Segment Information (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Segment Information

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, 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 in-process research and development, as well as certain corporate governance costs.