10-K 1 hpe-10312016x10k.htm 10-K Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 
 
x
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016
Or
¨
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to   
Commission file number 001-37483
 
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
47-3298624
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer
identification no.)
 
 
 
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California
 
94304
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (650) 857-1501
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨ 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨ 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates was $28,699,276,157 based on the last sale price of common stock on April 30, 2016.
The number of shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2016 was 1,664,817,197 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
 
10-K PART
Portions of the Registrant's proxy statement related to its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after Registrant's fiscal year end of October 31, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
 
III



Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2016
Table of Contents
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including "”Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Hewlett Packard Enterprise") may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, effective tax rates, net earnings, net earnings per share, cash flows, benefit plan funding, deferred tax assets, share repurchases, currency exchange rates or other financial items; any projections of the amount, timing or impact of cost savings or restructuring charges; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including the completed separation transaction and the previously announced divestiture transactions, the future performance of the company following such divestitures, as well as the execution of restructuring plans and any resulting cost savings, revenue or profitability improvements; any statements concerning the expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products or services; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and the impact of those trends and events on Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its financial performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the need to address the many challenges facing Hewlett Packard Enterprise's businesses; the competitive pressures faced by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's businesses; risks associated with executing Hewlett Packard Enterprise's strategy; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the need to manage third-party suppliers and the distribution of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's products and the delivery of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's services effectively; the protection of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties and intellectual property shared with its former Parent; risks associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise's international operations; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners; the hiring and retention of key employees; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the results of the divestiture transactions and the execution, timing and results of any restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost (including any possible disruption of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's business) and the anticipated benefits of the divestiture transactions and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described herein, including but not limited to the items discussed in "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of this report and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hewlett Packard Enterprise assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

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PART I
ITEM 1. Business
We are an industry leading technology company that enables customers to go further, faster. With the industry's most comprehensive portfolio, spanning the cloud to the data center to workplace applications, our technology and services help customers around the world make information technology ("IT") more efficient, more productive and more secure. Our legacy dates back to a partnership founded in 1939 by William R. Hewlett and David Packard, and we strive every day to uphold and enhance that legacy through our dedication to providing innovative technological solutions to our customers.
On November 1, 2015, HP Inc. ("former Parent" or "HPI"), formerly known as Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP Co."), spun-off Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company ("we", "us", "our", "Hewlett Packard Enterprise", "HPE", or "the Company"), pursuant to a separation agreement (the "Separation and Distribution Agreement") (collectively, the "Separation"). To effect the spin-off, HP Inc. distributed all of the shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock owned by HP Inc. to its shareholders on November 1, 2015. Holders of HP Inc. common stock received one share of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock for every share of HP Inc. stock held as of the record date. As a result of the spin-off, we now operate as an independent, publicly traded company.
On May 24, 2016, we announced plans for a tax-free spin-off and merger of our Enterprise Services business ("Everett") with Computer Sciences Corporation ("CSC") (collectively, the "Everett Transaction"). Immediately following the Everett Transaction, which is currently targeted to be completed on or around April 1, 2017, shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will own shares of both Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and approximately 50.1% of the new combined company. Mr. J. Michael Lawrie, the current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of CSC, will become chairman, president and CEO of the new combined company and Ms. Margaret C. Whitman, President and CEO of HPE, will join the Board of Directors. Other executives and directors will be announced at a later date. As of the announcement date, the Everett Transaction is expected to deliver approximately $8.5 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This includes an equity stake for HPE shareholders in the new combined company valued at approximately $4.5 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership, a cash dividend of $1.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and the assumption of $2.5 billion of Hewlett Packard Enterprise net debt and other liabilities. The Everett Transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions including approval by CSC shareholders, the effective filing of related registration statements, completion of a tax-free spin-off, Everett debt exchange, the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the receipt of certain required foreign anti-trust approvals.
On September 7, 2016, we announced plans for a spin-off and merger of our Software segment ("Seattle") with Micro Focus International plc (“Micro Focus”) (collectively, the “Seattle Transaction”), which will create a pure-play enterprise software company. Upon the completion of the Seattle Transaction, which is currently targeted to be completed by approximately August 31, 2017, shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will own shares of both Hewlett Packard Enterprise and approximately 50.1% of the new combined company. As of the announcement date, the transaction is expected to deliver approximately $8.8 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This includes an equity stake for HPE shareholders in the new combined company valued at approximately $6.3 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership, and a cash dividend of $2.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The Seattle Transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approval by Micro Focus shareholders, the effective filing of related registration statements, regulatory approvals, the receipt of certain tax opinions, the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the receipt of certain required foreign anti-trust approvals.
Our Business Segments, Products and Services
We organize our business into the following five segments:
•
Enterprise Group.  Our Enterprise Group ("EG") provides our customers with the cutting-edge technology infrastructure they need to optimize traditional IT while building a secure, cloud-enabled and mobile-ready future.
•
Software.  Our Software allows our customers to automate IT operations to simplify, accelerate and secure business processes and drives the analytics that turn raw data into actionable knowledge.
•
Enterprise Services.  Our Enterprise Services ("ES") brings all of our solutions together through our consulting and support professionals to deliver superior, comprehensive results for our customers.
•
Financial Services.  Financial Services ("FS") enables flexible IT consumption models, financial architectures and customized investment solutions for our customers.

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•
Corporate Investments.  Corporate Investments includes Hewlett Packard Labs and certain cloud-related business incubation projects, among others.
A summary of our net revenue, earnings from operations and assets for our segments can be found in Note 2, "Segment Information", to our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. A discussion of certain factors potentially affecting our operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
Enterprise Group
EG provides a broad portfolio of enterprise technology solutions to address customer needs in building the foundation for the next generation of applications, web services and user experiences—which are only as rich, impactful and world-changing as the infrastructure platforms that they sit on. EG technology addresses a wide range of customer challenges, including supporting new types of applications, new approaches to IT operations, and new demands and uses for insight, and managing new threats and risks. EG technology also allows customers to capitalize on a wide range of trends and opportunities, from servicing new segments and buying behaviors to inventing new consumption models and creating new revenue streams. EG technology delivers customer outcomes through its innovative, industry leading portfolio across servers, storage, networking, management software, converged infrastructure solutions, and technology services. In today's rapidly changing technology landscape, customers face twin challenges when it comes to their infrastructure foundation: they must optimize their "traditional IT" to support existing applications, and they must simultaneously invest in "cloud-first, mobile-first" infrastructure that will support the next generation of applications, web services and user experiences. The EG portfolio delivers products and services across servers, storage and networking to reduce cost and continue high performance operations for traditional IT loads. For tomorrow's cloud-first, mobile-first workloads, the EG portfolio provides products and services across converged solutions engineered for the world's most important workloads in cloud, mobility, Infrastructure-as-a-Service, and big data; HPE OneView as the industry's only unified display software-defined infrastructure management solution; HPE Helion cloud portfolio delivering a broad offering of hybrid cloud solutions, cloud services and cloud software; and technology services to advise customers on the right path to transforming their enterprises for tomorrow's digital era.
        Servers. Servers offers both Industry Standard Servers ("ISS") as well as Mission-Critical Servers ("MCS") to address the full array of our customers' compute needs. ISS provides a range of products from entry level servers, premium HPE ProLiant servers, and workload-specific servers for High Performance Computing, Big Data, and Hyperscale workloads. These servers typically run Windows, Linux and virtualization platforms from software providers including Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft") and VMware, Inc. ("VMware") and open sourced software from other major vendors while leveraging x86 processors from Intel Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices. For the most Mission-critical workloads, HPE delivers Integrity servers based on the Intel® Itanium® processor, HPE Integrity NonStop solutions and mission critical x86 HPE ProLiant servers.
Storage. Our storage offerings include platforms for enterprise and small- and medium-size business ("SMB") environments. Our flagship product is the 3PAR StoreServ Storage Platform, which is designed for virtualization, cloud and IT-as-a-service. Traditional Storage solutions include tape, storage networking and legacy external disk products such as EVA and XP. Converged Storage solutions include 3PAR StoreServ, StoreOnce and StoreVirtual products. These offerings enable our customers to optimize their existing storage systems, build new virtualization solutions and facilitate their transition to cloud computing.
Networking.    Our networking offerings include switches, routers, wireless local area network ("WLAN") and network management products that deliver open, scalable, secure, agile, and consistent solutions that span the data center, campus and branch environments and deliver software-defined networking and unified communications capabilities. Our unified wired and wireless networking offerings include WLAN access points, controllers and switches. Our networking solutions are based on our FlexNetwork architecture, which is designed to enable simplified server virtualization, unified communications and business application delivery for the enterprise. Software-defined networking provides an end-to-end solution to automate the network from data center to campus and branch.
Technology Services.    Technology Services provides Support and Consulting services. Support services offerings span various levels of customer support needs and include: HPE Foundation Care, our portfolio of reactive hardware and software support services; HPE Proactive Care which combines remote support technology for real-time monitoring with rapid access to our technical experts; HPE Data Center Care, comprehensive, flexible end-to-end support that enables customers to build, operate or consume IT in private or hybrid cloud environments; and Lifecycle Event services, which are event based services, offering our technology expertise and advice for each phase of the technology life cycle. These services are available in the form of service contracts, pre-packaged offerings (HPE Care Pack services) or on a customized basis. Consulting services are focused on cloud mobility and big data and provide IT organizations with advice, design, implementation, migration and optimization of EG's platforms: servers, storage, networking and converged infrastructure.

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Software
Our Software portfolio provides big data analytics and applications, application testing and delivery management, security and information governance, and IT operations management solutions for businesses and other enterprises of all sizes. Our Software offerings include licenses, support, professional services and software-as-a-service ("SaaS"). Our global business capabilities within Software are described below.
Big Data Analytics and Applications.    Our big data product group provides a full suite of software designed to help organizations capture, store, explore, analyze, protect and share information and insights within and outside their organizations to improve business outcomes. The suite includes HPE Vertica, the leading analytics database technology for machine, structured and semi-structured data; and HPE IDOL, a unique analytics tool for human information. Our big data platform, HPE Haven OnDemand, brings these unique assets together for processing and understanding machine and sensor data, business data and unstructured human information. A growing ecosystem of customers, partners and developers use this platform to build big-data driven analytic applications. They are augmented by our support and professional services offerings in order to provide an end-to-end solution to customers which is available via on-premise, as well as via SaaS and hybrid delivery models.
Application Testing and Delivery Management.    Our Application Delivery Management product group provides software that enables organizations to deliver high-performance applications, accelerating the application delivery life cycle and automating the testing processes to ensure the quality and scalability of desktop, web, mobile and cloud-based applications.
Security and Information Governance.    Our Security and Information Governance product group provides comprehensive solutions that span security and risk management, with a focus on protecting what matters most - users, applications and data, while also enabling customers to manage risks and meet legal obligations. Our enterprise security software is designed to disrupt fraud, hackers and cyber criminals by testing and scanning software and websites for security vulnerabilities, improving network defenses and security, implementing security controls, safeguarding data at rest, in motion and in use (regardless of where software and data reside), and providing security intelligent, analytics, and information management to identify threats and manage risk. Our information governance software provides solutions for archiving, data protection, eDiscovery, and enterprise content management. The combination of our security and information governance offerings allow us to deliver unique offerings that address our customers' evolving data needs.
IT Operations Management.    Our IT Operations Management product group provides the software required to automate routine IT tasks and to pinpoint IT problems as they occur, helping enterprises to reduce operational costs and improve the reliability of applications running in a traditional, cloud or hybrid environment.
Enterprise Services
ES provides technology consulting, outsourcing and support services across infrastructure, applications and business process domains in traditional and Strategic Enterprise Service ("SES") offerings, which includes analytics and data management, security and cloud services. ES leverages our investments in our consulting and support professionals, infrastructure technology, applications, standardized methodologies, and global supply and delivery capabilities. ES also creates opportunities for us to market additional hardware and software by offering solutions that leverage our other products and services in order to meet our clients' needs.
Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing.    Our Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing group delivers comprehensive services that streamline and help optimize our clients' technology infrastructure to efficiently enhance performance, reduce costs, mitigate risk, and enable business optimization. These services encompass the management of data centers, IT security, cloud computing, workplace technology, networks, unified communications, and enterprise service management. We also offer a set of managed services that provide a cross-section of our broader infrastructure services for smaller, discrete engagements.
Application and Business Services.    Our Application and Business Services portfolio helps our clients develop, revitalize and manage their applications and information assets. Our complete application life cycle approach encompasses application development, testing, modernization, system integration, maintenance, and management for both packaged and custom-built applications and cloud offerings. Our Application and Business Services portfolio also includes intellectual property-based industry solutions, along with technologies and related services, all of which help our clients better manage their critical industry processes for customer relationship management, finance and administration, human resources, payroll, and document processing.

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Financial Services
FS provides flexible investment solutions for our customers—such as leasing, financing, IT consumption and utility programs—and asset management services that facilitate unique technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software and services from us and others. In order to provide flexible services and capabilities that support the entire IT life cycle, FS partners with our customers globally to help build investment strategies that enhance their business agility and support their business transformation. FS offers a wide selection of investment solution capabilities for large enterprise customers and channel partners, along with an array of financial options to SMBs and educational and governmental entities.
Corporate Investments
Corporate Investments includes Hewlett Packard Labs and certain cloud-related business incubation projects among others.
Our Strengths
We believe that we possess a number of competitive advantages that distinguish us from our competitors, including:
Broad and deep end-to-end solutions portfolio.    We combine our technology infrastructure, software and services capabilities to provide what we believe is the broadest and deepest portfolio of end-to-end enterprise solutions in the IT industry. Our ability to deliver a wide range of high-quality products and high-value consulting and support services in a single package is one of our principal differentiators.
Multiyear innovation roadmap.    We have been in the technology and innovation business for over 75 years. Our vast intellectual property portfolio and global research and development capabilities are part of a broader innovation roadmap designed to help organizations of all sizes journey from traditional technology platforms to the IT systems of the future—what we call the new style of IT—which we believe will be characterized by the increasing and interrelated prominence of cloud computing, big data, enterprise security, applications, and mobility.
Global distribution and partner ecosystem.    We are experts in delivering innovative technological solutions to our customers in complex multi-country, multi-vendor and/or multi-language environments. We have one of the largest go-to-market capabilities in our industry, including a large ecosystem of channel partners, which enables us to market and deliver our product offerings to customers located virtually anywhere in the world.
Custom financial solutions.    We have developed innovative financing solutions to facilitate the delivery of our products and services to our customers. We deliver flexible investment solutions and expertise that help customers and other partners create unique technology deployments based on specific business needs.
Experienced leadership team with track record of successful performance.    Our management team has an extensive track record of performance and execution. We are led by our Chief Executive Officer, Margaret C. Whitman, who has proven experience in developing transformative business models, building global brands and driving sustained growth and expansion in the technology industry, including from her leadership of HP Co. for four years prior to the Separation and her previous ten years as Chief Executive Officer of eBay Inc. Our senior management team has over 100 collective years of experience in our industry and possesses extensive knowledge of and experience in the enterprise IT business and the markets in which we compete. Moreover, we have a deep bench of management and technology talent that we believe provides us with an unparalleled pipeline of future leaders and innovators.
Our Strategies
Disruptive change is all around us, and we are living in an idea economy where the ability to turn an idea into a new product or a new industry is more accessible than ever. This environment requires a new style of business, underpinned by a new style of IT. Cloud, mobile, big data, and analytics provide the tools enterprises need to significantly reduce the time to market for any good idea. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's strategy is to enable customers to win in the idea economy by slashing the time it takes to turn an idea into value.
We make IT environments more efficient, more productive and more secure, enabling fast, flexible responses to a rapidly changing competitive landscape. We enable organizations to act quickly on ideas by creating, consuming and reconfiguring new solutions, experiences and business models, and deliver infrastructure that is built from components that can be composed and recomposed easily and quickly to meet the shifting demands of business applications.
Every IT journey is unique, but every customer is looking to minimize the time between initial idea and realized value. While some customers are looking for solutions that let them take the next step on this journey, the majority of customers are at

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the beginning of this journey and are looking for solutions that can help them take their first steps. Hewlett Packard Enterprise will leverage our leadership position in our traditional markets to lead the transition to this new style of business.
Specifically, we are focused on delivering solutions to help customers transform four critical areas that matter most to their business.
Transform to a hybrid infrastructure.    Infrastructure matters more than ever today, but customers need a new kind of infrastructure. We help customers build an on-demand infrastructure and operational foundation for all of the applications that power the enterprise. With our cloud expertise, combined with our portfolio of traditional IT infrastructure and services, we are able to provide customized and seamless IT solutions for customers of all sizes and at all levels of technological sophistication. We are able to optimize our customers' applications regardless of form—traditional, mobile, in the cloud, or in the data center.
Protect the digital enterprise.    The threat landscape is wider and more diverse today than ever before. We offer complete risk management solutions, ranging from protection against security threats to data back-up and recovery, that help our customers protect themselves and their data in an increasingly volatile cybersecurity landscape. Our products and services are informed by our decades of IT security experience and enable customers to predict and disrupt threats, manage risk and compliance, and extend their internal security team.
Empower the data-driven organization.    We provide open-source solutions that allow customers to use 100% of their data, including business data, human data and machine data, to generate real-time, actionable insights. The result is better and faster decision making.
Enable workplace productivity.    We help customers deliver rich digital and mobile experiences to their customers, employees and partners. We offer an end-to-end mobility portfolio, from cloud infrastructure to customer-facing applications. Our infrastructure offerings leverage our cloud and security expertise to provide the backbone for secure mobile networks. Our integrated software offerings leverage our application expertise to provide intuitive interfaces for end-users. We also leverage our big data expertise to enable our customers to gain insight into the mobile user experience by monitoring and analyzing customer experience analytics.
Sales, Marketing and Distribution
We manage our business and report our financial results based on the segments described above. Our customers are organized by commercial and large enterprise groups, including business and public sector enterprises, and purchases of our products, solutions and services may be fulfilled directly by us or indirectly through a variety of partners, including:
•
resellers that sell our products and services, frequently with their own value-added products or services, to targeted customer groups;
•
distribution partners that supply our solutions to resellers;
•
original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") that integrate our products and services with their own products and services, and sell the integrated solution;
•
independent software vendors that provide their clients with specialized software products and often assist us in selling our products and services to clients purchasing their products;
•
systems integrators that provide expertise in designing and implementing custom IT solutions and often partner with us to extend their expertise or influence the sale of our products and services; and
•
advisory firms that provide various levels of management and IT consulting, including some systems integration work, and typically partner with us on client solutions that require our unique products and services.
The mix of our business conducted by direct sales or channel differs substantially by business and region. We believe that customer buying patterns and different regional market conditions require us to tailor our sales, marketing and distribution efforts accordingly. We are focused on driving the depth and breadth of our coverage, in addition to identifying efficiencies and productivity gains, in both our direct and indirect businesses. While each of our business segments manages the execution of its own go-to-market and distribution strategy, our business segments also collaborate to ensure strategic and process alignment where appropriate. For example, we typically assign an account manager, generally from EG or ES, to manage relationships across our business with large enterprise customers. The account manager is supported by a team of specialists with product and services expertise. For other customers and for consumers, our business segments collaborate to manage relationships with commercial resellers targeting SMBs where appropriate.

