Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Income TaxesWe compute and apply to ordinary income an estimated annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted business levels and activities, including the mix of domestic and foreign results and enacted tax laws. The estimated annual effective tax rate is updated quarterly based on actual results and updated operating forecasts. Ordinary income refers to income (loss) before income tax expense excluding significant, unusual or infrequently occurring items. The tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item is recorded in the interim period in which it occurs as a discrete item of

tax.

The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense	$	16,257		$	23,946
Pretax income	115,056			146,214
Effective tax rates	14.1		%	16.4		%

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 14.1%. This rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily due to worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at lower rates, the Section 250 Deduction and Foreign Tax Credits offset by the net increase related to the U.S. taxation of global intangible low taxed income ("GILTI").

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was 16.4%. This rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily due to worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at different rates.

The tax expense decreased from $23.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $16.3 million for the three months March 31, 2021. This change is primarily related to a reduction in pretax income and worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at different rates and U.S. taxation of GILTI.

As of March 31, 2021, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $0.1 million, which, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. U.S. federal tax years prior to 2017 are generally closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the applicable domestic tax authorities. Other jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2014.

We continue to assess the realization of our deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Examples of positive evidence would include a strong earnings history, an event or events that would increase our taxable income through a continued reduction of expenses, and tax planning strategies that would indicate an ability to realize deferred tax assets. In circumstances where the significant positive evidence does not outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required, we have established and maintained valuation allowances on those net deferred tax assets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

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