Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

        The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hewlett-Packard Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its controlled majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "HP"). HP accounts for equity investments in companies over which HP has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not hold a controlling interest, under the equity method, and HP records its proportionate share of income or losses in interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. HP has eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.

Reclassifications and Segment Reorganization

        In connection with organizational realignments implemented in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, certain costs previously reported as cost of sales have been reclassified as selling, general and administrative expenses to better align those costs with the functional areas that benefit from those expenditures. HP has made certain segment and business unit realignments in order to optimize its operating structure. Reclassifications of prior year financial information have been made to conform to the current year presentation. None of the changes impacts HP's previously reported consolidated net revenue, earnings from operations, net earnings or net earnings per share. See Note 19 for a further discussion of HP's segment reorganization.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in HP's Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

        Net revenue is derived primarily from the sale of products and services. The following revenue recognition policies define the manner in which HP accounts for sales transactions.

        HP recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Additionally, HP recognizes hardware revenue on sales to channel partners, including resellers, distributors or value-added solution providers at the time of sale when the channel partners have economic substance apart from HP, and HP has completed its obligations related to the sale.

        HP's revenue recognition policies provide that, when a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and software products, licenses and/or services, HP allocates revenue to each element based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. In multiple element arrangements where more-than-incidental software deliverables are included, revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the aforementioned selling price hierarchy. If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the arrangement consideration allocated to the software deliverables as a group is then allocated to each software deliverable using the guidance for recognizing software revenue, as amended.

        HP limits the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or refund privileges.

        HP evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and there are no customer-negotiated refund or return rights for the delivered elements. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated refund or return right relative to the delivered item, and the delivery and performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in HP's control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In instances when the aforementioned criteria are not met, the deliverable is combined with the undelivered elements and the allocation of the arrangement consideration and revenue recognition is determined for the combined unit as a single unit. Allocation of the consideration is determined at arrangement inception on the basis of each unit's relative selling price.

        HP establishes VSOE of selling price using the price charged for a deliverable when sold separately and, in rare instances, using the price established by management having the relevant authority. TPE of selling price is established by evaluating largely similar and interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. The best estimate of selling price is established considering internal factors such as margin objectives, pricing practices and controls, customer segment pricing strategies and the product life cycle. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies and industry technology life cycles.

        In instances when revenue is derived from sales of third-party vendor services, revenue is recorded on a gross basis when HP is a principal to the transaction and net of costs when HP is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor. Several factors are considered to determine whether HP is a principal or an agent, most notably whether HP is the primary obligor to the customer, has established its own pricing, and has inventory and credit risks.

        HP reports revenue net of any required taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority.

• Products

  Hardware

        Under HP's standard terms and conditions of sale, HP transfers title and risk of loss to the customer at the time product is delivered to the customer and revenue is recognized accordingly, unless customer acceptance is uncertain or significant obligations remain. HP reduces revenue for estimated customer returns, price protection, rebates and other programs offered under sales agreements established by HP with its distributors and resellers. HP records revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as product revenue at the inception of the lease. HP accrues the estimated cost of post-sale obligations, including basic product warranties, based on historical experience at the time HP recognizes revenue.

• Software

        In accordance with the specific guidance for recognizing software revenue, where applicable, HP recognizes revenue from perpetual software licenses at the inception of the license term assuming all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Term-based software license revenue is recognized on a subscription basis over the term of the license entitlement. HP uses the residual method to allocate revenue to software licenses at the inception of the license term when VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements exists, such as post-contract support, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Revenue generated from maintenance and unspecified upgrades or updates on a when-and-if-available basis is recognized over the period such items are delivered. HP recognizes revenue for software hosting or software-as-a-service (SaaS) arrangements as the service is delivered, generally on a straight-line basis, over the contractual period of performance. In software hosting arrangements where software licenses are sold, the associated software revenue is recognized according to whether perpetual licenses or term licenses are sold, subject to the above guidance. In SaaS arrangements where software licenses are not sold, the entire arrangement is recognized on a subscription basis over the term of the arrangement.