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Manufacturing and Materials
We utilize a significant number of outsourced manufacturers around the world to manufacture products that we design. The use of outsourced manufacturers is intended to generate cost efficiencies and reduce time to market for our products as well as maintain flexibility in our supply chain and manufacturing processes. In some circumstances, third-party OEMs produce products that we purchase and resell under our brand. In addition to our use of outsourced manufacturers, we currently manufacture a limited number of finished products from components and subassemblies that we acquire from a wide range of vendors.
We utilize two primary methods of fulfilling demand for products: building products to order and configuring products to order. We build products to order to maximize manufacturing and logistics efficiencies by producing high volumes of basic product configurations. Alternatively, configuring products to order enables units to match a customer's particular hardware and software customization requirements. Our inventory management and distribution practices in both building products to order and configuring products to order seek to minimize inventory holding periods by taking delivery of the inventory and manufacturing shortly before the sale or distribution of products to our customers.
We purchase materials, supplies and product subassemblies from a substantial number of vendors. For most of our products, we have existing alternate sources of supply or such alternate sources of supply are readily available. However, we do rely on sole sources for certain customized parts (although some of these sources have operations in multiple locations in the event of a disruption). We are dependent upon Intel and AMD as suppliers of x86 processors; however, we believe that disruptions with these suppliers would result in industry-wide dislocations and therefore would not disproportionately disadvantage us relative to our competitors.
Like other participants in the IT industry, we ordinarily acquire materials and components through a combination of blanket and scheduled purchase orders to support our demand requirements for periods averaging 90 to 120 days. From time to time, we may experience significant price volatility or supply constraints for certain components that are not available from multiple sources or where our suppliers are geographically concentrated. When necessary, we are often able to obtain scarce components for somewhat higher prices on the open market, which may have an impact on our gross margin but does not generally disrupt production. We also may acquire component inventory in anticipation of supply constraints or enter into longer-term pricing commitments with vendors to improve the priority, price and availability of supply. See "Risk Factors—We depend on third-party suppliers, and our financial results could suffer if we fail to manage our suppliers properly."
International
Our products and services are available worldwide. We believe this geographic diversity allows us to meet demand on a worldwide basis for our customers, draws on business and technical expertise from a worldwide workforce, provides stability to our operations, provides revenue streams that may offset geographic economic trends, and offers us an opportunity to access new markets for maturing products. In addition, we believe that our future growth is dependent in part on our ability to develop products and sales models that target developing countries. In this regard, we believe that our broad geographic presence gives us a solid base on which to build such future growth.
A summary of our domestic and international results is set forth in Note 2, "Segment Information", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. Approximately 61% of our overall net revenue in fiscal 2016 came from outside the United States.
For a discussion of certain risks attendant to our international operations, see "Risk Factors—Due to the international nature of our business, political or economic changes or other factors could harm our business and financial performance," "—Recent global, regional and local economic weakness and uncertainty could adversely affect our business and financial performance," and "—We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates" in Item 1A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in Item 7A and Note 12, "Financial Instruments", to our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Research and Development
Innovation is a key element of our culture and critical to our success. Our research and development efforts are focused on designing and developing products, services and solutions that anticipate customers' changing needs and desires and emerging technological trends. Our efforts also are focused on identifying the areas where we believe we can make a unique contribution and where partnering with other leading technology companies will leverage our cost structure and maximize our customers' experiences.
Hewlett Packard Labs, together with the various research and development groups within our business segments, is responsible for our research and development efforts. Hewlett Packard Labs is part of our Corporate Investments segment.

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Expenditures for research and development were $2.3 billion in fiscal 2016, $2.3 billion in fiscal 2015 and $2.2 billion in fiscal 2014. We anticipate that we will continue to have significant research and development expenditures in the future to support the design and development of innovative, high-quality products, services and solutions to maintain and enhance our competitive position. For a discussion of risks attendant to our research and development activities, see "Risk Factors—If we cannot successfully execute our go-to-market strategy and continue to develop, manufacture and market innovative products, services and solutions, our business and financial performance may suffer."
Patents
Our general policy is to seek patent protection for those inventions likely to be incorporated into our products and services or where obtaining such proprietary rights will improve our competitive position. At present, our worldwide patent portfolio includes approximately 12,000 patents.
Patents generally have a term of up to 20 years from the date they are filed. As our patent portfolio has been built over time, the remaining terms of the individual patents across our patent portfolio vary. We believe that our patents and patent applications are important for maintaining the competitive differentiation of our products and services, enhancing our freedom of action to sell our products and services in markets in which we choose to participate, and maximizing our return on research and development investments. No single patent is in itself essential to our company as a whole or to any of our business segments.
In addition to developing our patent portfolio, we license intellectual property from third parties as we deem appropriate. We have also granted and continue to grant to others licenses and other rights under our patents when we consider these arrangements to be in our interest. These license arrangements include a number of cross-licenses with third parties.
For a discussion of risks attendant to intellectual property rights, see "Risk Factors—Our financial performance may suffer if we cannot continue to develop, license or enforce the intellectual property rights on which our businesses depend" and "—Our products and services depend in part on intellectual property and technology licensed from third parties."
Backlog
We believe that our backlog is not a meaningful indicator of our future business prospects due to our diverse product and service portfolio, including the large volume of products delivered from finished goods or channel partner inventories and the shortening of product life cycles. Therefore, we believe that backlog information is not material to an understanding of our overall business.
Seasonality
General economic conditions have an impact on our business and financial results. From time to time, the markets in which we sell our products, services and solutions experience weak economic conditions that may negatively affect sales. We experience some seasonal trends in the sale of our products and services. For example, European sales are often weaker in the summer months. See Item 1A "Risk Factors—Our uneven sales cycle makes planning and inventory management difficult and future financial results less predictable."
Competition
We have a broad technology portfolio of enterprise IT infrastructure products and solutions, multi-vendor customer services and IT management software and solutions. We believe we are the leader or among the leaders in each of our business segments. Nevertheless, we encounter strong competition in all areas of our business. We compete primarily on the basis of technology, innovation, performance, price, quality, reliability, brand, reputation, distribution, range of products and services, ease of use of our products, account relationships, customer training, service and support, security, and the availability of our application software and IT infrastructure offerings.
The markets for each of our business segments are characterized by strong competition among major corporations with long-established positions and a large number of new and rapidly growing firms. Most product life cycles are relatively short, and to remain competitive we must develop new products and services, periodically enhance our existing products and services and compete effectively on the basis of the factors listed above, among others. In addition, we compete with many of our current and potential partners, including OEMs that design, manufacture and market their products under their own brand names. Our successful management of these competitive partner relationships is critical to our future success. Moreover, we anticipate that we will have to continue to adjust prices on many of our products and services to stay competitive.

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The competitive environments in which each segment operates are described below:
Enterprise Group.    EG operates in the highly competitive enterprise technology infrastructure market, which is characterized by rapid and ongoing technological innovation and price competition. Our primary competitors include technology vendors such as Dell Technologies Inc. ("Dell"), Cisco Systems, Inc. ("Cisco"), NetApp, Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM"), Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Amazon.com, Inc. ("Amazon"), Oracle Corporation ("Oracle"), Fujitsu Limited ("Fujitsu"), Juniper Networks, Inc., Inspur Co., Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Extreme Networks, Inc., Pure Storage, Inc., Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., VMware, Nutanix, Inc., Google Inc. and Rackspace Inc. In certain regions, we also experience competition from local companies and from generically branded or "white-box" manufacturers. Our strategy is to deliver superior products, high-value technology support services and differentiated integrated solutions that combine our infrastructure, software and services capabilities. Our competitive advantages include our broad end-to-end solutions portfolio, supported by our strong intellectual property portfolio and research and development capabilities, coupled with our global reach and partner ecosystem.
Enterprise Services.    ES competes in the IT services, consulting and integration, infrastructure technology outsourcing, business process outsourcing, and application services markets. Our primary competitors include IBM Global Services, Computer Sciences Corporation, systems integration firms such as Accenture plc, and offshore companies such as Fujitsu and India-based competitors Wipro Limited, Infosys Limited and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. We also compete with other traditional hardware providers which are increasingly offering services to support their products, new players in emerging areas like cloud such as Amazon, and smaller local players. Many of our competitors offer a wide range of global services, and some of our competitors enjoy significant brand recognition. ES teams with many companies to offer services, and those arrangements allow us to extend our reach and augment our capabilities. Our competitive advantages include our deep technology expertise, especially in complex multi-country, multi-vendor and/or multi-language environments, our differentiated intellectual property, our strong track record of collaboration with clients and partners, and the combination of our expertise in infrastructure management with skilled global resources on platforms from SAP AG ("SAP"), Oracle and Microsoft, among others.
Software.    The markets in which our Software segment operates are characterized by rapidly changing customer requirements and technologies. We design and develop enterprise IT management software in competition with IBM, CA Technologies, Inc., VMware, BMC Software, Inc., and others. Our applications testing and delivery management software competes with products from companies like IBM, Microsoft, CA Technologies, and Atlassian Corporation Plc. Our big data solutions compete with products from companies like Adobe Systems Inc., IBM, Dell, Open Text Corporation, Oracle, and Symantec Corporation. We also deliver enterprise security/risk intelligence solutions that compete with products from Dell, IBM, Cisco, and Splunk Inc. Our information governance offerings, incorporating both structured and unstructured data, compete with products from companies like Veritas Technologies and Dell. As customers are becoming increasingly comfortable with newer delivery mechanisms such as SaaS, we are facing competition from smaller, less traditional competitors, particularly for customers with smaller IT organizations. Our differentiation lies in the breadth and depth of our software and services portfolio, our collaboration with EG and ES to provide comprehensive IT solutions and the scope of our market coverage.
Financial Services.    In our financing business, our competitors are captive financing companies, mainly IBM Global Financing, as well as banks and other financial institutions. We believe our competitive advantage over banks and other financial institutions in our financing business is our ability to deliver flexible investment solutions and expertise that help customers and other partners create unique technology deployments based on specific business needs.
For a discussion of certain risks attendant to these competitive environments, see "Risk Factors—We operate in an intensely competitive industry and competitive pressures could harm our business and financial performance."
Environment
Our operations are subject to regulation under various federal, state, local, and foreign laws concerning the environment, including laws addressing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the clean-up of contaminated sites. We could incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions and third-party damage or personal injury claims, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws.
Many of our products are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws governing chemical substances in products and their safe use, including laws restricting the presence of certain substances in electronics products and in some cases, laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of chemical substances. Some of our products and services also are, or may in the future be, subject to requirements applicable to their energy consumption. In addition, we face increasing complexity in our product design and procurement operations as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the

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chemical and materials composition of our products, their safe use and their energy efficiency, including requirements relating to climate change. We are also subject to legislation in an increasing number of jurisdictions that makes producers of electrical goods, including servers and networking equipment, financially responsible for specified collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal of past and future covered products (sometimes referred to as "product take-back legislation"). In the event our products become non-compliant with these laws, our products could be restricted from entering certain jurisdictions and we could face other sanctions, including fines.
Our operations, services and ultimately our products are expected to become increasingly subject to federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations and international treaties relating to climate change. As these laws, regulations, treaties, and similar initiatives and programs are adopted and implemented throughout the world, we will be required to comply or potentially face market access limitations or other sanctions, including fines. However, we believe that technology will be fundamental to finding solutions to achieve compliance with and manage those requirements, and we are collaborating with industry, business groups and governments to find and promote ways that our technology can be used to address climate change and to facilitate compliance with related laws, regulations and treaties.
We are committed to maintaining compliance with all environmental laws applicable to our operations, products and services, and to reducing our environmental impact across all aspects of our business. We meet this commitment with a comprehensive environmental, health and safety policy, strict environmental management of our operations and worldwide environmental programs and services.
Environmental costs and accruals are presently not material to our operations, cash flows or financial position. Although there is no assurance that existing or future environmental laws applicable to our operations, services or products will not have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows or financial condition, we do not currently anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.
Employees
We had approximately 195,000 employees as of October 31, 2016.
Additional Information
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel®, Itanium®, Intel® Atom™, and Intel® Itanium® are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. UNIX® is a registered trademark of The Open Group.
Executive Officers
The following are our current executive officers:
Margaret C. Whitman; age 60; President and Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Whitman has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Whitman served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of HP Co. from July 2014 to November 2015 and President and Chief Executive Officer of HP Co. from September 2011 to November 2015. From March 2011 to September 2011, Ms. Whitman served as a part-time strategic advisor to Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a private equity firm. Previously, Ms. Whitman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of eBay Inc., an online marketplace, from 1998 to 2008. Ms. Whitman also serves as a director of The Procter & Gamble Company, a consumer goods company, and of HP Inc. and is a former director of Zipcar, Inc., a car sharing service.
Henry Gomez; age 53; Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Mr. Gomez has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Gomez performed a similar role at HP Co. from August 2013 to November 2015. Previously, he served as Chief Communications Officer and Executive Vice President of HP Co. from January 2012 to July 2013. Prior to that, he ran HSG Communications, a consulting business that he founded in September 2008. He also served on the leadership team of Ms. Whitman's gubernatorial campaign from February 2009 to November 2010. From September 2011 to September 2013 he served as a director of BJ's Restaurants, Inc., a food service company.

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Christopher P. Hsu; age 46; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and General Manager, HPE Software
Mr. Hsu has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015 and General Manager, HPE Software since September 2016. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Organizational Performance and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Separation Leader at HP Co. from May 2014 to November 2015. Prior to joining HP Co., he served as Managing Director at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts ("KKR"), an investment firm, from December 2013 to May 2014 and as Director of KKR Capstone, a consulting firm, from November 2008 to December 2013.
Kirt P. Karros; age 47; Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
Mr. Karros has served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Karros performed a similar role at HP Co. as well as leading Investor Relations from May 2015 to October 2015. Previously, Mr. Karros served as a Principal and Managing Director of Research for Relational Investors LLC, an investment fund, from 2001 to May 2015. Mr. Karros served as a director of PMC-Sierra, a semiconductor company, from August 2013 to May 2015.
Alan May; age 58; Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Mr. May has served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since June 2015. Before joining Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Mr. May served as Vice President, Human Resources at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, a division of The Boeing Company, from April 2013 to June 2015. Previously, Mr. May served as Vice President of Human Resources for Boeing Defense, Space and Security at Boeing from April 2011 to June 2015 and as Vice President, of Compensation, Benefits and Strategy at Boeing from August 2007 to April 2011.
Michael G. Nefkens; age 47; Executive Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Services
Mr. Nefkens has served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Services at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Nefkens performed a similar role at HP Co. from December 2012 to November 2015, having been appointed to the role in an acting capacity in August 2012. Previously, Mr. Nefkens served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Services in the EMEA region at HP Co. from November 2009 to August 2012.
Antonio Neri; age 49; Executive Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Group
Mr. Neri has served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Group at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Neri served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Group at HP Co. from October 2014 to November 2015. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the HP Servers business from September 2013 to October 2014 and concurrently as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the HP Networking business unit from May 2014 to October 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Neri served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the HP Technology Services business unit from August 2011 to September 2013 and as Senior Vice President, Customer Services for the HP Personal Systems Group from 1995 until August 2011. From March 2012 to February 2013, Mr. Neri served as a director of MphasiS Limited, a technology company.
Jeff T. Ricci; age 55; Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
Mr. Ricci has served as Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Ricci performed a similar role at HP Co. from April 2014 to November 2015. Previously, Mr. Ricci served as Controller and Principal Accounting Officer at HP Co. on an interim basis from November 2013 to April 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Ricci served as Vice President of Finance for HP Co.'s Technology and Operations organization from May 2012 to November 2013. Mr. Ricci served as HP Co.'s Vice President of Finance for Global Accounts and HP Financial Services from March 2011 to May 2012 and Vice President of Finance for HP Software from March 2009 to March 2011.
John F. Schultz; age 52; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Mr. Schultz has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Schultz performed a similar role at HP Co. from April 2012 to November 2015. Previously, he served as Deputy General Counsel for Litigation, Investigations and Global Functions at HP Co. from September 2008 to April 2012. From March 2005 to September 2008, Mr. Schultz was a partner in the litigation practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, a law firm, where, among other clients, he supported HP Co. as external counsel on a variety of litigation and regulatory matters.

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Timothy C. Stonesifer; age 49; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Stonesifer has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise since November 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Stonesifer acted as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Enterprise Group at HP Co. from February 2014 to November 2015. Before joining HP Co., he served as Chief Financial Officer of General Motors International Operations, an automotive company, from May 2011 to January 2014. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Alegco Scotsman, a storage company, from June 2010 to May 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Stonesifer served as Chief Financial Officer of Sabic Innovative Plastics (formerly GE Plastics) from August 2007 to June 2010 after having served in various other positions at General Electric since joining the company in 1989.

