Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator instructions) We’ll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Your first question comes from the line of Mr. David Begleiter of Deutsche Bank. Your line is open.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
Hi. Good morning.
Rodney Underdown
Hi. Good morning, David.
Angelo Brisimitzakis
Hi, David.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
Angelo, just on the SOP operating cost in Q3 and Q4 on an operating ton basis, shouldn’t it be slightly higher than what they were in Q2 given what you – given your commentary?
Rodney Underdown
Yes. I’ll go ahead and take that. I think what we tried to indicate is that we did have a little bit more concentration of some maintenance cost and other items in the second quarter. So those would be on a unit basis lower in the second half. We will see, though, some higher royalty expenditures. And so net of those things, it would be relatively consistent, maybe slightly lower over the next couple of quarters.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
And just on your SOP’s volumes, this 5% year-over-year increase with full year implies negative volumes in Q3 and Q4, again, is that due to high [ph] shipments or is there something else happening?
Angelo Brisimitzakis
Yes. This is Angelo. I mean we’re up about 5% I think on a year-to-date basis and we expect the same – about the same performance in the second half. I’m not sure about the decline.
Rodney Underdown
Dave, I’m talking here at the sides, I think last year’s total sales were on the four – I want to say 425-range. So 5% would be up about 20,000. I think year-to-date, we’re up 12,000.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
Okay. No, you’re right. I apologize.
Rodney Underdown
Yes. That’s okay.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
Just on your full year tax rate is now around 30%?
Rodney Underdown
Yes. The current rate is in the 29% to 30% range.
David Begleiter – Deutsche Bank
And lastly, the – are you expecting flat highway ice control volumes next year?
Angelo Brisimitzakis
Yes. This is Angelo. I mean, obviously, the weather will determine the volumes, and coming off a very, very strong winter this last season, we expect normal. So normal would be less volumes than last year because the last season was higher volumes. So we planned for normal. We hope for stronger than normal, but who can predict the weather.
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