• Services

        HP recognizes revenue from fixed-price support or maintenance contracts, including extended warranty contracts and software post-contract customer support agreements, ratably over the contract period and recognizes the costs associated with these contracts as incurred. For time and material contracts, HP recognizes revenue and costs as services are rendered. HP recognizes revenue from fixed-price consulting arrangements over the contract period on a proportional performance basis, as determined by the relationship of actual labor costs incurred to date to the estimated total contract labor costs, with estimates regularly revised during the life of the contract. HP recognizes revenue on certain design and build (design, development and/or construction of software and/or systems) projects using the percentage-of-completion method. HP uses the cost-to-cost method of measurement towards completion as determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date to the total estimated costs of the project. HP uses the completed contract method if reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made.

        Outsourcing services revenue is generally recognized when the service is provided and the amount earned is not contingent upon any future event. If the service is provided evenly during the contract term but service billings are uneven, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. HP recognizes revenue from operating leases on a straight-line basis as service revenue over the rental period.

        HP recognizes costs associated with outsourcing contracts as incurred, unless such costs relate to the startup phase of the outsourcing contract which generally has no standalone value, in which case HP defers and subsequently amortizes these set-up costs over the contractual services period. Deferred contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining original term unless an accelerated method is deemed more appropriate. Based on actual and projected contract financial performance indicators, the recoverability of deferred contract costs associated with a particular contract is analyzed on a periodic basis using the undiscounted estimated cash flows of the whole contract over its remaining contract term. If such undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to recover the long-lived assets and deferred contract costs, the deferred contract costs are written down based on a discounted cash flow model. If a cash flow deficiency remains after reducing the balance of the deferred contract costs to zero, any remaining long-lived assets related to that contract are evaluated for impairment. HP recognizes losses on consulting and outsourcing arrangements in the period that the contractual loss becomes probable and estimable.

        HP records amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are met. HP records revenue that is earned and recognized in excess of amounts invoiced on fixed-price contracts as trade receivables.

• Financing Income

        Sales-type and direct-financing leases produce financing income, which HP recognizes at consistent rates of return over the lease term.

• Deferred Revenue and related Deferred Contract Costs

        Deferred revenue represents amounts received in advance for product support contracts, software customer support contracts, outsourcing start-up services work, consulting and integration projects, product sales or leasing income. The product support contracts include stand-alone product support packages, routine maintenance service contracts, upgrades or extensions to standard product warranty, as well as high availability services for complex, global, networked, multi-vendor environments. HP defers these service amounts at the time HP bills the customer, and HP then generally recognizes the amounts ratably over the support contract life or as HP delivers the services. HP also defers and subsequently amortizes certain costs related to start-up activities that enable the performance of the customer's long-term services contract. Deferred contract costs, including start-up and other unbilled costs, are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term unless specific customer contract terms and conditions indicate a more accelerated method is more appropriate.

Shipping and handling

HP includes costs related to shipping and handling in cost of sales for all periods presented.

Advertising

HP expenses advertising costs as incurred or when the advertising is first run. Such costs totaled approximately $1.2 billion in fiscal 2011, $1.0 billion in fiscal 2010 and $0.7 billion in fiscal 2009.

Stock Based Compensation

        Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the grant-date fair value. HP recognizes these compensation costs net of an estimated forfeiture rate, and recognizes compensation cost only for those shares expected to meet the service and performance vesting conditions, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. These compensation costs are determined at the aggregate grant level for service-based awards and at the individual vesting tranche level for awards with performance and/or market conditions. HP estimates the forfeiture rate based on its historical experience.

Foreign Currency Transactions

        HP uses the U.S. dollar predominately as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollars are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical exchange rates for nonmonetary assets and liabilities. Net revenue, cost of sales and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each new reporting period, and net revenue, cost of sales and expenses related to the previously reported periods are remeasured at historical exchange rates. HP includes gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement in net earnings. Certain foreign subsidiaries designate the local currency as their functional currency, and HP records the translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet dates as translation adjustments and includes them as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Taxes on Earnings

        HP recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse. HP records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        HP classifies investments as cash equivalents if the original maturity of an investment is three months or less. Cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments in time deposits held in major banks and commercial paper. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short period of time to maturity.