Available Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available on our website at http://investors.hpe.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish those reports to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board of Directors' committee charters (including the charters of the Audit Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, HR and Compensation Committee, Technology Committee, and Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility Committee) and code of ethics entitled "Standards of Business Conduct" are also available at that same location on our website. Stockholders may request free copies of these documents from:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
Attention: Investor Relations
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
http://investors.hpe.com/financial/requested-printed-reports


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ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.
        You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Form 10-K in evaluating Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its common stock. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. The following risk factors should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" of this Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Our Business
If we are unsuccessful at addressing our business challenges, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected and our ability to invest in and grow our business could be limited.
We are in the process of addressing many challenges facing our business. One set of challenges relates to dynamic and accelerating market trends, such as the market shift to cloud-related IT infrastructure, software and services, and the growth in software-as-a-service ("SaaS") business models. Certain of our legacy hardware businesses face challenges as customers migrate to cloud-based offerings and reduce their purchases of hardware products. Additionally, our legacy software business derives a large portion of its revenues from upfront license sales, some of which over time can be expected to shift to SaaS. A second set of challenges relates to changes in the competitive landscape. Our major competitors are expanding their product and service offerings with integrated products and solutions; our business-specific competitors are exerting increased competitive pressure in targeted areas and are entering new markets; our emerging competitors are introducing new technologies and business models; and our alliance partners in some businesses are increasingly becoming our competitors in others. A third set of challenges relates to business model changes and our go-to-market execution. For example, we may fail to develop innovative products and services, maintain the manufacturing quality of our products, manage our distribution network or successfully market new products and services, any of which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
In addition, we are facing a series of significant macroeconomic challenges, including weakness across many geographic regions, particularly in the United States, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia, and certain countries in Asia. We may experience delays in the anticipated timing of activities related to our efforts to address these challenges and higher than expected or unanticipated execution costs. In addition, we are vulnerable to increased risks associated with our efforts to address these challenges given our large and diverse portfolio of businesses, the broad range of geographic regions in which we and our customers and partners operate, and the ongoing integration of acquired businesses. If we do not succeed in these efforts, or if these efforts are more costly or time-consuming than expected, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected, which could limit our ability to invest in and grow our business.
We operate in an intensely competitive industry and competitive pressures could harm our business and financial performance.
We encounter aggressive competition from numerous and varied competitors in all areas of our business, and our competitors have targeted and are expected to continue targeting our key market segments. We compete primarily on the basis of our technology, innovation, performance, price, quality, reliability, brand, reputation, distribution, range of products and services, ease of use of our products, account relationships, customer training, service and support, security, and the availability of our application software and IT infrastructure offerings. If our products, services, support and cost structure do not enable us to compete successfully based on any of those criteria, our results of operations and business prospects could be harmed.
We have a large portfolio of products and services and must allocate our financial, personnel and other resources across all of our products and services while competing with companies that have smaller portfolios or specialize in one or more of our product or service lines. As a result, we may invest less in certain areas of our business than our competitors do, and our competitors may have greater financial, technical and marketing resources available to them compared to the resources allocated to our products and services that compete against their products and services. Industry consolidation may also affect competition by creating larger, more homogeneous and potentially stronger competitors in the markets in which we operate. Additionally, our competitors may affect our business by entering into exclusive arrangements with our existing or potential customers or suppliers.
Companies with whom we have alliances in certain areas may be or become our competitors in other areas. In addition, companies with whom we have alliances also may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, which could reduce their business with us. If we are unable to effectively manage these complicated relationships with alliance partners, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We face aggressive price competition and may have to continue lowering the prices of many of our products and services to stay competitive, while simultaneously seeking to maintain or improve our revenue and gross margin. In addition, competitors who have a greater presence in some of the lower-cost markets in which we compete, or who can obtain better

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pricing, more favorable contractual terms and conditions or more favorable allocations of products and components during periods of limited supply may be able to offer lower prices than we are able to offer. Our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by these and other industry-wide pricing pressures.
Because our business model is based on providing innovative and high-quality products, we may spend a proportionately greater amount of our revenues on research and development than some of our competitors. If we cannot proportionately decrease our cost structure (apart from research and development expenses) on a timely basis in response to competitive price pressures, our gross margin and, therefore, our profitability could be adversely affected. In addition, if our pricing and other facets of our offerings are not sufficiently competitive, or if there is an adverse reaction to our product decisions, we may lose market share in certain areas, which could adversely affect our financial performance and business prospects.
Even if we are able to maintain or increase market share for a particular product, its financial performance could decline because the product is in a maturing industry or market segment or contains technology that is becoming obsolete. For example, our Storage business unit is experiencing the effects of a market transition towards converged products and solutions, which has led to a decline in demand for our traditional storage products. In addition, the performance of our Business Critical Systems business unit has been affected by the decline in demand for UNIX servers and concerns about the development of new versions of software to support our Itanium-based products. Financial performance could decline due to increased competition from other types of products. For example, the development of cloud-based solutions has reduced demand for some of our existing hardware products.
If we cannot successfully execute our go-to-market strategy and continue to develop, manufacture and market innovative products, services and solutions, our business and financial performance may suffer.
Our long-term strategy is focused on leveraging our existing portfolio of hardware, software and services as we adapt to a new hybrid model of IT delivery and consumption driven by the growing adoption of cloud computing and increased demand for integrated IT solutions. To successfully execute this strategy, we must continue to pivot toward the delivery of integrated IT solutions and continue to invest and expand in cloud computing, enterprise security, big data, applications and mobility. Any failure to successfully execute this strategy, including any failure to invest sufficiently in strategic growth areas, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The process of developing new high-technology products, software, services and solutions and enhancing existing hardware and software products, services and solutions is complex, costly and uncertain, and any failure by us to anticipate customers' changing needs and emerging technological trends accurately could significantly harm our market share, results of operations and financial condition. For example, as the transition to an environment characterized by cloud-based computing and software being delivered as a service progresses, we must continue to successfully develop and deploy cloud-based solutions for our customers. We must make long-term investments, develop or obtain and protect appropriate intellectual property, and commit significant research and development and other resources before knowing whether our predictions will accurately reflect customer demand for our products, services and solutions. Any failure to accurately predict technological and business trends, control research and development costs or execute our innovation strategy could harm our business and financial performance. Our research and development initiatives may not be successful in whole or in part, including research and development projects which we have prioritized with respect to funding and/or personnel.
After we develop a product, we must be able to manufacture appropriate volumes quickly while also managing costs and preserving margins. To accomplish this, we must accurately forecast volumes, mixes of products and configurations that meet customer requirements, and we may not succeed at doing so within a given product's life cycle or at all. Any delay in the development, production or marketing of a new product, service or solution could result in us not being among the first to market, which could further harm our competitive position.
For example, our success in our Software segment is dependent on our ability to address the market shift to SaaS and other go-to-market execution challenges. To be successful in addressing these challenges, we must improve our go-to-market execution with multiple product delivery models, which better address customer needs and achieve broader integration across our overall product portfolio as we work to capitalize on important market opportunities in cloud computing, big data, enterprise security, applications and mobility. Improvements in SaaS delivery, however, do not guarantee that we will achieve increased revenue or profitability. SaaS solutions often have lower margins than other software solutions throughout the subscription period and customers may elect to not renew their subscriptions upon expiration of their agreements with us.
If we cannot continue to produce quality products and services, our reputation, business and financial performance may suffer.
In the course of conducting our business, we must adequately address quality issues associated with our products, services and solutions, including defects in our engineering, design and manufacturing processes and unsatisfactory performance under service contracts, as well as defects in third-party components included in our products and unsatisfactory

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performance or even malicious acts by third-party contractors or subcontractors or their employees. In order to address quality issues, we work extensively with our customers and suppliers and engage in product testing to determine the causes of problems and to develop and implement appropriate solutions. However, the products, services and solutions that we offer are complex, and our regular testing and quality control efforts may not be effective in controlling or detecting all quality issues or errors, particularly with respect to faulty components manufactured by third parties. If we are unable to determine the cause, find an appropriate solution or offer a temporary fix (or "patch") to address quality issues with our products, we may delay shipment to customers, which could delay revenue recognition and receipt of customer payments and could adversely affect our revenue, cash flows and profitability. In addition, after products are delivered, quality issues may require us to repair or replace such products. Addressing quality issues can be expensive and may result in additional warranty, repair, replacement and other costs, adversely affecting our financial performance. If new or existing customers have difficulty operating our products or are dissatisfied with our services or solutions, our results of operations could be adversely affected, and we could face possible claims if we fail to meet our customers' expectations. In addition, quality issues can impair our relationships with new or existing customers and adversely affect our brand and reputation, which could, in turn, adversely affect our results of operations.
If we fail to manage the distribution of our products and services properly, our business and financial performance could suffer.
We use a variety of distribution methods to sell our products and services around the world, including third-party resellers and distributors and both direct and indirect sales to enterprise accounts and consumers. Successfully managing the interaction of our direct and indirect channel efforts to reach various potential customer segments for our products and services is a complex process. Moreover, since each distribution method has distinct risks and gross margins, our failure to implement the most advantageous balance in the delivery model for our products and services could adversely affect our revenue and gross margins and therefore our profitability.
Our financial results could be materially adversely affected due to distribution channel conflicts or if the financial conditions of our channel partners were to weaken. Our results of operations may be adversely affected by any conflicts that might arise between our various distribution channels or the loss or deterioration of any alliance or distribution arrangement. Moreover, some of our wholesale distributors may have insufficient financial resources and may not be able to withstand changes in business conditions, including economic weakness, industry consolidation and market trends. Many of our significant distributors operate on narrow margins and have been negatively affected by business pressures in the past. Considerable trade receivables that are not covered by collateral or credit insurance are outstanding with our distribution channel partners. Revenue from indirect sales could suffer, and we could experience disruptions in distribution, if our distributors' financial conditions, abilities to borrow funds in the credit markets or operations weaken.
Our inventory management is complex, as we continue to sell a significant mix of products through distributors. We must manage both owned and channel inventory effectively, particularly with respect to sales to distributors, which involves forecasting demand and pricing challenges. Distributors may increase orders during periods of product shortages, cancel orders if their inventory is too high or delay orders in anticipation of new products. Distributors also may adjust their orders in response to the supply of our products and the products of our competitors and seasonal fluctuations in end-user demand. Our reliance upon indirect distribution methods may reduce our visibility into demand and pricing trends and issues, and therefore make forecasting more difficult. If we have excess or obsolete inventory, we may have to reduce our prices and write down inventory. Moreover, our use of indirect distribution channels may limit our willingness or ability to adjust prices quickly and otherwise to respond to pricing changes by competitors. We also may have limited ability to estimate future product rebate redemptions in order to price our products effectively.
Recent global, regional and local economic weakness and uncertainty could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Our business and financial performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions and the demand for technology hardware, software and services in the markets in which we compete. Recent economic weakness and uncertainty in various markets throughout the world have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased revenue, gross margin, earnings or growth rates and in increased expenses and difficulty in managing inventory levels. For example, we are continuing to experience macroeconomic weakness across many geographic regions, particularly in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, China and certain other high-growth markets. Ongoing U.S. federal government spending limits may continue to reduce demand for our products, services and solutions from organizations that receive funding from the U.S. government, and could negatively affect macroeconomic conditions in the United States, which could further reduce demand for our products, services and solutions. Economic weakness and uncertainty may adversely affect demand for our products, services and solutions, may result in increased expenses due to higher allowances for doubtful accounts and potential goodwill and asset impairment charges, and may make it more difficult for us to make accurate forecasts of revenue, gross margin, cash flows and expenses.

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Economic weakness and uncertainty could cause our expenses to vary materially from our expectations. Any financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets or any significant financial services institution failures could negatively impact our treasury operations, as the financial condition of such parties may deteriorate rapidly and without notice in times of market volatility and disruption. Poor financial performance of asset markets combined with lower interest rates and the adverse effects of fluctuating currency exchange rates could lead to higher pension and post-retirement benefit expenses. Interest and other expenses could vary materially from expectations depending on changes in interest rates, borrowing costs, currency exchange rates, costs of hedging activities and the fair value of derivative instruments. Economic downturns also may lead to restructuring actions and associated expenses.
Due to the international nature of our business, political or economic changes or other factors could harm our business and financial performance.
Sales outside the United States constituted approximately 61% of our net revenue in fiscal 2016. Our future business and financial performance could suffer due to a variety of international factors, including:
•
ongoing instability or changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions, including inflation, recession, interest rate fluctuations and actual or anticipated military or political conflicts, including uncertainties and instability in economic and market conditions caused by the United Kingdom’s vote to exit the European Union;
•
longer collection cycles and financial instability among customers;
•
trade regulations and procedures and actions affecting production, pricing and marketing of products, including policies adopted by countries that may champion or otherwise favor domestic companies and technologies over foreign competitors;
•
local labor conditions and regulations, including local labor issues faced by specific suppliers and original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs");
•
managing our geographically dispersed workforce;
•
changes in the international, national or local regulatory and legal environments;
•
differing technology standards or customer requirements;
•
import, export or other business licensing requirements or requirements relating to making foreign direct investments, which could increase our cost of doing business in certain jurisdictions, prevent us from shipping products to particular countries or markets, affect our ability to obtain favorable terms for components, increase our operating costs or lead to penalties or restrictions;
•
difficulties associated with repatriating earnings generated or held abroad in a tax-efficient manner, and changes in tax laws; and
•
fluctuations in freight costs, limitations on shipping and receiving capacity, and other disruptions in the transportation and shipping infrastructure at important geographic points of exit and entry for our products and shipments.
The factors described above also could disrupt our product and component manufacturing and key suppliers located outside of the United States. For example, we rely on suppliers in Asia for product assembly and manufacture.
In many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, there are companies that engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the "FCPA"). Although we implement policies, procedures and training designed to facilitate compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those of the companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our policies, could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the euro, the British pound, Chinese yuan (renminbi) and the Japanese yen, can have an impact on our results as expressed in U.S. dollars. In particular, the economic uncertainties relating to European sovereign and other debt obligations and the related European financial restructuring efforts may cause the value of the euro to fluctuate. Currency volatility also contributes to variations in our sales of products and services in impacted jurisdictions. For example, in the event that one or more European countries were to replace the euro with another currency, our sales into such countries, or into Europe generally, would likely be adversely affected until stable exchange rates are established. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, most notably the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro, could adversely affect our revenue growth in future periods. In addition, currency variations can adversely

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affect margins on sales of our products in countries outside of the United States and margins on sales of products that include components obtained from suppliers located outside of the United States.
From time to time, we may use forward contracts and options designated as cash flow hedges to protect against foreign currency exchange rate risks. The effectiveness of our hedges depends on our ability to accurately forecast future cash flows, which is particularly difficult during periods of uncertain demand for our products and services and highly volatile exchange rates. We may incur significant losses from our hedging activities due to factors such as demand volatility and currency variations. In addition, certain or all of our hedging activities may be ineffective, may expire and not be renewed or may not offset any or more than a portion of the adverse financial impact resulting from currency variations. Losses associated with hedging activities also may impact our revenue and to a lesser extent our cost of sales and financial condition.
The revenue and profitability of our operations have historically varied, which makes our future financial results less predictable.
Our revenue, gross margin and profit vary among our diverse products and services, customer groups and geographic markets and therefore will likely be different in future periods than our historical results as a consolidated subsidiary of HP Co. Our revenue depends on the overall demand for our products and services. Delays or reductions in IT spending by our customers or potential customers could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and services, which could result in a significant decline in revenue. In addition, revenue declines in some of our businesses, particularly our services businesses, may affect revenue in our other businesses as we may lose cross-selling opportunities. Overall gross margins and profitability in any given period are dependent partially on the product, service, customer and geographic mix reflected in that period's net revenue. Competition, lawsuits, investigations, increases in component and manufacturing costs that we are unable to pass on to our customers, component supply disruptions and other risks affecting those businesses therefore may have a significant impact on our overall gross margin and profitability. Certain segments have a higher fixed cost structure and more variation in gross margins across their business units and product portfolios than others and may therefore experience significant operating profit volatility on a quarterly or annual basis. In addition, newer geographic markets may be relatively less profitable due to our investments associated with entering those markets and local pricing pressures, and we may have difficulty establishing and maintaining the operating infrastructure necessary to support the high growth rate associated with some of those markets. Market trends, industry shifts, competitive pressures, commoditization of products, increased component or shipping costs, regulatory impacts and other factors may result in reductions in revenue or pressure on gross margins of certain segments in a given period, which may lead to adjustments to our operations. Moreover, our efforts to address the challenges facing our business could increase the level of variability in our financial results because the rate at which we are able to realize the benefits from those efforts may vary from period to period. See also the risk factor below entitled "We have limited history of operating as an independent company and we expect to incur increased administrative and other costs following the Separation by virtue of our status as an independent public company. Our historical financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results."
We depend on third-party suppliers, and our financial results could suffer if we fail to manage our suppliers properly.
Our operations depend on our ability to anticipate our needs for components, products and services, as well as our suppliers' ability to deliver sufficient quantities of quality components, products and services at reasonable prices and in time for us to meet critical schedules for the delivery of our own products and services. Given the wide variety of systems, products and services that we offer, the large number of our suppliers and contract manufacturers that are located around the world, and the long lead times required to manufacture, assemble and deliver certain components and products, problems could arise in production, planning and inventory management that could seriously harm our business. In addition, our ongoing efforts to optimize the efficiency of our supply chain could cause supply disruptions and be more expensive, time-consuming and resource-intensive than expected. Furthermore, certain of our suppliers may decide to discontinue conducting business with us. Other supplier problems that we could face include component shortages, excess supply, risks related to the terms of our contracts with suppliers, risks associated with contingent workers, and risks related to our relationships with single-source suppliers, each of which is described below.
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Component shortages.  We may experience a shortage of, or a delay in receiving, certain components as a result of strong demand, capacity constraints, supplier financial weaknesses, the inability of suppliers to borrow funds in the credit markets, disputes with suppliers (some of whom are also our customers), disruptions in the operations of component suppliers, other problems experienced by suppliers or problems faced during the transition to new suppliers. If shortages or delays persist, the price of certain components may increase, we may be exposed to quality issues, or the components may not be available at all. We may not be able to secure enough components at reasonable prices or of acceptable quality to build products or provide services in a timely manner in the quantities needed or according to our specifications. Accordingly, our business and financial performance could suffer if we lose time-sensitive sales, incur additional freight costs or are unable to pass on price increases to our customers. If we cannot

