Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2019 was 22.3% versus 20.5% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended July 31, 2019 was 20.0% versus 23.0% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended July 31, 2019 included the recognition of an income tax benefit of $7.5 million, or 230 basis points, related to an increase in the estimated 2018 Foreign Derived Intangible Income ("FDII") benefit as a result of new U.S. Treasury guidance issued during the three months ended April 30, 2019. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended July 31, 2018 was reduced by 440 basis points and 210 basis points, respectively, due to the recognition of an income tax benefit of $8.0 million in the three months ended July 31, 2018 primarily as a result of a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties related thereto due to a lapse in a statute of limitations.

During the three and six months ended July 31, 2019, the change in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties was not significant.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As a matter of course, tax authorities regularly audit the Company. The Company's tax filings are currently being examined by a number of tax authorities, both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. Ongoing audits where subsidiaries have a material presence include New York City (tax years 2011-2014) and New York State (tax years 2012-2014). Tax years from 2010-present are open to examination in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and 2006-present are open in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As part of these audits, the Company engages in discussions with taxing authorities regarding tax positions. Management anticipates that it is reasonably possible that the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $6.0 million in the next 12 months; however, management does not currently anticipate a corresponding impact on net earnings. Future developments may result in a change in this assessment.