Investments

        HP's investments consist principally of time deposits, money market funds, commercial paper, corporate debt, other debt securities, and equity securities of publicly-traded and privately-held companies.

        Debt and marketable equity securities are generally considered available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity. The realized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are included in other income and expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method.

        HP monitors its investment portfolio for impairment on a periodic basis. When the carrying value of an investment in debt securities exceeds its fair value and the decline in value is determined to be an other-than-temporary decline, and when HP does not intend to sell the debt securities and it is not more likely than not that HP will be required to sell the debt securities prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, HP records an impairment charge to Interest and other, net in the amount of the credit loss and the balance, if any, to other comprehensive income (loss). HP carries equity investments in privately-held companies at cost or at fair value when HP recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment charge.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

        Financial instruments that potentially subject HP to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable from trade customers and from contract manufacturers, financing receivables and derivatives.

        HP maintains cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, derivatives and certain other financial instruments with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located in many different geographical regions, and HP's policy is designed to limit exposure with any one institution. As part of its cash and risk management processes, HP performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions. HP has not sustained material credit losses from instruments held at financial institutions. HP utilizes forward contracts and other derivative contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. Such contracts involve the risk of non-performance by the counterparty, which could result in a material loss.

        HP sells a significant portion of its products through third-party distributors and resellers and, as a result, maintains individually significant receivable balances with these parties. If the financial condition or operations of all of these distributors' and resellers' aggregated accounts deteriorate substantially, HP's operating results could be adversely affected. The ten largest distributor and reseller receivable balances, which were concentrated primarily in North America and Europe, collectively represented approximately 18% of gross accounts receivable at both October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of accounts receivable. Credit risk with respect to other accounts receivable and financing receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising HP's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographical regions. HP performs ongoing credit evaluations of the financial condition of its third-party distributors, resellers and other customers and requires collateral, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, in certain circumstances. The past due or delinquency status of a receivable is based on the contractual payment terms of the receivable.

Other Concentration

        HP obtains a significant number of components from single source suppliers due to technology, availability, price, quality or other considerations. The loss of a single source supplier, the deterioration of its relationship with a single source supplier, or any unilateral modification to the contractual terms under which HP is supplied components by a single source supplier could adversely affect HP's revenue and gross margins.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        HP establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts for trade and financing receivables. HP maintains bad debt reserves based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, trends in overall weighted-average risk rating of the total portfolio, macroeconomic conditions, significant one-time events, historical experience and the use of third-party credit risk models that generate quantitative measures of default probabilities based on market factors and the financial condition of customers. HP records a specific reserve for individual accounts when HP becomes aware of specific customer circumstances, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer's operating results or financial position. If there are additional changes in the circumstances related to the specific customer, HP would further adjust estimates of the recoverability of receivables.

        See Note 11 for a full description of the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses.

Inventory

        HP values inventory at the lower of cost or market, with cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired balances.

Property, Plant and Equipment

        HP states property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. HP capitalizes additions and improvements and expenses maintenance and repairs as incurred. Depreciation is computed using straight-line or accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are five to 40 years for buildings and improvements and three to 15 years for machinery and equipment. HP depreciates leasehold improvements over the life of the lease or the asset, whichever is shorter. HP depreciates equipment held for lease over the initial term of the lease to the equipment's estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives of assets used solely to support a customer services contract generally do not exceed the term of the customer contract.

        HP capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software, principally related to software coding, designing system interfaces and installation and testing of the software. HP amortizes capitalized internal use software costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software, generally from three to five years.

Software Development Costs

        Costs incurred to acquire or develop software for resale are capitalized subsequent to the software product establishing technological feasibility, if significant. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the greater of the straight-line amortization method or the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product. The estimated useful lives for capitalized software for resale are generally three years or less. Software development costs incurred subsequent to a product establishing technological feasibility are usually not significant. In those instances, such costs are expensed as incurred.

