Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

NOTE G – INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate from continuing operations is presented below:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	23.4	%	36.6	%	20.7	%	32.9	%

Our reported tax rate is affected by recurring items such as the amount of our earnings subject to differing tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the impact of certain receipts and charges that are taxed at rates that differ from our effective tax rate.

The primary reasons for the difference between the statutory rate and our reported tax rate in the second quarter and first six months of 2024 relate to certain charges for acquisition expenses, as well as certain benefits for intangible asset impairment charges and integration costs, and discrete benefits primarily related to stock-based compensation. In the second quarter and first six months of 2023, the primary difference between the statutory tax rate and our reported tax rate relates to acquisition-related charges, as well as certain benefits for integration costs, and discrete tax items primarily related to unrecognized tax benefits.

As of June 30, 2024, we had $478 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $406 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2023, we had $467 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $395 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. The change in gross unrecognized tax benefit is primarily related to current year accruals for reserves and audits.

It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, we will resolve multiple issues with foreign, federal and state taxing authorities, resulting in a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits of up to $9 million.