Income Taxes (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure

Income Taxes

We recognized total income tax expense from continuing operations of $95 million and $3 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, compared to an income tax benefit of $90 million and income tax expense of $21 million for the same periods in 2019.

The increase in income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily driven by a nonrecurring tax benefit of approximately $200 million from the release of valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards during the second quarter of 2019, and a nondeductible goodwill impairment during the second quarter of 2020. The valuation allowance release resulted in a significant variation in the customary relationship between pretax income and income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Additionally, the increase in income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was partially offset by the tax effects of a decrease in pretax earnings.

The decrease in income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily due to the tax effects of a decrease in pretax earnings, partially offset by a nonrecurring tax benefit from the release of valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards during the second quarter of 2019, and a nondeductible goodwill impairment during the second quarter of 2020. The nondeductible goodwill impairment resulted in a significant variation in the customary relationship between pretax income and income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

As of each reporting date, we consider existing evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact our view with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets. We continue to believe it is more likely than not that the benefit for certain foreign tax credit carryforwards and state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we continue to provide a partial valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relating to these carryforwards and it is reasonably possible that the valuation allowance may change in the next 12 months.