Business Combinations

        HP includes the results of operations of the businesses that it has acquired in HP's consolidated results as of the respective dates of acquisition. Due to new accounting standards effective in fiscal 2010, HP allocates the fair value of the purchase consideration of its acquisitions to the tangible assets, liabilities and intangible assets acquired, including in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired companies and HP and the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies as an amortizable intangible asset. IPR&D is initially capitalized at fair value as an intangible asset with an indefinite life and assessed for impairment thereafter. When the IPR&D project is complete, it is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and is amortized over its estimated useful life. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, HP records a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to HP's Consolidated Statement of Earnings in the period it is abandoned. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. Prior to fiscal 2010, IPR&D was expensed as of the acquisition date, direct transaction costs were included as part of the fair value of purchase consideration, and restructuring costs were included as a part of the assumed obligation in deriving the fair value of purchase consideration allocation.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

        Goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually. HP reviews goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually at the beginning of its fourth fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For goodwill, HP performs a two-step impairment test. In the first step, HP compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. In general, HP's reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 19. However, for the webOS business within the Corporate Investments segment, the reporting unit is one step below the reporting segment level. HP determines the fair values of its reporting units based on a weighting of income and market approaches. Under the income approach, HP calculates the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, HP estimates the fair value based on market multiples of revenue or earnings for comparable companies. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then HP must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, HP records an impairment loss equal to the difference.

        HP estimates the fair value of indefinite-lived purchased intangible assets using an income approach. HP recognizes an impairment loss when the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived purchased intangible assets is less than the carrying value.

        HP amortizes purchased intangible assets with finite lives using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from one to ten years.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

        HP evaluates property, plant and equipment and purchased intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. HP assesses the recoverability of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow and recognizes an impairment loss when the estimated undiscounted future cash flow expected to result from the use of the asset plus the net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When HP identifies an impairment, HP reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        HP measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Financial instruments are primarily comprised of time deposits, money market funds, commercial paper, corporate and other debt securities, equity securities and other investments in common stock and common stock equivalents and derivatives. See Note 9 for a further discussion on fair value of financial instruments.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        HP uses derivative financial instruments, primarily forwards, swaps, and options, to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. HP also may use other derivative instruments not designated as hedges, such as forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. HP does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. See Note 10 for a full description of HP's derivative financial instrument activities and related accounting policies.

Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans

        HP has various defined benefit, other contributory and noncontributory retirement and post-retirement plans. HP generally amortizes unrecognized actuarial gains and losses on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated service life of participants. The measurement date for all HP plans is October 31. See Note 16 for a full description of these plans and the accounting and funding policies.

Loss Contingency

        HP is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. HP records a loss provision when it believes it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. See Note 18 for a full description of HP's loss contingencies and related accounting policies.

Transfers and Servicing Trade Receivables Policy

HP has revolving trade receivables-based facilities permitting it to sell certain trade receivables to third parties. In accordance with the accounting requirements under the Accounting Standards Codification relating to "Transfers and Servicing," trade receivables are derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheet when sold to third parties. The recourse obligation is measured using market data from similar transactions and reported as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Restructuring Policy

HP records restructuring charges associated with management-approved restructuring plans to either reorganize one or more of HP's business segments, or to remove duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with one or more business acquisitions. Restructuring charges can include severance costs to eliminate a specified number of employee positions, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities and consolidate operations, and contract cancellation cost. Restructuring charges are recorded based upon planned employee termination dates and site closure and consolidation plans. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent upon the type of restructuring charge and can extend over a multi-year period. HP records the short-term portion of the restructuring liability in Accrued restructuring and the long-term portion in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value Policy

HP determines fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

        Valuation techniques used by HP are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable or market inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect HP's assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available. Observable inputs are the preferred basis of valuation. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

        Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets.

        Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

        Level 3—Prices or valuations that require management inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

        The following section describes the valuation methodologies HP uses to measure its financial assets and liabilities at fair value.

