Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

May 27, 2012

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Note 14: Income Taxes

        The Company's effective income tax rates regularly differ from the Federal statutory rate principally because of the effect of non-deductible interest on the Company's Convertible Notes, certain foreign tax rate differentials and state and local income taxes. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended May 27, 2012 was approximately 8.0% and 57.0%, respectively, compared to approximately 128.8% and 74.8%, respectively, for the three and six months ended May 29, 2011. The effective rate for the three months ended May 27, 2012 was lower than the rate for the three months ended May 29, 2011, primarily due to the release of liabilities related to uncertain tax positions and the impact of the permanent tax differences. The most significant permanent tax difference relates to the non-deductible interest on the Company's Convertible Notes.

        The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 27, 2012 includes accrued interest of $3.6 million and penalties of $1.5 million due to unrecognized tax benefits. As of November 27, 2011, the Company had recorded accrued interest of $3.7 million and penalties of $1.9 million due to unrecognized tax benefits.

        The Company expects the liability for uncertain tax positions to decrease by approximately $1.6 million within the succeeding twelve months due to expiration of income tax statutes of limitations. Federal years open to examination are fiscal year 2004 and forward. State and international jurisdictions remain open to examination for fiscal year 2000 and forward.

        Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's federal, state and foreign tax positions and in the determination of its tax provision. Despite the Company's belief that its liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate, it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax matter. The Company may adjust these liabilities as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority, or resolution of issues in the courts. These adjustments are recognized as a component of income tax expense entirely in the period in which they are identified. The Company is currently undergoing examinations of certain of its corporate income tax returns by tax authorities. Issues related to certain of these reserves have been presented to the Company and the Company believes that such audits will not result in a material assessment or payment of taxes related to these positions during the one year period following May 27, 2012. The Company also cannot predict when or if any other future tax payments related to these tax positions may occur.