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adequately address supply issues, we might have to reengineer some product or service offerings, which could result in further costs and delays.
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Excess supply.  In order to secure components for our products or services, at times we may make advance payments to suppliers or enter into non-cancelable commitments with vendors. In addition, we may purchase components strategically in advance of demand to take advantage of favorable pricing or to address concerns about the availability of future components. If we fail to anticipate customer demand properly, a temporary oversupply could result in excess or obsolete components, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
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Contractual terms.  As a result of binding long-term price or purchase commitments with vendors, we may be obligated to purchase components or services at prices that are higher than those available in the current market and be limited in our ability to respond to changing market conditions. If we commit to purchasing components or services for prices in excess of the then-current market price, we may be at a disadvantage to competitors who have access to components or services at lower prices, our gross margin could suffer, and we could incur additional charges relating to inventory obsolescence. Any of these developments could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial condition.
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Contingent workers.  We also rely on third-party suppliers for the provision of contingent workers, and our failure to manage our use of such workers effectively could adversely affect our results of operations. We have been exposed to various legal claims relating to the status of contingent workers in the past and could face similar claims in the future. We may be subject to shortages, oversupply or fixed contractual terms relating to contingent workers. Our ability to manage the size of, and costs associated with, the contingent workforce may be subject to additional constraints imposed by local laws.
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Single-source suppliers.  We obtain a significant number of components from single sources due to technology, availability, price, quality or other considerations. New products that we introduce may utilize custom components obtained from only one source initially until we have evaluated whether there is a need for additional suppliers. Replacing a single-source supplier could delay production of some products as replacement suppliers may be subject to capacity constraints or other output limitations. For some components, such as customized components, alternative sources either may not exist or may be unable to produce the quantities of those components necessary to satisfy our production requirements. In addition, we sometimes purchase components from single-source suppliers under short-term agreements that contain favorable pricing and other terms but that may be unilaterally modified or terminated by the supplier with limited notice and with little or no penalty. The performance of such single-source suppliers under those agreements (and the renewal or extension of those agreements upon similar terms) may affect the quality, quantity and price of our components. The loss of a single-source supplier, the deterioration of our relationship with a single-source supplier or any unilateral modification to the contractual terms under which we are supplied components by a single-source supplier could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Business disruptions could seriously harm our future revenue and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses.
Our worldwide operations could be disrupted by earthquakes, telecommunications failures, power or water shortages, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, fires, extreme weather conditions, medical epidemics or pandemics and other natural or manmade disasters or catastrophic events, for which we are predominantly self-insured. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could result in significant losses, seriously harm our revenue, profitability and financial condition, adversely affect our competitive position, increase our costs and expenses, and require substantial expenditures and recovery time in order to fully resume operations. Our corporate headquarters and a portion of our research and development activities are located in California, and other critical business operations and some of our suppliers are located in California and Asia, near major earthquake faults known for seismic activity. In addition, our principal worldwide IT data centers are located in the southern United States, making our operations more vulnerable to natural disasters or other business disruptions occurring in that geographical area. The manufacture of product components, the final assembly of our products and other critical operations are concentrated in certain geographic locations, including the Czech Republic, Mexico, China and Singapore. We also rely on major logistics hubs, primarily in Asia to manufacture and distribute our products, and primarily in the southwestern United States to import products into the Americas region. Our operations could be adversely affected if manufacturing, logistics or other operations in these locations are disrupted for any reason, including natural disasters, IT system failures, military actions or economic, business, labor, environmental, public health, regulatory or political issues. The ultimate impact on us, our significant suppliers and our general infrastructure of being located near locations more vulnerable to the occurrence of the aforementioned business disruptions, such as near major earthquake faults, and being consolidated in certain geographical areas is unknown and remains uncertain.

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Our uneven sales cycle makes planning and inventory management difficult and future financial results less predictable.
In some of our segments, our quarterly sales often have reflected a pattern in which a disproportionate percentage of each quarter's total sales occurs towards the end of the quarter. This uneven sales pattern makes predicting revenue, earnings, cash flow from operations and working capital for each financial period difficult, increases the risk of unanticipated variations in our quarterly results and financial condition and places pressure on our inventory management and logistics systems. If predicted demand is substantially greater than orders, there may be excess inventory. Alternatively, if orders substantially exceed predicted demand, we may not be able to fulfill all of the orders received in each quarter and such orders may be cancelled. Depending on when they occur in a quarter, developments such as a systems failure, component pricing movements, component shortages or global logistics disruptions, could adversely impact our inventory levels and results of operations in a manner that is disproportionate to the number of days in the quarter affected.
We experience some seasonal trends in the sale of our products that also may produce variations in our quarterly results and financial condition. For example, sales to governments (particularly sales to the U.S. government) are often stronger in the third calendar quarter, and many customers whose fiscal year is the calendar year spend their remaining capital budget authorizations in the fourth calendar quarter prior to new budget constraints in the first calendar quarter of the following year. European sales are often weaker during the summer months. Typically, our third fiscal quarter is our weakest and our fourth fiscal quarter is our strongest. Many of the factors that create and affect seasonal trends are beyond our control.
Any failure by us to identify, manage and complete acquisitions, divestitures and other significant transactions successfully could harm our financial results, business and prospects.
As part of our business strategy, we may acquire companies or businesses, divest businesses or assets, enter into strategic alliances and joint ventures and make investments to further our business (collectively, "business combination and investment transactions"). For example, in May 2015, we acquired Aruba Networks, Inc., which provides next-generation network access solutions for mobile enterprise. In May 2016, we completed the sale to Tsinghua Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Tsinghua"), the asset management arm of Tsinghua University in China, of a 51% interest in our wholly owned subsidiary that owns and operates H3C Technologies and our China-based server, storage and technology services businesses for approximately $2.6 billion. See also the risk factors below under the heading “Risks Related to the Proposed Separation of our Enterprise Services Business and our Software Segment”
Risks associated with business combination and investment transactions include the following, any of which could adversely affect our revenue, gross margin, profitability and financial results:
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Managing business combination and investment transactions requires varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations.
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We may not fully realize all of the anticipated benefits of any particular business combination and investment transaction, and the timeframe for realizing the benefits of a particular business combination and investment transaction may depend partially upon the actions of employees, advisors, suppliers, other third parties or market trends.
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Certain previous business combination and investment transactions have resulted, and in the future any such transactions by us may result, in significant costs and expenses, including those related to severance pay, early retirement costs, employee benefit costs, charges from the elimination of duplicative facilities and contracts, inventory adjustments, assumed litigation and other liabilities, legal, accounting and financial advisory fees, and required payments to executive officers and key employees under retention plans.
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Any increased or unexpected costs, unanticipated delays or failure to meet contractual obligations could make business combination and investment transactions less profitable or unprofitable.
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Our ability to conduct due diligence with respect to business combination and investment transactions, and our ability to evaluate the results of such due diligence, is dependent upon the veracity and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by third parties or their representatives.
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Our due diligence process may fail to identify significant issues with the acquired company's product quality, financial disclosures, accounting practices or internal control deficiencies.
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The pricing and other terms of our contracts for business combination and investment transactions require us to make estimates and assumptions at the time we enter into these contracts, and, during the course of our due diligence, we may not identify all of the factors necessary to estimate accurately our costs, timing and other matters or we may incur costs if a business combination is not consummated.

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In order to complete a business combination and investment transaction, we may issue common stock, potentially creating dilution for our existing stockholders.
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We may borrow to finance business combination and investment transactions, and the amount and terms of any potential future acquisition-related or other borrowings, as well as other factors, could affect our liquidity and financial condition.
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Our effective tax rate on an ongoing basis is uncertain, and business combination and investment transactions could adversely impact our effective tax rate.
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An announced business combination and investment transaction may not close on the expected timeframe or at all, which may cause our financial results to differ from expectations in a given quarter.
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Business combination and investment transactions may lead to litigation, which could impact our financial condition and results of operations.
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If we fail to identify and successfully complete and integrate business combination and investment transactions that further our strategic objectives, we may be required to expend resources to develop products, services and technology internally, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage.
We have incurred and will incur additional depreciation and amortization expense over the useful lives of certain assets acquired in connection with business combination and investment transactions and, to the extent that the value of goodwill or intangible assets acquired in connection with a business combination and investment transaction becomes impaired, we may be required to incur additional material charges relating to the impairment of those assets. For example, for fiscal 2012, we recorded an $8.0 billion impairment charge relating to the goodwill associated with our enterprise services reporting unit within our Enterprise Services segment. In addition, for fiscal 2012, we recorded an $8.8 billion impairment charge relating to the goodwill and intangible assets associated with Autonomy. If there are future sustained decreases in our stock price or significant changes in the business climate or results of operations of our reporting units, we may incur additional charges, which may include goodwill impairment or intangible asset charges.
As part of our business strategy, we regularly evaluate the potential disposition of assets and businesses that may no longer help us meet our objectives. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less desirable than we had anticipated. In addition, we may experience greater dis-synergies than expected, and the impact of the divestiture on our revenue growth may be larger than projected. After reaching an agreement with a buyer or seller for the acquisition or disposition of a business, we are subject to satisfaction of pre-closing conditions as well as to necessary regulatory and governmental approvals on acceptable terms, which, if not satisfied or obtained, may prevent us from completing the transaction. Dispositions may also involve continued financial involvement in the divested business, such as through continuing equity ownership, guarantees, indemnities or other financial obligations. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or other conditions outside of our control could affect our future financial results.
Integrating acquisitions may be difficult and time-consuming. Any failure by us to integrate acquired companies, products or services into our overall business in a timely manner could harm our financial results, business and prospects.
In order to pursue our strategy successfully, we must identify candidates for and successfully complete business combination and investment transactions, some of which may be large or complex, and manage post-closing issues such as the integration of acquired businesses, products, services or employees. Integration issues are often time-consuming and expensive and, without proper planning and implementation, could significantly disrupt our business and the acquired business. The challenges involved in integration include:
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successfully combining product and service offerings, including under the single new Hewlett Packard Enterprise brand, and entering or expanding into markets in which we are not experienced or are developing expertise;
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convincing customers and distributors that the transaction will not diminish customer service standards or business focus;
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persuading customers and distributors to not defer purchasing decisions or switch to other suppliers (which could result in our incurring additional obligations in order to address customer uncertainty), minimizing sales force attrition and expanding and coordinating sales, marketing and distribution efforts;
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consolidating and rationalizing corporate IT infrastructure, which may include multiple legacy systems from various acquisitions and integrating software code and business processes;
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minimizing the diversion of management attention from ongoing business concerns;

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persuading employees that business cultures are compatible, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees, engaging with employee works councils representing an acquired company's non-U.S. employees, integrating employees, correctly estimating employee benefit costs and implementing restructuring programs;
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coordinating and combining administrative, manufacturing, research and development and other operations, subsidiaries, facilities and relationships with third parties in accordance with local laws and other obligations while maintaining adequate standards, controls and procedures;
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achieving savings from supply chain integration; and
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managing integration issues shortly after or pending the completion of other independent transactions.
We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of our restructuring plans and our restructuring may adversely affect our business.
We have announced restructuring plans, including the 2012 Plan and the 2015 Plan (each as defined below), in order to realign our cost structure due to the changing nature of our business and to achieve operating efficiencies that we expect to reduce costs. We may not be able to obtain the cost savings and benefits that were initially anticipated in connection with our restructuring. Additionally, as a result of our restructuring, we may experience a loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge and/or inefficiency during transitional periods. Reorganization and restructuring can require a significant amount of management and other employees' time and focus, which may divert attention from operating and growing our business. If we fail to achieve some or all of the expected benefits of restructuring, it could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For more information about our restructuring plans, including details regarding the 2012 Plan and the 2015 Plan, see Note 3, "Restructuring", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Our financial performance may suffer if we cannot continue to develop, license or enforce the intellectual property rights on which our businesses depend.
We rely upon patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property laws in the United States, similar laws in other countries, and agreements with our employees, customers, suppliers and other parties, to establish and maintain intellectual property rights in the products and services we sell, provide or otherwise use in our operations. However, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, infringed or circumvented, or such intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to permit us to take advantage of current market trends or to otherwise provide competitive advantages, either of which could result in costly product redesign efforts, discontinuance of certain product offerings or other harm to our competitive position. Further, the laws of certain countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Therefore, in certain jurisdictions we may be unable to protect our proprietary technology adequately against unauthorized third-party copying or use; this, too, could adversely affect our ability to sell products or services and our competitive position.
Our products and services depend in part on intellectual property and technology licensed from third parties.
Much of our business and many of our products rely on key technologies developed or licensed by third parties. For example, many of our software offerings are developed using software components or other intellectual property licensed from third parties, including through both proprietary and open source licenses. These third-party software components may become obsolete, defective or incompatible with future versions of our products, or our relationship with the third party may deteriorate, or our agreements with the third party may expire or be terminated. We may face legal or business disputes with licensors that may threaten or lead to the disruption of inbound licensing relationships. In order to remain in compliance with the terms of our licenses, we must carefully monitor and manage our use of third-party software components, including both proprietary and open source license terms that may require the licensing or public disclosure of our intellectual property without compensation or on undesirable terms. Additionally, some of these licenses may not be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable or that allow our product offerings to remain competitive. Our inability to obtain licenses or rights on favorable terms could have a material effect on our business, including our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, it is possible that as a consequence of a merger or acquisition, third parties may obtain licenses to some of our intellectual property rights or our business may be subject to certain restrictions that were not in place prior to such transaction. Because the availability and cost of licenses from third parties depends upon the willingness of third parties to deal with us on the terms we request, there is a risk that third parties who license to our competitors will either refuse to license us at all, or refuse to license us on terms equally favorable to those granted to our competitors. Consequently, we may lose a competitive advantage with respect to these intellectual property rights or we may be required to enter into costly arrangements in order to terminate or limit these rights.

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Third-party claims of intellectual property infringement, including patent infringement, are commonplace in the IT industry and successful third-party claims may limit or disrupt our ability to sell our products and services.
Third parties also may claim that we or customers indemnified by us are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. For example, patent assertion entities may purchase intellectual property assets for the purpose of asserting claims of infringement and attempting to extract settlements from companies such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its customers. If we cannot or do not license allegedly infringed intellectual property at all or on reasonable terms, or if we are required to substitute similar technology from another source, our operations could be adversely affected. Even if we believe that intellectual property claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend against and may divert management's attention and resources away from our business. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us to redesign affected products, enter into costly settlement or license agreements, pay costly damage awards or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from importing, marketing or selling certain of our products. Even if we have an agreement to indemnify us against such costs, the indemnifying party may be unable or unwilling to uphold its contractual obligations to us.
The allocation of intellectual property rights that was made between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. as part of the separation of the two entities, and the shared use of certain intellectual property rights following the Separation, could in the future adversely impact our reputation, our ability to enforce certain intellectual property rights that are important to us and our competitive position.
In connection with the Separation, HP Co. allocated to each of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. the intellectual property assets relevant to their respective businesses. The terms of the Separation include cross-licenses and other arrangements to provide for certain ongoing use of intellectual property in the existing operations of both businesses. For example, through a joint brand holding structure, both Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. retain the ability to make ongoing use of certain variations of the legacy Hewlett-Packard and HP branding, respectively. As a result of this continuing shared use of the legacy branding there is a risk that conduct or events adversely affecting the reputation of HP Inc. could also adversely affect the reputation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. In addition, as a result of the allocation of intellectual property as part of the Separation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise no longer has ownership of intellectual property allocated to HP Inc. and our resulting intellectual property ownership position could adversely affect our position and options relating to patent enforcement and patent licensing, our ability to sell our products or services and our competitive position in the industry.
Our business and financial performance could suffer if we do not manage the risks associated with our Enterprise Services business properly.
The success of our ES segment is to a significant degree dependent on our ability to retain our significant services clients and maintain or increase the level of revenues from these clients. We may lose clients due to their merger or acquisition, business failure, contract expiration or their selection of a competing service provider or decision to in-source services. In addition, we may not be able to retain or renew relationships with our significant clients. As a result of business downturns or for other business reasons, we are also vulnerable to reduced processing volumes from our clients, which can reduce the scope of services provided and the prices for those services. We may not be able to replace the revenue and earnings from any such lost clients or reductions in services. In addition, our contracts may allow a client to terminate the contract for convenience, and we may not be able to fully recover our investments in such circumstances.
The pricing and other terms of some of our IT service agreements, particularly our long-term IT outsourcing services agreements, require us to make estimates and assumptions at the time we enter into these contracts that could differ from actual results. Any increased or unexpected costs or unanticipated delays in connection with the performance of these engagements, including delays caused by factors outside our control, could make these agreements less profitable or unprofitable, which could have an adverse effect on the profit margin of our IT services business.
Some of our IT service agreements require significant investment in the early stages that is expected to be recovered through billings over the life of the agreement. These agreements often involve the construction of new IT systems and communications networks and the development and deployment of new technologies. Substantial performance risk exists in each agreement with these characteristics, and some or all elements of service delivery under these agreements are dependent upon successful completion of the development, construction and deployment phases. Any failure to perform satisfactorily under these agreements may expose us to legal liability, result in the loss of customers and harm our reputation, which could harm the financial performance of our IT services business.
Some of our IT outsourcing services agreements contain pricing provisions that permit a client to request a benchmark study by a mutually acceptable third party. The benchmarking process typically compares the contractual price of our services against the price of similar services offered by other specified providers in a peer comparison group, subject to agreed-upon adjustment and normalization factors. Generally, if the benchmarking study shows that our pricing differs from our peer group