        Cash Equivalents and Investments: HP holds time deposits, money market funds, commercial paper, other debt securities primarily consisting of corporate and foreign government notes and bonds, and common stock and equivalents. Where applicable, HP uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine fair value. If quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available to determine fair value, HP uses quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. If quoted prices for identical or similar assets are not available, HP uses internally developed valuation models, whose inputs include bid prices, and third-party valuations utilizing underlying assets assumptions.

        Derivative Instruments: As discussed in Note 10, HP mainly holds non-speculative forwards, swaps and options to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. When active market quotes are not available, HP uses industry standard valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies. In certain cases, market-based observable inputs are not available and, in those cases, HP uses management judgment to develop assumptions which are used to determine fair value.

Derivative Financial Instruments Policy

HP is a global company that is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of its business. As part of its risk management strategy, HP uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, option contracts, interest rate swaps, and total return swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency, interest rate and, to a lesser extent, equity exposures. HP's objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets and liabilities. HP does not have any leveraged derivatives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes. HP designates its derivatives as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation ("net investment hedges"). Additionally, for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, HP categorizes those economic hedges as other derivatives. HP recognizes all derivatives, on a gross basis, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and reports them in Other current assets, Long-term financing receivables and other assets, Other accrued liabilities, or Other liabilities. HP classifies cash flows from the derivative programs as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

        As a result of the use of derivative instruments, HP is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, HP has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and HP maintains dollar risk limits that correspond to each institution's credit rating and other factors. HP's established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on principal transactions and short-term cash include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties. Master agreements with counterparties include master netting arrangements as further mitigation of credit exposure to counterparties. These arrangements permit HP to net amounts due from HP to a counterparty with amounts due to HP from the same counterparty.

        To further mitigate credit exposure to counterparties, HP may enter into collateral security arrangements with its counterparties. These arrangements require HP to post collateral or to hold collateral from counterparties when the derivative fair values exceed contractually established thresholds which are generally based on the credit ratings of HP and its counterparties. Such funds are generally transferred within two business days. As of October 31, 2011, HP had posted $96 million associated with the counterparties under these collateralized arrangements. Collateral amounts as of October 31, 2010 were not material.

• Fair Value Hedges

        HP enters into fair value hedges to reduce the exposure of its debt portfolio to interest rate risk. HP issues long-term debt in U.S. dollars based on market conditions at the time of financing. HP uses interest rate swaps to mitigate the market risk exposures in connection with the debt to achieve primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR-based floating interest expense. The swap transactions generally involve principal and interest obligations for U.S. dollar-denominated amounts. Alternatively, HP may choose not to swap fixed for floating interest payments or may terminate a previously executed swap if it believes a larger proportion of fixed-rate debt would be beneficial. When investing in fixed-rate instruments, HP may enter into interest rate swaps that convert the fixed interest returns into variable interest returns and would classify these swaps as fair value hedges. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, HP recognizes the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the current period.

• Cash Flow Hedges

        HP uses a combination of forward contracts and options designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in its forecasted net revenue and, to a lesser extent, cost of sales, operating expense, and intercompany lease loan denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. HP's foreign currency cash flow hedges mature generally within twelve months. However, certain leasing revenue-related forward contracts and intercompany lease loan forward contracts extend for the duration of the lease term, which can be up to five years. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, HP initially records the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity and subsequently reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. HP reports the effective portion of cash flow hedges in the same financial statement line item as the changes in value of the hedged item. During fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, HP did not discontinue any cash flow hedge for which it was probable that a forecasted transaction would not occur.

• Net Investment Hedges

        HP uses forward contracts designated as net investment hedges to hedge net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency. These derivative instruments are designated as net investment hedges and, as such, HP records the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument together with changes in the hedged items in cumulative translation adjustment as a separate component of stockholders' equity.

