Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

(6) Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense, at an effective rate of 45.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to an income tax expense, at an effective rate of 48.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The 2011 rate was favorably impacted by the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income, while 2010 was unfavorably impacted by an increase in valuation allowances related to losses in certain non-U.S. entities and the repatriation of certain non-U.S. earnings. The 45.9% rate was higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%, and we currently expect an annual effective tax rate of approximately 47%, due primarily to the impact of the mix of U.S. and non-U.S. earnings, valuation allowances, other permanent items, repatriations from non-U.S. entities and the French Business Tax. Excluding the impact of the French Business Tax, our tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011 would have been approximately 36%.

We recorded an income tax expense, at an effective rate of 47.9%, for the first nine months of 2011, as compared to an income tax expense, at an effective rate of 53.7%, for the first nine months of 2010. The 2011 rate was favorably impacted by the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income. Excluding the impact of the French Business Tax, our tax rate for the first nine months of 2011 would have been approximately 37%.

As of September 30, 2011, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $27.4 recorded in accordance with the current accounting guidance on uncertain tax positions. Our uncertain tax position accrual was related to various tax jurisdictions, including $1.5 of interest and penalties, and related tax benefits of $4.3. As of December 31, 2010, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $26.4, including $1.4 of interest and penalties, and related tax benefits of $4.3. The net amount of $23.1 as of September 30, 2011 would favorably affect the effective tax rate if recognized. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months. There was no significant change in the total unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of audits, the expiration of statute of limitations, or for other items during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

We conduct business globally and, as a result, we are routinely audited by the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Generally, the tax years that remain subject to tax examination are 2007 through 2011 for our major operations in the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Italy. As of September 30, 2011, we are under audit in France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Spain, Japan, Austria and the U.S., and we believe that the resolution of these audits will not have a material impact on earnings.