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outside a specified range, and the difference is not due to the unique requirements of the client, then the parties will negotiate in good faith appropriate adjustments to the pricing. This may result in the reduction of our rates for the benchmarked services performed after the implementation of those pricing adjustments, which could harm the financial performance of our IT services business.
If we do not hire, train, motivate and effectively utilize employees with the right mix of skills and experience in the right geographic regions to meet the needs of our services clients, our financial performance could suffer. For example, if our employee utilization rate is too low, our profitability and the level of engagement of our employees could suffer. If that utilization rate is too high, it could have an adverse effect on employee engagement and attrition and the quality of the work performed, as well as our ability to staff projects. If we are unable to hire and retain a sufficient number of employees with the skills or backgrounds to meet current demand, we might need to redeploy existing personnel, increase our reliance on subcontractors or increase employee compensation levels, all of which could also negatively affect our profitability. In addition, if we have more employees than we need with certain skill sets or in certain geographies, we may incur increased costs as we work to rebalance our supply of skills and resources with client demand in those geographies.
Failure to comply with our customer contracts or government contracting regulations could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our contracts with our customers may include unique and specialized performance requirements. In particular, our contracts with federal, state, provincial and local governmental customers are subject to various procurement regulations, contract provisions and other requirements relating to their formation, administration and performance. Any failure by us to comply with the specific provisions in our customer contracts or any violation of government contracting regulations could result in the imposition of various civil and criminal penalties, which may include termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments and, in the case of our government contracts, fines and suspension from future government contracting. Such failures could also cause reputational damage to our business. In addition, our former Parent has in the past been, and we may in the future be, subject to qui tam litigation brought by private individuals on behalf of the government relating to our government contracts, which could include claims for treble damages. Further, any negative publicity related to our customer contracts or any proceedings surrounding them, regardless of its accuracy, may damage our business by affecting our ability to compete for new contracts. If our customer contracts are terminated, if we are suspended or disbarred from government work, or if our ability to compete for new contracts is adversely affected, our financial performance could suffer.
We make estimates and assumptions in connection with the preparation of our Combined Financial Statements and any changes to those estimates and assumptions could adversely affect our results of operations.
In connection with the preparation of our Combined Financial Statements, we use certain estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." In addition, as discussed in Note 17, "Litigation and Contingencies", to our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, we make certain estimates, including decisions related to provisions for legal proceedings and other contingencies. While we believe that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, they are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Should any of these estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been incorrect, it could adversely affect our results of operations.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our financial performance.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our tax liabilities are affected by the amounts we charge in intercompany transactions for inventory, services, licenses, funding and other items. We are subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. Tax authorities may disagree with our intercompany charges, cross-jurisdictional transfer pricing or other matters, and may assess additional taxes as a result. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits, and the amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax expense and therefore could have a material impact on our tax provision, net income and cash flows. In addition, our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes to our operating structure, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax return preparation process. In particular, if circumstances change such that we are unable to indefinitely reinvest our foreign earnings outside the United States, future income tax expense and payments may differ significantly from historical amounts and could materially adversely affect our results of operations. As of October 31, 2016, we had $26.2 billion of undistributed earnings from non-U.S. operations indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. See Note 6, "Taxes on Earnings", to our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets, which are

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predominantly in the United States, is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. In addition, there are proposals for tax legislation that have been introduced or that are being considered that could have a significant adverse effect on our tax rate, the carrying value of deferred tax assets, or our deferred tax liabilities. Any of these changes could affect our financial performance.
In order to be successful, we must attract, retain, train, motivate, develop and transition key employees, and failure to do so could seriously harm us.
In order to be successful, we must attract, retain, train, motivate, develop and transition qualified executives and other key employees, including those in managerial, technical, development, sales, marketing and IT support positions. Identifying, developing internally or hiring externally, training and retaining qualified executives, engineers, skilled solutions providers in the IT support business and qualified sales representatives are critical to our future, and competition for experienced employees in the IT industry can be intense. In order to attract and retain executives and other key employees in a competitive marketplace, we must provide a competitive compensation package, including cash- and equity-based compensation. Our equity-based incentive awards may contain conditions relating to our stock price performance and our long-term financial performance that make the future value of those awards uncertain. If the anticipated value of such equity-based incentive awards does not materialize, if our equity-based compensation otherwise ceases to be viewed as a valuable benefit, if our total compensation package is not viewed as being competitive, or if we do not obtain the stockholder approval needed to continue granting equity-based incentive awards in the amounts we believe are necessary, our ability to attract, retain, and motivate executives and key employees could be weakened.
Our failure to successfully hire executives and key employees or the loss of any executives and key employees could have a significant impact on our operations. Further, changes in our management team may be disruptive to our business, and any failure to successfully transition and assimilate key new hires or promoted employees could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
System security risks, data protection breaches, cyberattacks and systems integration issues could disrupt our internal operations or IT services provided to customers, and any such disruption could reduce our revenue, increase our expenses, damage our reputation and adversely affect our stock price.
Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network security and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. Computer programmers and hackers also may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms and other malicious software programs that attack our products or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities of our products. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system software and applications that we produce or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including "bugs" and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the system. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate cyber or other security problems, including bugs, viruses, worms, malicious software programs and other security vulnerabilities, could be significant, and our efforts to address these problems may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays, cessation of service and loss of existing or potential customers that may impede our sales, manufacturing, distribution or other critical functions.
We manage and store various proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data relating to our business. In addition, our outsourcing services business routinely processes, stores and transmits large amounts of data for our clients, including sensitive and personally identifiable information. Breaches of our security measures or the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure or unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data about us, our clients or our customers, including the potential loss or disclosure of such information or data as a result of fraud, trickery or other forms of deception, could expose us, our customers or the individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability for us, damage our brand and reputation or otherwise harm our business. We also could lose existing or potential customers of outsourcing services or other IT solutions or incur significant expenses in connection with our customers' system failures or any actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products and services. In addition, the cost and operational consequences of implementing further data protection measures could be significant.
Portions of our IT infrastructure also may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with systems integration or migration work that takes place from time to time. We may not be successful in implementing new systems and transitioning data, which could cause business disruptions and be more expensive, time-consuming, disruptive and resource intensive. Such disruptions could adversely impact our ability to fulfill orders and respond to customer requests and interrupt other processes. Delayed sales, lower margins or lost customers resulting from these disruptions could reduce our revenue, increase our expenses, damage our reputation and adversely affect our stock price.

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Terrorist acts, conflicts, wars and geopolitical uncertainties may seriously harm our business and revenue, costs and expenses and financial condition and stock price.
Terrorist acts, conflicts or wars (wherever located around the world) may cause damage or disruption to our business, our employees, facilities, partners, suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers or adversely affect our ability to manage logistics, operate our transportation and communication systems or conduct certain other critical business operations. The potential for future attacks, the national and international responses to attacks or perceived threats to national security, and other actual or potential conflicts or wars have created many economic and political uncertainties. In addition, as a major multinational company with headquarters and significant operations located in the United States, actions against or by the United States may impact our business or employees. Although it is impossible to predict the occurrences or consequences of any such events, if they occur, they could result in a decrease in demand for our products, make it difficult or impossible to provide services or deliver products to our customers or to receive components from our suppliers, create delays and inefficiencies in our supply chain and result in the need to impose employee travel restrictions. We are predominantly uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts, conflicts and wars.
Our business is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that could result in costs or other sanctions that adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations. For example, we are subject to laws and regulations concerning environmental protection, including laws addressing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the clean-up of contaminated sites, the content of our products and the recycling, treatment and disposal of our products. In particular, we face increasing complexity in our product design and procurement operations as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the chemical and materials composition of our products, their safe use, the energy consumption associated with those products, climate change laws and regulations and product take-back legislation. If we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws or if our products become non-compliant with environmental laws, we could incur substantial costs or face other sanctions, which may include restrictions on our products entering certain jurisdictions. Our potential exposure includes fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage, personal injury claims and clean-up costs. Further, liability under some environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can be imposed retroactively, on a joint and several basis, and without any finding of noncompliance or fault. The amount and timing of costs to comply with environmental laws are difficult to predict.
In addition, our business is subject to laws addressing privacy and information security. In particular, we face an increasingly complex regulatory environment in our big data offerings as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the security of our offerings. If we were to violate or become liable under laws or regulations associated with security, we could incur substantial costs or face other sanctions. Our potential exposure includes fines and civil or criminal sanctions, and third-party claims.
Our stock price has fluctuated and may continue to fluctuate, which may make future prices of our stock difficult to predict.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise's stock price, like that of other technology companies, can be volatile. Some of the factors that could affect our stock price are:
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speculation, coverage or sentiment in the media or the investment community about, or actual changes in, our business, strategic position, market share, organizational structure, operations, financial condition, financial reporting and results, effectiveness of cost-cutting efforts, value or liquidity of our investments, exposure to market volatility, prospects, business combination or investment transactions, future stock price performance, board of directors, executive team, our competitors or our industry in general;
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the announcement of new, planned or contemplated products, services, technological innovations, acquisitions, divestitures or other significant transactions by Hewlett Packard Enterprise or its competitors;
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quarterly increases or decreases in revenue, gross margin, earnings or cash flows, changes in estimates by the investment community or financial outlook provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and variations between actual and estimated financial results;
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announcements of actual and anticipated financial results by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's competitors and other companies in the IT industry;
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developments relating to pending investigations, claims and disputes; and
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the timing and amount of share repurchases by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
General or industry specific market conditions or stock market performance or domestic or international macroeconomic and geopolitical factors unrelated to Hewlett Packard Enterprise's performance also may affect the price of Hewlett Packard

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Enterprise's stock. For these reasons, investors should not rely on recent or historical trends to predict future stock prices, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, as discussed in Note 17, "Litigation and Contingencies", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, we are involved in several securities class action litigation matters. Additional volatility in the price of our securities could result in the filing of additional securities class action litigation matters, which could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management time and resources.
Failure to maintain a satisfactory credit rating could adversely affect our liquidity, capital position, borrowing costs and access to capital markets.
We currently maintain investment grade credit ratings with Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings Services. Despite these investment grade credit ratings, any future downgrades could increase the cost of borrowing under any indebtedness we may incur, reduce market capacity for our commercial paper or require the posting of additional collateral under our derivative contracts. Additionally, increased borrowing costs, including those arising from a credit rating downgrade, can potentially reduce the competitiveness of our financing business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our credit ratings, and any additional actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, may have a negative impact on our liquidity, capital position and access to capital markets.
Our debt obligations may adversely affect our business and our ability to meet our obligations and pay dividends.
In addition to our current total carrying debt, we may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. This collective amount of debt could have important adverse consequences to us and our investors, including:
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requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make principal and interest payments;
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making it more difficult to satisfy other obligations;
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increasing the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of our debt, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing;
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increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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reducing the cash flows available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business;
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limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry; and
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limiting our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase our common stock.
To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the risks described above could increase. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to service our outstanding debt or to repay our outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to service or refinance our debt.
Certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, and of Delaware law, may prevent or delay an acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
We have provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each of which could have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging an acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprise deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors. These include provisions:
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authorizing blank check preferred stock, which we could issue with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to our common stock;
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limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;
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specifying that our stockholders may take action only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and otherwise in accordance with our bylaws and limiting the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings;
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requiring advance notice of proposals by our stockholders for business to be conducted at stockholder meetings and for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors; and
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controlling the procedures for conduct of our Board of Directors and stockholder meetings and election, appointment and removal of our directors.

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These provisions, alone or together, could deter or delay hostile takeovers, proxy contests and changes in control or management of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prevents some stockholders from engaging in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding common stock.
Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control of Hewlett Packard Enterprise could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock and also could affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock.
Risks Related to the Proposed Separation of our Enterprise Services Business and our Software Segment
Each of the proposed separation of our Enterprise Services business and subsequent merger with CSC, and the proposed separation of our Software segment and subsequent merger with Micro Focus, may not be consummated as or when planned or at all, and may not achieve the intended benefits.
The proposed separation of each of (i) our Enterprise Services business, including the distribution of the shares of Everett SpinCo. Inc. (the subsidiary to which the Enterprise Services business will be transferred, or "Everett SpinCo") common stock to our stockholders and subsequent merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Everett SpinCo with Computer Sciences Corporation (“CSC" and such transactions, the “ES Separation”) and (ii) our Software segment, including the distribution of the shares of Seattle SpinCo Inc. (the subsidiary to which the Software segment will be transferred, or "Seattle SpinCo") common stock to our stockholders and subsequent merger of Seattle SpinCo with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Micro Focus International plc (“Micro Focus” and such transactions, the “Software Separation”), may not be consummated as currently contemplated or at all, or may encounter unanticipated delays or other roadblocks, including delays in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. In addition, either or both of the ES Separation and the Software Separation (together, the “Business Separations”) could create unanticipated difficulties for our business, including in our Enterprise Services business or relating to our Software segment prior to their consummation. Planning and executing the proposed separation, distribution and subsequent merger for each of the Business Separations will require significant time, effort, and expense, and may divert the attention of our management and employees from other aspects of our business operations, and any delays in the completion of either or both of the proposed Business Separations may increase the amount of time, effort, and expense that we devote to such transactions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to complete either or both of the Business Separations on the terms currently contemplated or at all. Disruptions in general market conditions or in the Enterprise Services business or with respect to our Software segment could affect our ability to complete the Business Separations. The proposed Business Separations are also subject to numerous closing conditions, including, among others, approval of the issuance of the CSC common stock by the requisite vote of CSC’s stockholders (in the case of the ES Separation) and approval of the issuance of the Micro Focus ordinary shares by the requisite vote of Micro Focus’s shareholders (in the case of the Software Separation); the effectiveness of CSC’s registration statement registering the CSC common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement with CSC (in the case of the ES Separation) and the effectiveness of Micro Focus’s registration statement registering the Micro Focus American Depositary Shares to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement with Micro Focus (in the case of the Software Separation); the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, the receipt of certain required foreign antitrust approvals, and a cash dividend payment to us which is expected to be financed through borrowing, in the case of each of the Business Separations.
In addition, if we complete the proposed Business Separations, there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize the intended benefits of the transactions or that the combined company resulting from either of the Business Separations will perform as anticipated. Specifically, the proposed Business Separations could cause disruptions in our remaining businesses, the Enterprise Services business and CSC’s business, or Seattle SpinCo and Micro Focus’s business, including by disrupting operations or causing customers to delay or to defer decisions to purchase products, renew contracts, or to end their relationships. Similarly, it is possible that current or prospective employees of, or providing services to, the Enterprise Services business, CSC, the Software segment, or Micro Focus could experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined companies that will result from each Separation, as applicable, which could harm the ability of the Enterprise Services business, CSC, Seattle SpinCo or Micro Focus to attract and retain key personnel. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our remaining businesses following the completion of the Business Separations, or the business, financial condition or results of operations of CSC or the Enterprise Services business, or of Micro Focus or the Software segment.
In addition, CSC and the Enterprise Services business or Micro Focus and the Seattle SpinCo could face difficulties in integrating their businesses, or CSC or Micro Focus could face difficulties in its business generally; as a result, our stockholders may not receive benefits or value in excess of the benefits and value that might have been created or realized had we retained the Enterprise Services business or the Software segment, respectively.

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The stock distribution in either or both of the Business Separations could result in significant tax liability, and CSC or Micro Focus (as applicable) may in certain cases be obligated to indemnify us for any such tax liability imposed on us.
Each of the Business Separations is conditioned on the receipt of an opinion from outside counsel regarding the qualification of (i) the relevant distribution and related transactions as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 368(a), 361 and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”); and (ii) the relevant merger as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
Each opinion of outside counsel will be based upon and rely on, among other things, certain facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations, statements and undertakings of us, Everett SpinCo and CSC, or us, Seattle SpinCo and Micro Focus, as applicable. If any of these representations, statements or undertakings are, or become, inaccurate or incomplete, or if any party breaches any of its covenants in the relevant separation documents, the relevant opinion of counsel may be invalid and the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized. Notwithstanding the opinions of counsel, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) could determine that either or both of the distributions should be treated as a taxable transaction if it determines that any of the facts, assumptions, representations, statements or undertakings upon which the relevant opinion of counsel was based are false or have been violated, or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion of counsel. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert a contrary position.
If the distribution of Everett SpinCo or Seattle SpinCo, as applicable, together with certain related transactions, failed to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in general, we would recognize taxable gain as if we had sold the stock of Everett SpinCo or Seattle SpinCo, as applicable, in a taxable sale for its fair market value, and our stockholders who receive Everett SpinCo shares or Seattle SpinCo shares in the relevant distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares.
Under the tax matters agreement entered into by us with Everett SpinCo and CSC, and to be entered into by us with Seattle SpinCo and Micro Focus, Everett SpinCo and Seattle SpinCo generally would be required to indemnify us for any taxes resulting from the relevant separation (and any related costs and other damages) to the extent such amounts resulted from (i) certain actions taken by, or acquisitions of capital stock of, Everett SpinCo or Seattle SpinCo, as applicable (excluding actions required by the documents governing the relevant Separation), or (ii) any breach of certain representations and covenants made by Everett SpinCo or Seattle SpinCo, as applicable. Any such indemnity obligations could be material.
Risks Related to the Prior Separation from Former Parent
If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, does not qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and those who received Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock in the distribution could be subject to significant tax liabilities, and, in certain circumstances, Hewlett Packard Enterprise could be required to indemnify HP Inc. for material taxes and other related amounts pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax matters agreement.
It was a condition to the distribution that our former Parent receive (i) a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and/or one or more opinions from its external tax advisors, regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters relating to the Separation and related transactions, and (ii) opinions of outside counsel regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a transaction that is generally tax-free, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. These opinions of outside counsel or other external tax advisors and the IRS private letter ruling were based, among other things, on various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations, statements and undertakings of HP Co. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (including those relating to the past and future conduct of HP Co. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise). If, in the future, any of these facts, assumptions, representations, statements or undertakings is, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, or if HP Inc., as successor to HP Co., or Hewlett Packard Enterprise breach any of their respective covenants contained in any of the Separation-related agreements or in the documents relating to the IRS private letter ruling and/or any tax opinion, the IRS private letter ruling and/or any tax opinion may be rendered invalid. Accordingly, notwithstanding HP Co.'s receipt of the IRS private letter ruling and/or opinions of counsel or other external tax advisors, the IRS could determine that the distribution and certain related transactions should be treated as taxable transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it determines that any of the facts, assumptions, representations, statements or undertakings that were included in the request for the IRS private letter ruling or on which any opinion was based are false or have been violated. In addition, the IRS private letter ruling does not address all of the issues that are relevant to determining whether the distribution, together with certain related transactions, qualifies as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and an opinion of outside counsel or other external tax advisor represents the judgment of such counsel or advisor which is not binding on the IRS or any court. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt by HP Co. of the IRS private letter ruling and the tax opinions referred to above, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert that the distribution and/or certain related transactions do not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax

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purposes or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. In the event the IRS were to prevail with such challenge, HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Co. stockholders who received Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock in the distribution could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liability.
If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, is found to no longer qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, HP Inc. would recognize taxable gain as if it has sold the Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value and HP Co. stockholders who received shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock in the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares.
Under the tax matters agreement we entered into with HP Inc. in connection with the Separation (the "Tax Matters Agreement"), we are generally required to indemnify HP Inc. for any taxes resulting from the Separation (and any related costs and other damages) to the extent such amounts resulted from (i) an acquisition of all or a portion of the equity securities or assets of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, whether by merger or otherwise (and regardless of whether we participated in or otherwise facilitated the acquisition), (ii) other actions or failures to act by Hewlett Packard Enterprise or (iii) any of the representations or undertakings of Hewlett Packard Enterprise contained in any of the Separation-related agreements or in the documents relating to the IRS private letter ruling and/or any tax opinion being incorrect or violated. Any such indemnity obligations could be material.
In addition we incurred certain tax costs in connection with the Separation, including non-U.S. tax costs resulting from separations in multiple non-U.S. jurisdictions that do not legally provide for tax-free separations, which may be material.
We may not be able to engage in desirable strategic or capital-raising transactions following the Separation.
To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Separation and the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for the two year period following the Separation, we are prohibited under the tax matters agreement, except in specific circumstances, from: (i) entering into any transaction pursuant to which all or a portion of the shares of our common stock would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, (ii) issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds, (iii) repurchasing shares of our common stock other than in certain open-market transactions, (iv) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses or (v) taking or failing to take any other action that would prevent the distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. These restrictions may limit for a period of time our ability to pursue certain strategic transactions, equity issuances or repurchases or other transactions that we may believe to be in the best interests of our stockholders or that might increase the value of our business.
We have limited history of operating as an independent company and we expect to incur increased administrative and other costs following the Separation by virtue of our status as an independent public company. Our historical financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
The historical information about Hewlett Packard Enterprise relating to fiscal years prior to fiscal 2016 in this Form 10-K refers to our business as formerly operated by and integrated with our former Parent, and does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future primarily as a result of the following factors, among others:
•
Prior to the Separation, our business was operated by our former Parent as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. Our former Parent or one of its affiliates performed various corporate functions for us such as legal, treasury, accounting, internal auditing, human resources and corporate affairs, and also provided our IT and other corporate infrastructure. Our historical financial results reflect allocations of corporate expenses from our former Parent for such functions and are likely to be less than the expenses we would have incurred had we operated as a separate publicly traded company. Now that the Separation is complete, our costs related to such functions previously performed by HP Co. may increase.
•
Historically, when we were integrated with the other businesses of our former Parent, we shared economies of scope and scale in costs, employees, vendor relationships and customer relationships. Although we have entered into certain agreements (including a transition services agreement) with HP Inc. in connection with the Separation, these arrangements may not fully capture the benefits that we enjoyed as a result of being integrated with our former Parent and may result in us paying higher charges than in the past for these services. This could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition in future periods.

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•
Generally, our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, have historically been satisfied as part of the corporate-wide cash management policies of our former Parent. In connection with the Separation, we have entered into certain financing arrangements described under the section entitled "Description of Material Indebtedness" as part of our transition to becoming a standalone company. We may in the future need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements.
•
The cost of capital for our business may be higher than our former Parent's cost of capital prior to the Separation.
Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a separate company. For additional information about the past financial performance of our business and the basis of presentation of the historical consolidated and combined financial statements of our business, see "Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The Separation and Distribution Agreement that we entered into with our former Parent may limit our ability to compete in certain markets and may impose limitations on our recruiting efforts for a period of time following the Separation.
The Separation and Distribution Agreement includes non-compete provisions pursuant to which we generally agree to not compete with HP Inc. in certain product and service categories that comprise the HP Inc. business, including personal computers and printers, worldwide for three years from the distribution date. Such restrictions are subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement. These restrictions may limit our ability to compete in certain markets, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise or HP Inc. may fail to perform under the transition services agreement and other transaction agreements executed as part of the Separation, and we may not have necessary systems and services in place when these transaction agreements expire.
In connection with the Separation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. entered into several agreements, including among others a transition services agreement (the "Transition Services Agreement"), the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, an employee matters agreement (the "Employee Matters Agreement"), a real estate matters agreement (the "Real Estate Matters Agreement"), a commercial agreement (the "Master Commercial Agreement") and an IT service agreement (the "Information Technology Service Agreement" or the "IT Service Agreement"). The Transition Services Agreement provides for the performance of certain services by each company for the benefit of the other for a transition period after the Separation. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Real Estate Matters Agreement determine the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the Separation for those respective areas and include any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The Master Commercial Agreement establishes a bilateral relationship between HP Inc. and us for the purchase and sale of commercially available products and services for internal use, incorporation and bundling in OEM products and services, resale to customers and use in the provision of managed services to customers, as well as joint customer pursuits and joint development activities. The IT Service Agreement provides for the performance by one of our subsidiaries of certain application development and maintenance and IT infrastructure services for HP Inc. We rely on HP Inc. to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If HP Inc. is unable to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its obligations with respect to the provision of transition services, we could incur operational difficulties or losses that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, if we do not have in place our own systems and services, or if we do not have agreements with other providers of these services in place once certain transition services expire, we may not be able to operate our business effectively and our profitability may decline. We are in the process of creating our own, or engaging third parties to provide, systems and services to replace many of the systems and services that HP Inc. provides to us under the Transition Services Agreement. However, we may not be successful in implementing these systems and services or in transitioning from HP Inc.'s systems to our own systems, and may pay more for such systems and services that we pay under the Transition Services Agreement.
The Separation may in the future result in disruptions to, and negatively impact our relationships with, our customers and other business partners. In addition, certain contracts that that needed to be assigned from HP Inc. or its affiliates to Hewlett Packard Enterprise in connection with the Separation and required the consent of the counterparty to such an assignment have not, as yet, and failure to obtain these consents could increase our expenses or otherwise harm our business and financial performance.

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Uncertainty related to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise's position post-Separation may lead customers and other parties with which we currently do business or may do business in the future to terminate or attempt to negotiate changes in our existing business relationships, or cause them to consider entering into business relationships with parties other than us. These disruptions could have a material and adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
In addition, the Separation and Distribution Agreement provided for the assignment of a number of contracts from HP Inc. or its affiliates to us or our affiliates. A minority of our customer contracts require the contractual counterparty's consent to assignment, a small number of which remain outstanding post-Separation. If we are unable to obtain these consents, we may be unable to obtain some of the benefits, assets and contractual commitments that are intended to be allocated to us as part of the Separation. If we are unable to obtain these consents, the loss of these contracts could increase our expenses or otherwise reduce our profitability.
Indemnification liabilities to HP Inc. pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Separation and Distribution Agreement provides for, among other things, indemnification obligations generally designed to make us financially responsible for (i) liabilities primarily associated with our business; (ii) our failure to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any such liabilities or contracts, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the distribution; (iii) any guarantee, indemnification obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding by HP Inc. for our benefit, unless related to liabilities primarily associated with the HP Inc. business; (iv) any breach by us of the separation agreement or any of the ancillary agreements or any action by us in contravention of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws; and (v) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in our registration statement on Form 10 or any other disclosure document that describes the Separation or the distribution or Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its subsidiaries or primarily relates to the transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement, subject to certain exceptions. If we are required to indemnify HP Inc. under the circumstances set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities.
In connection with the Separation, HP Inc. has indemnified us for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity will be sufficient to insure us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that HP Inc.'s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligation will not be impaired in the future.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and certain other agreements we have entered into with HP Inc., HP Inc. has agreed to indemnify Hewlett Packard Enterprise for certain liabilities. However, third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that HP Inc. has agreed to retain, and there can be no assurance that the indemnity from HP Inc. will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that HP Inc. will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. In addition, HP Inc.'s insurers may attempt to deny us coverage for liabilities associated with certain occurrences of indemnified liabilities prior to the Separation. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from HP Inc. or such insurance providers any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses. Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to continuing contingent liabilities as a result of our separation from our former Parent.
As a result of the Separation from our former Parent, there are several significant areas where the liabilities of our former Parent have or may become our obligations. For example, under the Code and the related rules and regulations, each corporation that was a member of the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return group of our former Parent during a taxable period or portion of a taxable period ending on or before the effective date of the distribution is severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return group of our former Parent for that taxable period. Consequently, if HP Inc. is unable to pay the consolidated U.S. federal income tax liability for a pre-Separation period, we could be required to pay the amount of such tax, which could be substantial and in excess of the amount allocated to us under the tax matters agreement.
Potential liabilities may arise due to fraudulent transfer considerations, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with the Separation and distribution, our former Parent undertook several corporate reorganization transactions involving its subsidiaries which, along with the Separation and distribution, may be subject to federal and state fraudulent conveyance and transfer laws. If, under these laws, a court were to determine that, at the time of the Separation and distribution, any entity involved in these reorganization transactions or the Separation and distribution:

31

•
was insolvent;
•
was rendered insolvent by reason of the Separation and distribution;
•
had remaining assets constituting unreasonably small capital; or
•
intended to incur, or believed it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay these debts as they matured, then the court could void the Separation and distribution, in whole or in part, as a fraudulent conveyance or transfer. The court could then require our stockholders to return to HP Inc. some or all of the shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock issued in the distribution, or require HP Inc. or Hewlett Packard Enterprise, as the case may be, to fund liabilities of the other company for the benefit of creditors. The measure of insolvency will vary depending upon the jurisdiction whose law is being applied. Generally, however, an entity would be considered insolvent if the fair value of its assets was less than the amount of its liabilities, or if it incurred debt beyond its ability to repay the debt as it matures.


32

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
ITEM 2. Properties.
As of October 31, 2016, we owned or leased approximately 44 million square feet of space worldwide, a summary of the space actively in use by the Company is provided below.
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Total
 
(Square feet in millions)
Administration and support
8

 
16

 
24

(Percentage)
33
%
 
67
%
 
100
%
Core data centers, manufacturing plants, research and development facilities, and warehouse operations
10

 
5

 
15

(Percentage)
67
%
 
33
%
 
100
%
 Total(1)
18

 
21

 
39

(Percentage)
46
%
 
54
%
 
100
%
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Excludes 5 million square feet of vacated space, of which 2 million square feet is leased to third parties.
We believe that our existing properties are in good condition and are suitable for the conduct of our business. Because of the interrelation of our business segments, a majority of these segments use substantially all of the properties described above at least in part, and we retain the flexibility to use each of the properties in whole or in part for each of our segments.
Principal Executive Offices
Our principal executive offices, including our global headquarters, are located at 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States of America.
Product Development, Services and Manufacturing
The locations of our major product development, manufacturing, data centers, and Hewlett Packard Labs facilities are as follows:
Americas
 
 Brazil—Sao Paulo
  
 Canada—Markham, Mississauga
   
 Puerto Rico—Aguadilla
   
 United States—Alpharetta, Andover, Auburn Hills, Austin, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Fort Collins, Hockley, Houston, Palo Alto, Plano, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Suwanee, Tulsa
 
Europe, Middle East, Africa
 
 France—Grenoble, Lyon
  
 Germany—Frankfurt
   
 United Kingdom—Billingham, Erskine, Norwich, Sunderland
Asia Pacific
 
 India—Bangalore
  
 Japan—Tokyo
  
 Singapore—Singapore
 
Hewlett Packard Labs
  
 Israel—Haifa
   
 United Kingdom—Bristol
   
 United States—Palo Alto
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.
Information with respect to this item may be found in Note 17, "Litigation and Contingencies", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

33

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The common stock of Hewlett Packard Enterprise is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") with the ticker symbol "HPE." There were 68,146 stockholders of record of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock as of November 30, 2016. The high and low common stock sales prices per share for 2016 as follows:
 
 
2016
Fiscal Quarter
 
High
 
Low
First quarter
 
$
15.88

 
$
11.63

Second quarter
 
$
18.55

 
$
12.02

Third quarter
 
$
21.90

 
$
15.38

Fourth quarter
 
$
23.53

 
$
20.63

Dividends declared and paid per share by fiscal quarter in 2016 was as follows:
 
 
2016
 
 
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
Dividends declared
 
$
0.110

 
$
0.055

 
$
0.055

 
$
—

Dividends paid
 
$
0.055

 
$
0.055

 
$
0.055

 
$
0.055

On November 9, 2016, the Board of Directors increased the regular quarterly cash dividend from $0.055 to $0.065 per share. The payment of any dividends in the future, and the timing and amount thereof, is within the discretion of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors' decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, debt service obligations, restrictive covenants in our debt, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and on our access to the capital markets. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to pay a dividend in any future period.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs
 
 
In thousands, except per share amounts
Month #1 (August 2016)
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
3,336,730

Month #2 (September 2016)
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
3,336,730

Month #3 (October 2016)
 
3,259

 
$
20.72

 
3,259

 
$
3,336,730

Total
 
3,259

 
$
20.72

 
3,259

 
 
In November 2015 and May 2016, the Company entered into two separate accelerated share repurchase agreements ("ASR Agreements") with financial institutions, under which the Company paid upfront amounts of $1,075 million and $1,450 million, respectively. In the three months ended July 31, 2016, in relation to the May 2016 ASR Agreement, the Company received a delivery of 80% of the agreement value, which amounted to 144 million shares of the Company's common stock, while the remaining 20% was placed in an unsettled forward contract. The Company retired and recorded a $2.7 billion reduction to stockholders' equity, which comprised both ASR Agreements. During the three months ended October 31, 2016, the unsettled forward contract was settled and the Company received a final delivery of 3.3 million shares of the Company's common stock.
For the twelve months ended October 31, 2016, the total number of shares repurchased under the two ASR Agreements and the Company's open market repurchase activities was 158 million shares, based on the daily volume weighted-average stock price of the Company's common stock during the term of the transactions, plus transaction fees. See Note 15,

34

"Stockholders' Equity" to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
On October 13, 2015, the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Board of Directors announced the authorization of a $3.0 billion share repurchase program. On May 24, 2016, the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Board of Directors announced the authorization of an additional $3.0 billion under the Company's share repurchase program. Hewlett Packard Enterprise may choose to repurchase shares when sufficient liquidity exists and the shares are trading at a discount relative to estimated intrinsic value. These programs, which do not have a specific expiration date, authorize repurchases in the open market or in private transactions. As of October 31, 2016, the Company had a remaining authorization of $3.3 billion for future share repurchases.
Stock Performance Graph and Cumulative Total Return
The graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return, assuming the investment of $100 at the market close on October 30, 2015 (and the reinvestment of dividends thereafter), in each of HPE common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Information Technology Index. The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not indicative of, or intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.
hpe-1031201_chartx16477.jpg
 
 
Fiscal 2016
 
 
11/2015
 
1/2016
 
4/2016
 
7/2016
 
10/2016
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
 
$
100.00

 
$
95.30

 
$
115.78

 
$
146.51

 
$
157.00

S&P 500 Index
 
$
100.00

 
$
92.71

 
$
99.25

 
$
105.02

 
$
103.27

S&P Information Technology Index
 
$
100.00

 
$
92.88

 
$
94.74

 
$
104.96

 
$
109.74


35

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following table presents selected consolidated and combined financial data, which should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The Statement of Earnings data for each of the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and the Balance Sheet data as of October 31, 2016 and 2015 set forth below are derived from our audited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The Statement of Earnings data for the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, and the Balance Sheet data as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements that are not included in this Form 10-K. The Balance Sheet data as of October 31, 2012 is derived from our unaudited Combined and Condensed Financial Statements that are not included in this Form 10-K.
Prior to October 31, 2015, the Combined and Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Company reflect allocations of general corporate expenses from former Parent including, but not limited to, executive management, finance, legal, information technology, employee benefits administration, treasury, risk management, procurement, and other shared services. These allocations were made on a direct usage basis when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on the basis of revenue, expenses, headcount, or other relevant measures. Management of the Company and former Parent consider these allocations to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services by, or the benefits provided to, the Company. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expense the Company would have incurred as a standalone company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure.
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, in order to understand further the factors that may affect the comparability of the financial data presented below.



36

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Financial Data
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
In millions, except per share amounts
Statements of Earnings:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
50,123

 
$
52,107

 
$
55,123

 
$
57,371

 
$
61,042

Earnings (loss) from operations(1)
$
4,150

 
$
1,523

 
$
2,335

 
$
2,952

 
$
(14,139
)
Net earnings (loss)(1)
$
3,161

 
$
2,461

 
$
1,648

 
$
2,051

 
$
(14,761
)
Net earnings (loss) per share
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.84

 
$
1.36

 
$
0.91

 
$
1.14

 
$
(8.18
)
Diluted
$
1.82

 
$
1.34

 
$
0.90

 
$
1.12

 
$
(8.05
)
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.22

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Basic shares outstanding(2)
1,715

 
1,804

 
1,804

 
1,804

 
1,804

Diluted shares outstanding(2)
1,739

 
1,834

 
1,834

 
1,834

 
1,834

Balance Sheets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

At year-end:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total assets(3)
$
79,679

 
$
79,916

 
$
64,626

 
$
67,157

 
$
69,939

Long-term debt(4)
$
12,608

 
$
15,103

 
$
485

 
$
617

 
$
702

Total debt(4)
$
16,140

 
$
15,794

 
$
1,379

 
$
1,675

 
$
2,923

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Earnings (loss) from operations and net earnings (loss) include the following items:
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
In millions
Amortization of intangible assets
$
755

 
$
852

 
$
906

 
$
1,228

 
$
1,641

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets(5)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16,808

Restructuring charges
1,236

 
954

 
1,471

 
983

 
1,756

Acquisition and other related charges
178

 
89

 
11

 
21

 
35

Separation costs
598

 
801

 
—

 
—

 
—

Defined benefit plan settlement charges
—

 
225

 
—

 
—

 
—

Impairment of data center assets
—

 
136

 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
(2,420
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Tax indemnification adjustments(6)
(317
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Loss from equity interests(7)
93

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total charges before taxes
$
123

 
$
3,057

 
$
2,388

 
$
2,232

 
$
20,240

Adjustments for taxes
(594
)
 
(724
)
 
(510
)
 
(490
)
 
(1,598
)
Valuation allowances, net, and separation taxes(8)
—

 
(1,251
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Tax settlements(6)
647

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total charges, net of taxes
$
176

 
$
1,082

 
$
1,878

 
$
1,742

 
$
18,642

(2) For comparative purposes, the number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share as of October 31, 2015 is also used for the calculation of net earnings (loss) per share for prior periods presented.
(3)
Total assets increased in fiscal 2015 due to debt issuances and cash transfers from former Parent resulting from our separation capitalization plan.
(4)
In fiscal 2015, Total debt increased due to issuances resulting from our separation capitalization plan.
(5)
In fiscal 2012, Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets represents a goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $8.8 billion associated with the Autonomy reporting unit within the Software segment and a goodwill impairment charge of $8.0 billion associated with the Enterprise Services segment.
(6)
In fiscal 2016, Tax indemnification adjustments related to the potential settlement of certain pre-Separation Hewlett-Packard Company income tax liabilities, of which $328 million (reported within Tax indemnification adjustments) is indemnified by HP Inc. through the Tax Matters Agreement.

37

(7)
Represents the amortization of the basis difference resulting from the equity method investment in H3C. This amount does not include $32 million of the Company's share of H3C's net income, less $15 million for the elimination of profit on intra-entity sales.
(8)
In fiscal 2015, Valuation allowances, net, and separation taxes was due to an income tax benefit of $1.8 billion, resulting from the release of valuation allowances pertaining to certain U.S. deferred tax assets, partially offset by $486 million of tax charges to record valuation allowances on certain foreign deferred tax assets.

38

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is organized as follows:
•
Overview.  A discussion of our business and overall analysis of financial and other highlights affecting the Company to provide context for the remainder of MD&A. The overview analysis compares fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015.
•
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.  A discussion of accounting policies and estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results.
•
Results of Operations.  An analysis of our financial results comparing fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 to the prior year period. A discussion of the results of operations at the consolidated and combined level is followed by a discussion of the results of operations at the segment level.
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources.  An analysis of changes in our cash flows and a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity.
•
Contractual and Other Obligations.  An overview of contractual obligations, retirement and post-retirement benefit plan funding, restructuring plans, uncertain tax positions, off-balance sheet arrangements, and cross-indemnifications with HP Inc. (formerly known as "Hewlett-Packard Company" and also referred to in this Annual Report as "former Parent").
We intend the discussion of our financial condition and results of operations that follows to provide information that will assist the reader in understanding our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from year to year, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles, policies and estimates affect our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this document.
On November 1, 2015, HP Inc. spun-off Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (the "Separation"). To effect the spin-off, HP Inc. distributed all of the shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company common stock owned by HP Inc. to its shareholders on November 1, 2015. Holders of HP Inc. common stock received one share of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company stock for every share of HP Inc. stock held as of the record date. As a result of the spin-off, we now operate as an independent, publicly-traded company.
September 2016 Announcement of Spin-Off and Merger of Software Segment
On September 7, 2016, we announced plans to spin-off and merge our Software segment (“Seattle”) with Micro Focus International plc (“Micro Focus”), a global software company dedicated to delivering and supporting enterprise software solutions (collectively, the “Seattle Transaction”). Our decision will create two businesses that are stronger, more focused and better able to innovate and adapt in today's market, delivering faster outcomes to our customers. The combination of Seattle with Micro Focus will create one of the world's largest pure-play enterprise software companies. Upon the completion of the Seattle Transaction, which is currently targeted to be completed by approximately August 31, 2017, shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will own shares of both Hewlett Packard Enterprise and approximately 50.1% of the new combined company. As of the announcement date, the transaction is expected to deliver approximately $8.8 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This includes an equity stake for HPE shareholders in the new combined company valued at approximately $6.3 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership, and a cash dividend of $2.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Preceding the close of the Seattle Transaction, we expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $700 million to separate the Software segment from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The Seattle Transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approval by Micro Focus shareholders, the effective filing of certain registration statements, regulatory approvals, the anticipated tax treatment of the Seattle Transaction, the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the receipt of certain required foreign anti-trust approvals.

39

May 2016 Announcement of Enterprise Services Business Spin-Off and Merger
On May 24, 2016, we announced plans for a tax-free spin-off and merger of our Enterprise Services business ("Everett") with Computer Sciences Corporation ("CSC") (collectively, the "Everett Transaction"). Immediately following the Everett Transaction, which is currently targeted to be completed on or around April 1, 2017, shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will own shares of both Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and approximately 50.1% of the new combined company. Mr. J. Michael Lawrie, the current head of CSC, will become chairman, president and CEO of the new combined company and Ms. Margaret C. Whitman, President and CEO of HPE, will join the Board of Directors. Other executives and directors will be announced at a later date. As of the announcement date, the Everett Transaction is expected to deliver approximately $8.5 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This includes an equity stake for HPE shareholders in the new company valued at approximately $4.5 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership, a cash dividend of $1.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and the assumption of $2.5 billion of Hewlett Packard Enterprise net debt and other liabilities. Preceding the close of the Everett Transaction, we expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $900 million to separate the Enterprise Services business from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The majority of these costs will be offset by lower costs associated with the Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plan. The Everett Transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approval by CSC shareholders, the effective filing of related registration statements, completion of a tax-free spin-off, Everett debt exchange, the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the receipt of certain required foreign anti-trust approvals.
The following Overview, Results of Operations and Liquidity discussions and analysis compare fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2014, unless otherwise noted. The Capital Resources and Contractual and Other Obligations discussions present information as of October 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted.
        For purposes of this MD&A section, we use the terms "Hewlett Packard Enterprise," "HPE," "the Company," "we," "us," and "our" to refer to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company. References in this MD&A section to "former Parent" refer to HP Inc.
OVERVIEW
We are an industry leading technology company that enables customers to go further, faster. With the industry's most comprehensive portfolio, spanning the cloud to the data center to workplace applications, our technology and services help customers around the world make information technology ("IT") more efficient, more productive and more secure. Our legacy dates back to a partnership founded in 1939 by William R. Hewlett and David Packard, and we strive every day to uphold and enhance that legacy through our dedication to providing innovative technological solutions to our customers. We are a global company with customers ranging from small- and medium-sized businesses ("SMBs") to large global enterprises.
We organize our business into five segments for financial reporting purposes: the Enterprise Group ("EG"), Enterprise Services ("ES"), Software, Financial Services ("FS") and Corporate Investments. The following provides an overview of our key financial metrics by segment for fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015:
 
HPE
Consolidated
 
Enterprise
Group
 
Enterprise
Services
 
Software
 
FS
 
Corporate
Investments(3)
 
Dollars in millions, except for per share amounts
Net revenue(1)
$
50,123

 
$
27,219

 
$
18,872

 
$
3,195

 
$
3,190

 
$
3

Year-over-year change %
(3.8
)%
 
(2.5) %

 
(4.7
)%
 
(11.8
)%
 
(0.8) %

 
(57.1
)%
Earnings from operations(2)
$
4,150

 
$
3,459

 
$
1,457

 
$
749

 
$
336

 
$
(348
)
Earnings from operations as a % of net revenue
8.3
 %
 
12.7
 %
 
7.7
 %
 
23.4
 %
 
10.5
 %
 
NM

Year-over-year change percentage points
5.4
pts
 
(1.1
)pts
 
2.6
pts
 
1.6
pts
 
(0.4
)pts
 
NM

Net earnings
$
3,161

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net earnings per share
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.84

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Diluted
$
1.82

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
HPE consolidated and combined net revenue excludes intersegment net revenue and other.
(2)
Segment earnings from operations exclude corporate and unallocated costs and eliminations, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring charges, acquisition and other related charges, separation costs, defined benefit plan settlement charges, impairment of data center assets, and gains on the divestitures of H3C and MphasiS.

40

(3)
"NM" represents not meaningful.
Net revenue decreased 3.8% (decreased 0.5% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. The leading contributors to the net revenue decrease were unfavorable currency fluctuations, a net revenue decline in ES due to weak demand across the Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") region, a net revenue decline in EG due to lower revenue from the Technology Services ("TS") business unit and the impact of the H3C divestiture, and lower Software revenue due to divestitures and the transfer of a business to former Parent at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Gross margin was 29.2% ($14.6 billion) and 28.7% ($14.9 billion) for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 0.5 percentage point increase in gross margin was due primarily to service delivery efficiencies as a result of cost savings associated with our ongoing restructuring programs in ES, partially offset by lower gross margin in Software. We continue to experience gross margin pressures resulting from a competitive pricing environment across our hardware portfolio. Operating margin increased by 5.4 percentage points in fiscal 2016 due primarily to gains associated with the H3C and MphasiS divestitures.
As of October 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments were approximately $13.0 billion, representing an increase of approximately $2.9 billion from the October 31, 2015 balance of approximately $10.1 billion. The increase in cash and cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments was due primarily to the following factors: cash received from operating cash flows of $5.0 billion, net proceeds from business divestitures of $3.3 billion and a final cash allocation of $0.5 billion from former Parent; partially offset primarily by investments in property, plant and equipment net of sales proceeds of $2.8 billion, cash utilization for share repurchases of $2.7 billion and cash dividend payments of $0.4 billion.
Trends and Uncertainties
We are in the process of addressing many challenges facing our business. One set of challenges relates to dynamic and accelerating market trends, such as the market shift to cloud-related IT infrastructure, software and services, and the growth in software-as-a-service ("SaaS") business models. Certain of our legacy hardware businesses face challenges as customers migrate to cloud-based offerings and reduce their purchases of hardware products. Additionally, our legacy software business derives a large portion of its revenues from upfront license sales, some of which over time can be expected to shift to SaaS. Another set of challenges relates to changes in the competitive landscape. Our major competitors are expanding their product and service offerings with integrated products and solutions, our business-specific competitors are exerting increased competitive pressure in targeted areas and are entering new markets, our emerging competitors are introducing new technologies and business models, and our alliance partners in some businesses are increasingly becoming our competitors in others. A third set of challenges relates to business model changes and our go-to-market execution.
The macroeconomic weakness we have experienced has moderated in some geographic regions but remains an overall challenge. A discussion of some of these challenges at the segment level is set forth below.
•
In EG, we are experiencing challenges due to multiple market trends, including the shift of workloads to cloud deployment models, emergence of software-defined architectures, growth in IT consumption models and a highly competitive pricing environment. In addition, demand for core server products and traditional storage has weakened. The effect of lower traditional compute and storage revenue is impacting support attach opportunities in Technology Services ("TS"). To be successful in overcoming these challenges, we must address business model shifts and optimize go-to-market execution by improving cost structure, aligning sales incentives with strategic goals, improving channel execution, and strengthening our capabilities in our areas of strategic focus, while continuing to pursue new product innovation that builds on our existing capabilities in areas such as cloud and data center computing, software-defined networking, converged storage, high-performance compute, and wireless networking.
•
In ES, we are facing challenges, including managing the revenue runoff from several large contracts, weak demand across the EMEA region, particularly the UK public sector business and a competitive pricing environment. We are also experiencing commoditization in the IT infrastructure services market that is placing pressure on traditional infrastructure technology outsourcing ("ITO") pricing and cost structures. There is also an industry-wide shift to highly automated, asset-light delivery of IT infrastructure and applications leading to headcount consolidation. To continue to be successful in addressing these challenges, we must continue to execute on the ES multi-year turnaround plan, which includes a cost reduction initiative to align our costs to our revenue trajectory, a focus on new logo wins and Strategic Enterprise Services ("SES") and initiatives to improve execution in sales performance and accountability, contracting practices and pricing. On May 24, 2016, we announced plans for a tax-free spin-off and merger of our Enterprise Services business with Computer Sciences Corporation. For further details, see Item 1, "Business", which is incorporated herein by reference.
•
In Software, we are facing challenges, including the market shift to SaaS and go-to-market execution challenges. To be successful in addressing these challenges, we must improve our go-to-market execution with multiple product delivery models which better address customer needs and achieve broader integration across our overall product

41

portfolio as we work to capitalize on important market opportunities in cloud, big data and security. On September 7, 2016, we announced plans for a spin-off and merger of our Software segment with Micro Focus International plc. For further details, see Item 1, "Business", which is incorporated herein by reference.
To address these challenges, we continue to pursue innovation with a view towards developing new products and services aligned with market demand, industry trends and the needs of our customers and partners. In addition, we need to continue to improve our operations, with a particular focus on enhancing our end-to-end processes and efficiencies. We also need to continue to optimize our sales coverage models, align our sales incentives with our strategic goals, improve channel execution, strengthen our capabilities in our areas of strategic focus, and develop and capitalize on market opportunities.
For a further discussion of trends, uncertainties and other factors that could impact our operating results, see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A, which is incorporated herein by reference.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
General
The Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), which requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenue and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of HPE's Board of Directors. Management believes that the accounting estimates employed and the resulting amounts are reasonable; however, actual results may differ from these estimates. Making estimates and judgments about future events is inherently unpredictable and is subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Should any of these estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been incorrect, it could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
A summary of significant accounting policies is included in Note 1, "Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably possible could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect the significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, as well as when other revenue recognition principles are met, including industry-specific revenue recognition guidance.
We enter into contracts to sell our products and services, and while many of our sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, there are agreements we enter into which contain non-standard terms and conditions. Further, many of our arrangements include multiple elements. As a result, significant contract interpretation may be required to determine the appropriate accounting, including the identification of deliverables considered to be separate units of accounting, the allocation of the transaction price among elements in the arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition for each of those elements.
We recognize revenue for delivered elements as separate units of accounting when the delivered elements have standalone value to the customer. For elements with no standalone value, we recognize revenue consistent with the pattern of the undelivered elements. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated refund or return right or other contingency relative to the delivered items and the delivery and performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially within our control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In arrangements with combined units of accounting, changes in the allocation of the transaction price among elements may impact the timing of revenue recognition for the contract but will not change the total revenue recognized for the contract.
We establish the selling prices used for each deliverable based on vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of selling price, if available, third-party evidence ("TPE"), if VSOE of selling price is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP"), if neither VSOE of selling price nor TPE is available. We establish 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. ESP is established based on management's judgment considering internal

42

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. We may modify or develop new go-to-market practices in the future, which may result in changes in selling prices, impacting both VSOE of selling price and ESP. In most arrangements with multiple elements, the transaction price is allocated to the individual units of accounting at inception of the arrangement based on their relative selling price. However, the aforementioned factors may result in a different allocation of the transaction price to deliverables in multiple element arrangements entered into in future periods. This may change the pattern and timing of revenue recognition for identical arrangements executed in future periods, but will not change the total revenue recognized for any given arrangement.
We reduce revenue for customer and distributor programs and incentive offerings, including price protection, rebates, promotions, other volume-based incentives and expected returns. Future market conditions and product transitions may require us to take actions to increase customer incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time the incentive is offered. For certain incentive programs, we estimate the number of customers expected to redeem the incentive based on historical experience and the specific terms and conditions of the incentive.
For hardware products, we recognize revenue generated from direct sales to end customers and indirect sales to channel partners (including resellers, distributors and value-added solution providers) when the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied. For indirect sales to channel partners, we recognize revenue at the time of delivery when the channel partner has economic substance apart from the Company and the Company has completed its obligations related to the sale.
For the various software products we sell (e.g., big data analytics and applications, application testing and delivery management, enterprise security, and IT operations management), we assess whether the software products were sold on a standalone basis or with hardware products. If the software sold with a hardware product is not essential to the functionality of the hardware product and is more-than incidental, we treat it as a software deliverable.
We recognize revenue from the sale of perpetual software licenses at inception of the license term, assuming all revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Term-based software license revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the license. We use the residual method to allocate revenue to software licenses at inception of the arrangement when VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements, such as post-contract customer support, exists and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Revenue from maintenance and unspecified upgrades or updates provided on a when-and-if-available basis is recognized ratably over the period during which such items are delivered.
For hosting or SaaS arrangements, we recognize revenue as the service is delivered, generally on a straight-line basis, over the contractual period of performance. In hosting arrangements, we consider the rights provided to the customer (e.g. whether the customer has the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty and the feasibility of the customer to operate or contract with another vendor to operate the software) in determining whether the arrangement includes the sale of a software license. In hosting arrangements where software licenses are sold, license revenue is generally recognized according to whether perpetual or term licenses are sold, when all other revenue recognition criteria are satisfied.
We recognize revenue from fixed-price support or maintenance contracts, including extended warranty contracts and software post-contract customer support agreements, ratably over the contract period. For certain fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, we recognize revenue as work progresses using a proportional performance method. We estimate the total expected labor costs in order to determine the amount of revenue earned to date. We apply a proportional performance method because reasonably dependable estimates of the labor costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. On fixed-price contracts for design and build projects (to design, develop and construct software infrastructure and systems), we recognize revenue as work progresses using the percentage-of-completion method. We use the cost-to-cost method to measure progress toward completion as determined by the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs of the project. Total project costs are regularly reassessed during the life of a fixed-price contract. Provisions for estimated losses on fixed-price contracts are recognized in the period when such losses become known and are recorded as a component of cost of sales. In circumstances when reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made we recognize revenue using the completed contract method.
Outsourcing services revenue is generally recognized in the period when the service is provided and the amount earned is not contingent on the occurrence of any future event. We recognize revenue using an objective measure of output for per unit-priced contracts. Revenue for fixed-price outsourcing contracts with periodic billings is recognized on a straight-line basis if the service is provided evenly over the contract term. Provisions for estimated losses on outsourcing arrangements are recognized in the period when such losses become probable and estimable and are recorded as a component of cost of sales.

