The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

As presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the change in deferred income taxes includes, among other items, the change in deferred income taxes related to the deferred income tax provision, the change in deferred income taxes related to the increase in equity earnings in unconsolidated interests and the change in deferred income taxes related to the estimated tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income.

We reduce federal and state income taxes payable by the tax benefits associated with the exercise of nonqualified stock options. We receive an income tax benefit based on the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the stock at the time the option is exercised. This benefit, which we record in stockholders’ equity, was $14.6 million in 2006 and $13.5 million in 2005.

As of December 31, 2006, United States income taxes were not provided on earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as we have invested or expect to invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely. If in the future these earnings are repatriated to the United States, or if we determine that the earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, additional income tax provisions may be required.

We hold, through our affiliates, cash balances in the countries in which we operate, including significant amounts held outside the United States. Most of the amounts held outside the United States could be repatriated to the United States, but, under current law, may be subject to United States federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Repatriation of some foreign balances is restricted by local laws including the imposition of withholding taxes in some jurisdictions. We have not provided for the United States federal tax liability on these amounts and for financial statement purposes, these foreign cash balances are considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides