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INCOME TAXES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
Uncertain Tax Benefits
As of September 26, 2015, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $42.0 (net unrecognized tax benefits of $26.0), of which $25.5, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate from continuing operations.
We classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our income tax provision. As of September 26, 2015, gross accrued interest totaled $5.3 (net accrued interest of $4.4). As of September 26, 2015, we had no accrual for penalties included in our unrecognized tax benefits.
Based on the outcome of certain examinations or as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations for certain jurisdictions, we believe that within the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that our previously unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $2.0 to $6.0. The previously unrecognized tax benefits relate to a variety of tax matters relating to deemed income inclusions, transfer pricing and various state matters.
Other Tax Matters
For the three months ended September 26, 2015, we recorded an income tax provision of $5.5 on $125.2 of a pre-tax loss from continuing operations, resulting in an effective rate of (4.4)%. This compares to an income tax provision for the three months ended September 27, 2014 of $5.6 on $6.6 of a pre-tax loss from continuing operations, resulting in an effective rate of (84.8)%. The most significant item impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 was the effects of approximately $102.0 of pre-tax losses generated during the period (the majority of which relate to our large projects in South Africa) for which no tax benefit was recognized, as future realization of any such tax benefit is considered unlikely. The most significant item impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was an income tax charge of $4.0 related to incremental state income taxes provided in connection with the gain recorded during the first quarter on the sale of our interest in EGS.
For the nine months ended September 26, 2015, we recorded an income tax benefit of $8.6 on $192.2 of a pre-tax loss from continuing operations, resulting in an effective tax rate of 4.5%. This compares to an income tax provision for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 of $161.9 on $379.4 of pre-tax income from continuing operations, resulting in an effective tax rate of 42.7%. The most significant items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 were (i) the effects of approximately $130.0 of pre-tax losses generated during the period (the majority of which relate to our large projects in South Africa) for which no tax benefit was recognized, as future realization of any such tax benefit is considered unlikely, and (ii) $3.6 of taxes incurred during the first quarter of 2015 related to the Spin-Off, including $3.4 of foreign income taxes related to reorganization actions undertaken to facilitate the separation. The most significant items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2014 were the U.S. income taxes provided in connection with the $491.2 gain recorded during the first quarter of 2014 on the sale of our interest in EGS, and tax charges of $12.2 resulting from net increases in valuation allowances recorded against certain foreign deferred income tax assets, partially offset by $6.7 of tax benefits related to a loss on an investment in a foreign subsidiary.
We perform reviews of our income tax positions on a continuous basis and accrue for potential uncertain positions when we determine that an uncertain position meets the criteria of the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification. Accruals for these uncertain tax positions are recorded in “Income taxes payable” and “Deferred and other income taxes” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets based on the expectation as to the timing of when the matters will be resolved. As events change and resolutions occur, these accruals are adjusted, such as in the case of audit settlements with taxing authorities.
We have filed our federal income tax returns for the 2013 and 2014 tax years and those returns are subject to examination. With regard to all open tax years, we believe any contingencies are adequately provided for.
State income tax returns generally are subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing the respective tax returns. The impact on such tax returns of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. We have various state income tax returns in the process of examination or administrative appeal. We believe any uncertain tax positions related to these examinations have been adequately provided for.
We have various foreign income tax returns under examination. The most significant of these are in Germany for the 2010 through 2013 tax years. We believe that any uncertain tax positions related to these examinations have been adequately provided for.
An unfavorable resolution of one or more of the above matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the quarter and year in which an adjustment is recorded or the tax is due or paid. As audits and examinations are still in process or we have not yet reached the final stages of the appeals process, the timing of the ultimate resolution and any payments that may be required for the above matters cannot be determined at this time.