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that we plan to repatriate approximately $2,000 in total of cash from outside of the United States in 2015. The remainder of the funds outside of the United States are considered indefinitely reinvested to be used to expand operations either organically or through acquisitions outside the United States. We continually evaluate our receivables, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece (the Southern European Region). The total net receivables from the Southern European Region were approximately $154 and $199 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, including approximately $78 and $103 of sovereign receivables in 2014 and 2013, respectively. We believe that our current reserves related to receivables are adequate and any additional credit risk associated with the Southern European Region is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position or liquidity. We currently do not have any investments in the sovereign debt instruments of the Southern European Region. Any non-sovereign exposure in these countries in our investment portfolio is considered immaterial. Guarantees and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We do not have guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, of a magnitude that we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity. STRYKER CORPORATION 2014 Form 10-K 15 Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND FORWARD-LOOKING CASH REQUIREMENTS As further described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2014 we have recorded charges to earnings totaling $748 representing the minimum of the range of probable loss to resolve the Rejuvenate and ABG II recalls. Based on the information that has been received, the actuarially determined range of probable loss to resolve this matter is estimated to be approximately $1,534 ($1,713 before $179 of third-party insurance recoveries) to $2,453. The final outcome of this matter is dependent on many variables that are difficult to predict. The ultimate cost to entirely resolve this matter may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We are not able to reasonably estimate the future periods in which payments will be made. As further described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2014 our defined benefit pension plans were underfunded by $260, of which approximately $250 related to plans outside the United States. Due to the rules affecting tax-deductible contributions in the jurisdictions in which the plans are offered and the impact of future plan asset performance, changes in interest rates and potential changes in legislation in the United States and other foreign jurisdictions, we are not able to reasonably estimate, beyond 2014, the amounts that may be required to fund defined benefit pension plans. As further described in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2014 we have recorded a liability for uncertain income tax positions of $315. Due to uncertainties regarding the ultimate resolution of income tax audits, we are not able to reasonably estimate the future periods in which any income tax payments to settle these uncertain income tax positions will be made. Our future contractual obligations for agreements with initial terms greater than one year, including agreements to purchase materials in the normal course of business, are: Payment Period Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years After 5 years Short-term and long-term debt $ 3,979 $ 727 $ 750 $ 600 $ 1,902 Unconditional purchase obligations 1,056 697 238 120 1 Operating leases 216 60 78 44 34 Contributions to defined benefit plans 19 19 — — — Other 94 13 17 9 55 $ 5,364 $ 1,516 $ 1,083 $ 773 $ 1,992 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES In preparing our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, there are certain accounting policies that may require a choice between acceptable accounting methods or may require substantial judgment or estimation in their application. These include inventory reserves, income taxes, acquisitions, goodwill and intangible assets, and legal and other contingencies. We believe these accounting policies and the others set forth in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements should be reviewed as they are integral to understanding our results of operations and financial condition. Inventory Reserves We maintain reserves for excess and obsolete inventory resulting from the potential inability to sell certain products at prices in excess of current carrying costs. We make estimates regarding the future recoverability of the costs of these products and record provisions based on historical experience, expiration of sterilization dates and expected future trends. If actual product life cycles, product demand or acceptance of new product introductions are less favorable than projected by management, additional inventory write downs may be required, which could unfavorably affect future operating results. Income Taxes Our annual tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Tax law requires certain items be included in the tax return at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent the tax effect of items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our income statement. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our financial statements for which payment has been deferred, the tax effect of expenditures for which a deduction has already been taken in our tax return but has not yet been recognized in our financial statements or assets recorded at fair value in business combinations for which there was no corresponding tax basis adjustment. Inherent in determining our annual tax rate are judgments regarding business plans, tax planning opportunities and expectations about future outcomes. Realization of certain deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the carryforward periods. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized.