XML 55 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Income Taxes
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
(6) Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 38.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to an effective rate of 42.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2013. The 2014 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income. The 38.8% effective tax rate in the quarter was higher than the United States Federal statutory rate of 35%, and we currently expect a similar annual effective tax rate due primarily to the French business tax, repatriations, valuation allowances and other permanent items.

We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 39.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to an effective rate of 42.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The 2014 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income. The 39.5% effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014, was higher than the United States Federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to the French business tax, repatriations, valuation allowances and other permanent items.

As of June 30, 2014, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $33.3. We had related tax benefits of $1.9, and the net amount of $31.4 would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. As of December 31, 2013, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $32.3. We had related tax benefits of $1.9 for a net amount of $30.4. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
 
We conduct business globally and, as a result, we are routinely audited by the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Generally, the tax years that remain subject to tax examination are 2009 through 2013 for our major operations in Germany, Italy, France, Japan, United States and United Kingdom. As of June 30, 2014, we are subject to tax audits in France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Norway and Spain. We believe that the resolution of these audits will not have a material impact on earnings.