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INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 27, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
The Company recorded income tax expense of $62.6 million, a 34.7% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016 compared to income tax expense of $111.5 million, a 35.3% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015. The decrease in income tax expense in 2016 resulted primarily from a decrease in pre-tax income.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of March 27, 2016, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.
For the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015, there is tax effect of $4.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income.
For the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016, there is no tax effect reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation. For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015, there is a tax effect of $7.8 million reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation on dividend equivalent rights and vested stock awards.
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009.
The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Fifth Circuit”) rendered judgment in favor of the Company regarding the IRS’ amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.