E-Z-GO 2013 Annual Report Download - page 50

37 Textron Inc. Annual Report • 2013
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities and their tax bases, as well as from net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards, and are stated at enacted
tax rates in effect for the year taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available
to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions
and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including the future reversal of existing
taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, available tax planning strategies and estimated future taxable
income.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which may result in
proposed assessments. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. We assess our
income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts,
circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax
benefit will be sustained, we record the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon
settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Interest and penalties are accrued, where
applicable. We recognize net tax-related interest and penalties for continuing operations in income tax expense. If we do not
believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. However, our future results
may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities due to settlement of income tax examinations,
new regulatory or judicial pronouncements, or other relevant events. As a result, our effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly
on a quarterly and annual basis.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Foreign Exchange Risks
Our financial results are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the various countries in which our products are
manufactured and/or sold. For our manufacturing operations, we manage exposures to foreign currency assets and earnings
primarily by funding certain foreign currency-denominated assets with liabilities in the same currency so that certain exposures are
naturally offset. We primarily use borrowings denominated in euro and British pound sterling for these purposes. In managing
our foreign currency transaction exposures, we also enter into foreign currency forward exchange and option contracts. These
contracts generally are used to fix the local currency cost of purchased goods or services or selling prices denominated in
currencies other than the functional currency. The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts and foreign
currency options was approximately $636 million and $664 million at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The impact of foreign exchange rate changes for 2013 and 2012 from the prior year for each period is provided below:
(In millions) 2013 2012
Impact of foreign exchange rates increased (decreased):
Revenues $ 6 $ (80)
Segment profit (1) (10)
Interest Rate Risks
Our financial results are affected by changes in interest rates. As part of managing this risk, we seek to achieve a prudent balance
between floating- and fixed-rate exposures. We continually monitor our mix of these exposures and adjust the mix, as necessary.
For our Finance group, we limit our risk to changes in interest rates with a strategy of matching floating-rate assets with floating-
rate liabilities that includes the use of interest rate exchange agreements.