Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

We compute and apply to ordinary income an estimated annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted business levels and activities, including the mix of domestic and foreign results and enacted tax laws. The estimated annual effective tax rate is updated quarterly based on actual results and updated operating forecasts. Ordinary income refers to income (loss) before income tax expense excluding significant, unusual or infrequently occurring items. The tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item is recorded in the interim period in which it occurs as a discrete item of tax.

The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019:



	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020			2019
	(Dollars in thousands)

Tax expense	$	23,946		$	32,418
Pretax income	146,214			229,854
Effective tax rates	16.4		%	14.1		%

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was 16.4%. This rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily due to worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at different rates, which is partially offset by the net combined impact related to the U.S. taxation of global intangible low taxed income ("GILTI") and Foreign Tax Credits ("FTCs").

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 14.1%. This rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily due to worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at different rates.

The tax expense decreased from $32.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 to $23.9 million for the three months March 31, 2020. This decrease is primarily related to the reduction in pretax income and worldwide earnings from various countries taxed at different rates, partially offset by a higher relative combined impact of GILTI and FTCs.

As of March 31, 2020, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $0.2 million which, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. All U.S. federal tax years prior to 2015 are generally closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the applicable domestic tax authorities. All other jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2012.

We continue to assess the realization of our deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Examples of positive evidence would include a strong earnings history, an event or events that would increase our taxable income through a continued reduction of expenses, and tax planning strategies that would indicate an ability to realize deferred tax assets. In circumstances where the significant positive evidence does not outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required, we have established and maintained valuation allowances on those net deferred tax assets.