Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Note 13.  Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The $2.6 million increase was primarily due to a $27.7 million increase in pretax income. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, an international tax audit commenced, and we have determined that it is not more likely than not that certain tax positions being examined by the tax authorities will be sustained.

Therefore, we have recorded a liability of $0.7 million related to our estimated exposure as of March 31, 2022. We will assess this tax reserve in subsequent quarters until final settlement.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was less than the U.S. statutory rate of 21% due to forecasted Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII), Federal research and development tax credits and a favorable discrete item related to equity compensation that reduces the annual tax rate. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was less than the U.S. statutory rate of 21% due to favorable discrete items related to equity compensation in the period and Federal research and development tax credits that reduce the annual tax rate.

The Deferred income taxes of $36.2 million and $35.5 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effect of carryforwards. We have recorded a $8.6 million valuation allowance in the U.S. against certain tax credits and state net operating losses due to the uncertainty of their realization. Realization of our net deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income. We believe it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized; however, ultimate realization could be impacted by market conditions and other variables not known or anticipated at this time.