assumptions, see Note 1C.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As tax law is complex and often subject to varied interpretations, it is uncertain whether some of our tax positions will be sustained upon audit. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had approximately $4.8 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively, in net unrecognized tax benefits, excluding associated interest.
•
Tax assets associated with uncertain tax positions primarily represent our estimate of the potential tax benefits in one tax jurisdiction that could result from the payment of income taxes in another tax jurisdiction. These potential benefits generally result from cooperative efforts among taxing authorities, as required by tax treaties to minimize double taxation, commonly referred to as the competent authority process and from foreign tax credits that would be generated upon settlement of an uncertain tax position. The recoverability of these assets, which we believe to be more likely than not, is dependent upon the actual payment of taxes in one tax jurisdiction and, in some cases, the successful petition for recovery in another tax jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had approximately $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, in assets associated with uncertain tax positions. In 2015, these amounts were included in Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($963 million) and Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($179 million). In 2014, these amounts were included in Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($966 million) and Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($527 million).
•
Tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions represent unrecognized tax benefits, which arise when the estimated benefit recorded in our financial statements differs from the amounts taken or expected to be taken in a tax return because of the uncertainties described above. These unrecognized tax benefits relate primarily to issues common among multinational corporations. Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact our effective income tax rate.
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

Balance, beginning
 
$
(6,182
)
 
$
(6,087
)
 
$
(6,315
)
Acquisitions(a)
 
(110
)
 
—

 
—

Divestitures(b)
 
—

 
—

 
29

Increases based on tax positions taken during a prior period(c)
 
(31
)
 
(110
)
 
(205
)
Decreases based on tax positions taken during a prior period(c), (d)
 
496

 
473

 
876

Decreases based on settlements for a prior period(e)
 
64

 
70

 
571

Increases based on tax positions taken during the current period(c)
 
(675
)
 
(795
)
 
(1,178
)
Impact of foreign exchange
 
319

 
161

 
38

Other, net(c), (f)
 
199

 
106

 
97

Balance, ending(g)
 
$
(5,919
)
 
$
(6,182
)
 
$
(6,087
)
(a) 
Primarily related to the acquisition of Hospira. See also note 2A.
(b) 
Primarily related to the disposition of our Animal Health (Zoetis) business. See also Note 2D.
(c) 
Primarily included in Provision for taxes on income.
(d) 
Primarily related to effectively settling certain tax positions with the U.S. and foreign tax authorities. See also Note 5A.
(e) 
Primarily related to cash payments.
(f) 
Primarily related to decreases as a result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations.
(g) 
In 2015, included in Income taxes payable ($38 million), Current tax assets ($22 million), Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($135 million), Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($2.7 billion) and Other taxes payable ($3.0 billion). In 2014, included in Income taxes payable ($13 million), Current tax assets ($27 million), Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent tax assets ($196 million), Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($2.4 billion) and Other taxes payable ($3.5 billion).
•
Interest related to our unrecognized tax benefits is recorded in accordance with the laws of each jurisdiction and is recorded in Provision for taxes on income in our consolidated statements of income. In 2015, we recorded net interest expense of $71 million. In 2014, we recorded net interest expense of $40 million; and in 2013, we recorded net interest income of $16 million primarily as a result of settling certain tax positions with the U.S. and various foreign tax authorities. Gross accrued interest totaled $714 million as of December 31, 2015 (reflecting a decrease of approximately $5 million as a result of cash payments) and gross accrued interest totaled $643 million as of December 31, 2014 (reflecting a decrease of approximately $18 million as a result of cash payments). In 2015, these amounts were included in Current tax assets ($12 million) and Other taxes payable ($702 million). In 2014, these amounts were included in Current tax assets ($15 million) and Other taxes payable ($628 million). Accrued penalties are not significant. See also Note 5A.

Status of Tax Audits and Potential Impact on Accruals for Uncertain Tax Positions

The U.S. is one of our major tax jurisdictions, and we are regularly audited by the IRS:
•
With respect to Pfizer Inc., the IRS has issued a Revenue Agent’s Report (RAR) for tax years 2009-2010. We are not in agreement with the RAR and are currently appealing certain disputed issues. Tax years 2011-2013 are currently under audit. Tax years 2014 and 2015 are open, but not under audit. All other tax years are closed.
•
With respect to Hospira, Inc., the IRS is auditing 2010-2011 and 2012-2013. Tax years 2014-2015 (through date of acquisition) are open but not under audit. All other tax years are closed. The open tax years and audits for Hospira, Inc. and its subsidiaries are not considered material to Pfizer.

In addition to the open audit years in the U.S., we have open audit years in other major tax jurisdictions, such as Canada (2010-2015), Japan (2015), Europe (2007-2015, primarily reflecting Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Germany), Latin America (1998-2015, primarily reflecting Brazil) and Puerto Rico (2010-2015).

Any settlements or statutes of limitations expirations could result in a significant decrease in our uncertain tax positions. We estimate that it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months, our gross unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $200 million, as a result of settlements with taxing authorities or the expiration of the statutes of limitations. Our assessments are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management, but our estimates of unrecognized tax benefits and potential tax benefits may not be representative of actual outcomes, and variation from such estimates could materially affect our financial statements in the period of settlement or when the statutes of limitations expire, as we treat these events as discrete items in the period of resolution. Finalizing audits with the relevant taxing authorities can include formal administrative and legal proceedings, and, as a result, it is difficult to estimate the timing and range of possible changes related to our uncertain tax positions, and such changes could be significant.

E. Tax Provision/(Benefit) on Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
The following table provides the components of the tax provision/(benefit) on Other comprehensive income/(loss):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net(a)
 
$
90

 
$
42

 
$
111

Unrealized holding gains on derivative financial instruments, net
 
(173
)
 
(199
)
 
217

Reclassification adjustments for realized (gains)/losses
 
104

 
262

 
(63
)
 
 
(69
)
 
63

 
154

Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
 
(104
)
 
(56
)
 
57

Reclassification adjustments for realized (gains)/losses
 
59

 
10

 
(57
)
 
 
(45
)
 
(46
)
 
—

Benefit plans: actuarial gains/(losses), net
 
(23
)
 
(1,416
)
 
1,422

Reclassification adjustments related to amortization
 
183

 
61

 
205

Reclassification adjustments related to settlements, net
 
237

 
35

 
2

Other
 
66

 
61

 
2

 
 
462

 
(1,258
)
 
1,631

Benefit plans: prior service credits and other, net
 
160

 
281

 
56

Reclassification adjustments related to amortization
 
(59
)
 
(28
)
 
(23
)
Reclassification adjustments related to curtailments, net
 
(12
)
 
—

 
(1
)
Other
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
 
89

 
253

 
32

Tax provision/(benefit) on other comprehensive income/(loss)
 
$
528

 
$
(946
)
 
$
1,928

(a) 
Taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation adjustments relating to investments in international subsidiaries that will be held indefinitely.