• Other Derivatives

        Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forward contracts HP uses to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. HP also uses total return swaps and, to a lesser extent, interest rate swaps, based on the equity and fixed income indices, to hedge its executive deferred compensation plan liability. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, HP recognizes changes in the fair values in earnings in the period of change. HP recognizes the gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts used to hedge balance sheet exposures in Interest and other, net in the same period as the remeasurement gain and loss of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. HP recognizes the gain or loss on the total return swaps and interest rate swaps in Interest and other, net in the same period as the gain or loss from the change in market value of the executive deferred compensation plan liability.

• Hedge Effectiveness

        For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges, HP measures effectiveness by offsetting the change in fair value of the hedged debt with the change in fair value of the derivative. For foreign currency options and forward contracts designated as cash flow or net investment hedges, HP measures effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the hedged item, both of which are based on forward rates. HP recognizes any ineffective portion of the hedge, as well as amounts not included in the assessment of effectiveness, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, the portion of hedging instruments' gain or loss excluded from the assessment of effectiveness was not material for fair value, cash flow or net investment hedges. Hedge ineffectiveness for fair value, cash flow and net investment hedges was not material in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Receivables Financing Allowance and Reserves Policy

The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is comprised of a general reserve, which is determined based on a percentage of the financing receivables balance, and a specific reserve, which is established for certain leases with identified exposures, such as customer default, bankruptcy or other events, that make it unlikely that HP will recover its investment in the lease. The general reserve percentages are maintained on a regional basis and are based on several factors, which include consideration of historical credit losses and portfolio delinquencies, trends in the overall weighted-average risk rating of the portfolio, and information derived from competitive benchmarking. Accounts are generally put on non-accrual status (cessation of interest accrual) when they reach 90 days past due. In certain circumstances, such as when the delinquency is deemed to be of an administrative nature, accounts may still accrue interest when they reach 90 days past due.

Fair Value Of Pension Plan Assets Policy

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used during the reporting period.

        Investments in securities are valued at the closing price reported on the stock exchange in which the individual securities are traded. For corporate, government and asset-backed debt securities, fair value is based upon observable inputs of comparable market transactions. For corporate and government debt securities traded on active exchanges, fair value is based upon observable quoted prices. Underlying assets for alternative investments such as limited partnerships, joint ventures and private equities are determined by the general partner or the general partner's designee on a quarter or periodic basis. Common collective trusts, interest in 103-12 entities and registered investment companies are valued at the net asset value established by the funds sponsor, based upon fair value of the assets underlying the funds. The valuation for some of these assets requires judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, and these assets are therefore classified as Level 3. Cash and cash equivalents includes money market accounts, which are valued based on the net asset value of the shares. Other assets were valued based upon the level of input (e.g., quoted prices, observable inputs (other than Level 1) or unobservable inputs that were significant to the fair value measurement of the assets).

Litigation and Contingencies Policy

HP is involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including those identified below, consisting of intellectual property, commercial, securities, employment, employee benefits and environmental matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. HP records a provision for a liability when management believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. HP believes it has adequate provisions for any such matters, and, as of October 31, 2011, it was not reasonably possible that an additional material loss had been incurred in an amount in excess of the amounts already recognized on HP's financial statements. HP reviews these provisions at least quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Based on its experience, HP believes that any damage amounts claimed in the specific matters discussed below are not a meaningful indicator of HP's potential liability. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. However, HP believes that it has valid defenses with respect to legal matters pending against it. Nevertheless, cash flows or results of operations could be materially affected in any particular period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these contingencies.

Segment Reporting Policy

HP derives the results of the business segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The accounting policies HP uses to derive business segment results are substantially the same as those the consolidated company uses. Management measures the performance of each business segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. Management uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the business segments. HP does not allocate to its business segments certain operating expenses, which it manages separately at the corporate level. These unallocated costs include primarily restructuring charges and any associated adjustments related to restructuring actions, amortization of purchased intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and purchased intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense related to HP-granted employee stock options, PRUs, restricted stock awards and the employee stock purchase plan, certain acquisition-related charges and charges for purchased IPR&D, as well as certain corporate governance costs.