43

Warranty
We accrue the estimated cost of product warranties at the time we recognize revenue. We evaluate our warranty obligations on a product group basis. Our standard product warranty terms generally include post-sales support and repairs or replacement of a product at no additional charge for a specified period of time. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers, we base our estimated warranty obligation on contractual warranty terms, repair costs, product call rates, average cost per call, current period product shipments and ongoing product failure rates, as well as specific product class failure outside of our baseline experience. Warranty terms generally range from one to five years for parts and labor, depending upon the product. Over the last three fiscal years, the annual warranty expense has averaged approximately 2.1% of annual net product revenue.
Restructuring
We have engaged in restructuring actions which require management to estimate the timing and amount of severance and other employee separation costs for workforce reduction and enhanced early retirement programs, the fair value of assets made redundant or obsolete, and the fair value of lease cancellation and other exit costs. We accrue for severance and other employee separation costs under these actions when it is probable that benefits will be paid and the amount is reasonably estimable. The rates used in determining severance accruals are based on existing plans, historical experiences and negotiated settlements. For a full description of our restructuring actions, refer to our discussions of restructuring in "Results of Operations" below and in Note 3, "Restructuring", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefits
Our pension and other post-retirement benefit costs and obligations depend on various assumptions. Our major assumptions relate primarily to discount rates, mortality rates, expected increases in compensation levels and the expected long-term return on plan assets. The discount rate assumption is based on current investment yields of high-quality fixed-income securities with maturities similar to the expected benefits payment period. Mortality rates help predict the expected life of plan participants and are based on a historical demographic study of the plan. The expected increase in the compensation levels assumption reflects our long-term actual experience and future expectations. The expected long-term return on plan assets is determined based on asset allocations, historical portfolio results, historical asset correlations and management's expected returns for each asset class. In any fiscal year, significant differences may arise between the actual return and the expected long-term return on plan assets. Historically, differences between the actual return and expected long-term return on plan assets have resulted from changes in target or actual asset allocation, short-term performance relative to expected long-term performance, and to a lesser extent, differences between target and actual investment allocations, the timing of benefit payments compared to expectations, and the use of derivatives intended to effect asset allocation changes or hedge certain investment or liability exposures.
Our major assumptions vary by plan, and the weighted-average rates used are set forth in Note 4, "Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. The following table provides the impact changes in the weighted-average assumptions of discount rates, the expected increase in compensation levels and the expected long-term return on plan assets would have had on our net periodic benefit cost for fiscal 2016:
 
Change in basis
 points
 
Change in Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
In millions
Assumptions:
 

 
 

Discount rate
(25
)
 
$
69

Expected increase in compensation levels
25

 
$
10

Expected long-term return on plan assets
(25
)
 
$
42

Taxes on Earnings
For fiscal 2015 and prior, current income tax liabilities related to entities which filed jointly with former Parent are assumed to be immediately settled with former Parent and are relieved through the former Parent company investment account and the Net transfers to former Parent in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. Income tax expense and other income tax related information contained in our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements are presented on a separate return basis as if we filed our own tax returns. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the standalone financial statements as if we were a separate taxpayer and a standalone enterprise for the periods presented. The calculation of our income taxes on a separate return basis required a considerable amount of judgment and use

44

of both estimates and allocations. As of November 1, 2015, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was formally separated from former Parent; as such, any current income tax liabilities generated by Hewlett Packard Enterprise will be settled by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and no longer included with tax filings of former Parent.
As of November 1, 2015, we calculate our current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the final positions reflected in our income tax returns. We will adjust our current and deferred tax provisions based on our tax returns which are generally filed in the third or fourth quarters of the subsequent fiscal year.
We recognize 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 in which we expect the differences to reverse.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that we are more likely than not to realize. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we consider future market growth, forecasted earnings, future sources of taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In the event we were to determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, we would increase the valuation allowance and recognize a corresponding charge to earnings or other comprehensive income in the period in which we make such a determination. Likewise, if we later determine that we are more likely than not to realize the deferred tax assets, we would reverse the applicable portion of the previously recognized valuation allowance. In order for us to realize our deferred tax assets, we must be able to generate sufficient taxable income in the jurisdictions in which the deferred tax assets are located.
Our effective tax rate includes the impact of certain undistributed foreign earnings for which we have not provided for U.S. federal taxes because we plan to reinvest such earnings indefinitely outside the U.S. We plan distributions of foreign earnings based on projected cash flow needs as well as the working capital and long-term investment requirements of our foreign subsidiaries and our domestic operations. Based on these assumptions, we estimate the amount we expect to indefinitely invest outside the U.S. and the amounts we expect to distribute to the U.S. and provide for the U.S. federal taxes due on amounts expected to be distributed to the U.S. Further, as a result of certain employment actions and capital investments we have undertaken, income from manufacturing activities in certain jurisdictions is subject to reduced tax rates and, in some cases, is wholly exempt from taxes for fiscal years through 2024. Material changes in our estimates of cash, working capital and long-term investment requirements in the various jurisdictions in which we do business could impact how future earnings are repatriated to the U.S., and our related future effective tax rate.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and approximately 110 other countries, and we are subject to routine corporate income tax audits in many of these jurisdictions. We believe that positions taken on our tax returns are fully supported, but tax authorities may challenge these positions, which may not be fully sustained on examination by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, our income tax provision includes amounts intended to satisfy assessments that may result from these challenges. Determining the income tax provision for these potential assessments and recording the related effects requires management judgments and estimates. The amounts ultimately paid on resolution of an audit could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax provision and, therefore, could have a material impact on our income tax provision, net income and cash flows. Our accrual for uncertain tax positions is attributable primarily to uncertainties concerning the tax treatment of our international operations, including the allocation of income among different jurisdictions, intercompany transactions and related interest, as well as pre-Separation income tax liabilities of HP Inc. for which the Company is joint and severally liable. For a further discussion on taxes on earnings, refer to Note 6, "Taxes on Earnings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Inventory
We state our inventory at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. We make adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value at the product group level for estimated excess or obsolescence. Factors influencing these adjustments include changes in demand, technological changes, product life-cycle and development plans, component cost trends, product pricing, physical deterioration, and quality issues.
Business Combinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the assets acquired, including in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquiree generally based on their fair values at the acquisition date. 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, we will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to our Consolidated and Combined Statement of Earnings in the period it is abandoned. The excess of

45

the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of these assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in the acquiree is recorded as goodwill.
When determining the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquiree, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, expected future cash flows, which includes consideration of future growth rates and margins, attrition rates, future changes in technology and brand awareness, loyalty and position, and discount rates. Fair value estimates are based on the assumptions management believes a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.
Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. We are permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. We perform a quantitative test for each of our reporting units as part of our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. As of October 31, 2016, our reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 2, "Segment Information", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. In the first step of the goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived most significantly from the income approach and, to a lesser extent, the market approach. Under the income approach, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the reporting unit's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit. We weight the fair value derived from the market approach depending on the level of comparability of these publicly traded companies to the reporting unit. When market comparables are not meaningful or not available, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the income approach. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price could provide evidence of a need to record a goodwill impairment charge. For the Software and Enterprise Services ("ES") reporting units, the Company primarily utilized their respective spin-off and merger transaction values to estimate fair value.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and the determination of appropriate comparable publicly traded companies. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to individual reporting units to determine the carrying amount of each reporting unit.
If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the reporting unit's assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests are measured at fair value in a hypothetical analysis to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis, which we performed as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, did not result in any impairment charges. The excess of fair value over carrying amount for our reporting units ranged from 13% to approximately 154% of carrying amounts. The Software reporting unit has the lowest excess of fair value over carrying amount at 13%.
In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimated fair value of our reporting units in the goodwill impairment test, we applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair value of each reporting unit. Based on the results of this hypothetical 10% decrease all of the reporting units had an excess of fair value over carrying value. As noted above, the fair value of the Software reporting unit was estimated using the amount the Seattle Transaction is expected to deliver to our shareholders on an after-tax basis. A significant and sustained decline in the Micro Focus stock price could provide evidence of a need to record a goodwill impairment charge.

46

Intangible Assets
We review intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of our finite-lived intangible assets is assessed based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the finite-lived intangible assets are considered to be impaired. The amount of the impairment loss, if any, is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. We estimate the fair value of finite-lived intangible assets by using an income approach or, when available and appropriate, using a market approach.
Equity Method Investments
Investments and ownership interests are accounted for under equity method accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not have a controlling financial interest. We record our interest in the net earnings of equity method investees based on the most recently available financial statements of the investees, along with adjustments for unrealized profits or losses on intra-entity transactions and amortization of basis differences, within Loss from equity interests. Profits or losses related to intra-entity sales with our equity method investees are eliminated until realized by us or investee. Basis differences represent differences between the cost of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets of the investment and are generally amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to them.
The carrying amount of the investment in equity interests is adjusted to reflect our interest in net earnings, dividends received and other-than-temporary impairments. We review for impairment whenever factors indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. In such a case, the decrease in value is recognized and charged to earnings in the period the impairment occurs.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments to manage a variety of risks, including risks related to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We use forwards, swaps and options to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. At October 31, 2016, the gross notional amount of our derivative portfolio was $35.3 billion. Assets and liabilities related to derivative instruments are measured at fair value, and were $769 million and $228 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2016.
Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. The determination of fair value often involves significant judgments about assumptions such as determining an appropriate discount rate that factors in both risk and liquidity premiums, identifying the similarities and differences in market transactions, weighting those differences accordingly and then making the appropriate adjustments to those market transactions to reflect the risks specific to the asset or liability being valued. We generally use industry standard valuation models to measure the fair value of our derivative positions. When prices in active markets are not available for an identical asset or liability, we use industry standard valuation models to measure fair value. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market based observable inputs, including interest rate curves, Company and counterparty credit risk, foreign currency exchange rates, and forward and spot prices.
For a further discussion of fair value measurements and derivative instruments, refer to Note 11, "Fair Value" and Note 12, "Financial Instruments", respectively, to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Loss Contingencies
We are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings including those consisting of IP, commercial, securities, employment, employee benefits, and environmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability of having incurred a liability and the estimated amount of the liability. We review these matters at least quarterly and adjust these liabilities to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other updated information and events, pertaining to a particular case. Based on our experience, we believe that any damage amounts claimed in the specific litigation and contingency matters further discussed in Note 17, "Litigation and Contingencies", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements are not a meaningful indicator of our potential liability. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. However, we believe we have valid defenses with respect to legal matters pending against us. Nevertheless, cash flows or results of operations could be materially affected in any particular period by the resolution of one or more of these contingencies. We believe we have recorded adequate

47

provisions for any such matters and, as of October 31, 2016, it was not reasonably possible that a material loss had been incurred in connection with such matters in excess of the amounts recognized in our financial statements.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, see Note 1, "Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue from our international operations has historically represented, and we expect will continue to represent, a majority of our overall net revenue. As a result, our revenue growth has been impacted, and we expect will continue to be impacted, by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to provide a framework for assessing performance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we present the year-over-year percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis, which assumes no change in foreign currency exchange rates from the prior-year period and doesn't adjust for any repricing or demand impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This information is provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends. This constant currency disclosure is provided in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the year-over-year percentage change in revenue on a GAAP basis. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
Results of operations in dollars and as a percentage of net revenue were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars
 
% of Revenue
 
Dollars
 
% of Revenue
 
Dollars
 
% of Revenue
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
50,123

 
100.0
 %
 
$
52,107

 
100.0
 %
 
$
55,123

 
100.0
 %
Cost of sales
35,507

 
70.8
 %
 
37,168

 
71.3
 %
 
39,486

 
71.6
 %
Gross profit
14,616

 
29.2
 %
 
14,939

 
28.7
 %
 
15,637

 
28.4
 %
Research and development
2,298

 
4.6
 %
 
2,338

 
4.5
 %
 
2,197

 
4.0
 %
Selling, general and administrative
7,821

 
15.6
 %
 
8,025

 
15.4
 %
 
8,717

 
15.8
 %
Amortization of intangible assets
755

 
1.4
 %
 
852

 
1.7
 %
 
906

 
1.7
 %
Restructuring charges
1,236

 
2.5
 %
 
954

 
1.8
 %
 
1,471

 
2.7
 %
Acquisition and other related charges
178

 
0.4
 %
 
89

 
0.2
 %
 
11

 
—

Separation costs
598

 
1.2
 %
 
797

 
1.5
 %
 
—

 
—

Defined benefit plan settlement charges
—

 
—

 
225

 
0.4
 %
 
—

 
—

Impairment of data center assets
—

 
—

 
136

 
0.3
 %
 
—

 
—

Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
(2,420
)
 
(4.8
)%
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Earnings from operations
4,150

 
8.3
 %
 
1,523

 
2.9
 %
 
2,335

 
4.2
 %
Interest and other, net
(312
)
 
(0.6
)%
 
(51
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(91
)
 
(0.1
)%
Tax indemnification adjustments
317

 
0.6
 %
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Loss from equity interests
(76
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Earnings before taxes
4,079

 
8.1
 %
 
1,470

 
2.8
 %
 
2,244

 
4.1
 %
(Provision) benefit for taxes
(918
)
 
(1.8
)%
 
991

 
1.9
 %
 
(596
)
 
(1.1
)%
Net earnings
$
3,161

 
6.3
 %
 
$
2,461

 
4.7
 %
 
$
1,648

 
3.0
 %

48

Net Revenue
The components of the weighted net revenue change by segment were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Percentage Points
Enterprise Services
(1.8
)
 
(4.7
)
Enterprise Group
(1.3
)
 
0.3

Software
(0.8
)
 
(0.6
)
Financial Services
—

 
(0.5
)
Corporate Investments/Other(1)
0.1

 
—

Total HPE
(3.8
)

(5.5
)
____________________________________________________________________
(1)
Primarily related to the elimination of intersegment net revenue.
Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
In fiscal 2016, total HPE net revenue decreased 3.8% (decreased 0.5% on a constant currency basis). U.S. net revenue increased 3.2% to $19.6 billion, while net revenue from outside of the U.S. decreased 7.8% to $30.5 billion.
From a segment perspective, the primary factors contributing to the change in total Company net revenue are summarized as follows:
•
ES net revenue decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, particularly in the EMEA region, revenue runoff in key accounts and the divestiture of MphasiS in fiscal 2016;
•
EG net revenue decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations and the impact of the H3C divestiture in May 2016, which impacted each of the EG business units, primarily Networking and TS;
•
Software net revenue decreased due primarily to business divestitures, unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, led primarily by weakness in the euro, the impact of the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent, and ongoing declines in license revenue; and
•
FS net revenue decreased due to unfavorable currency fluctuations and lower asset management activity due primarily to lower fixed term renewals.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
In fiscal 2015, total HPE net revenue decreased 5.5% (flat on a constant currency basis) as compared to fiscal 2014. U.S. net revenue decreased 3.7% to $19.0 billion, while net revenue from outside of the U.S. decreased 6.5% to $33.1 billion.
From a segment perspective, the primary factors contributing to the change in total Company net revenue are summarized as follows:
•
ES net revenue decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, revenue runoff in key accounts and weak growth in new and existing accounts;
•
Software net revenue decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations and declines in license revenue;
•
FS net revenue decreased due to unfavorable currency fluctuations, led primarily by weakness in the euro, and lower asset management activity primarily in customer buyouts; and
•
EG net revenue increased due primarily to growth in industry standard servers ("ISS") and revenue resulting from our acquisition of Aruba in May 2015.
Gross Margin
Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
HPE's gross margin increased by 0.5 percentage points for fiscal 2016 as compared with fiscal 2015. From a segment perspective, the primary factors impacting gross margin performance are summarized as follows:

49

•
ES gross margin increased due primarily to service delivery efficiencies as a result of cost savings associated with our ongoing restructuring programs, including improvements in our headcount mix that resulted in a higher percentage of our headcount in lower cost locations;
•
EG gross margin decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, competitive pricing pressures and a decline in TS gross margin due to a lower mix of traditional support solutions;
•
FS gross margin increased due to lower bad debt expense, higher margins on remarketing sales and higher portfolio margins due to an increase in average portfolio assets; and
•
Software gross margin decreased due primarily to a lower mix in license and support revenue.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
HPE's gross margin increased by 0.3 percentage points for fiscal 2015 compared with fiscal 2014. From a segment perspective, the primary factors impacting gross margin performance are summarized as follows:
•
ES gross margin increased due primarily to service delivery efficiencies and improving profit performance in under-performing contracts;
•
EG gross margin decreased due primarily to a higher revenue mix of ISS products, unfavorable currency fluctuations and competitive pricing;
•
FS gross margin decreased due to unfavorable currency fluctuations, lower margins in customer buyouts and lower portfolio margin due to competitive pricing; and
•
Software gross margin decreased due to a lower mix of license revenue.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development
R&D expense decreased 2% in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to a decrease in R&D expense in the Software segment due to the impact of divestitures in that segment, a decrease in R&D expense in Networking in the EG segment due to the H3C divestiture, and favorable currency fluctuations, partially offset by an increase in R&D expense in Servers within the EG segment. We continue to make investments in our strategic focus areas of cloud, security, big data, and mobility.
R&D expense increased by 6% in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to increases in Networking (due in part to the acquisition of Aruba) and Technology Services in the EG segment and in Hewlett Packard Labs, partially offset by favorable currency fluctuations.
Selling, General and Administrative
SG&A expense decreased 3% for fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to favorable foreign currency fluctuations, lower indirect separation expenses in the current period, gains from business divestitures, and lower expenses in the current period resulting from divestitures, primarily H3C.
SG&A expense decreased 8% for fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to favorable currency fluctuations and declines in go-to-market costs as a result of lower commissions and productivity initiatives. The decrease was partially offset by higher administrative expenses due to expenses in the period from Aruba and indirect Separation-related activities.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization expense decreased in fiscal 2016 and 2015 as compared to the prior-year periods, due primarily to certain intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions reaching the end of their respective amortization periods, partially offset in both periods by the addition of intangible assets resulting from the Aruba acquisition.
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to higher charges from the restructuring plan we announced in September 2015 (the "2015 Plan"), which is in connection with the Separation.
Restructuring charges decreased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to lower charges from the multi-year restructuring plan initially announced in May 2012 (the "2012 Plan"), partially offset by charges from the 2015 Plan.

50

Acquisition and Other Related Charges
Acquisition and other related charges increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to charges resulting from the divestiture of H3C, partially offset by lower charges from the acquisition of Aruba.
Acquisition and other related charges increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to charges resulting from the acquisition of Aruba, including a non-cash inventory fair value adjustment charge.
Separation Costs
Separation costs include costs resulting from the Separation in fiscal 2015 and costs resulting from the Everett and Seattle transactions.
Separation costs decreased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due to lower costs from the Separation, partially offset by costs from the Everett and Seattle transactions. The decline in costs resulting from the Separation was due primarily to lower third-party consulting, contractor fees and other deal execution costs, partially offset by higher marketing and one-time Hewlett Packard Enterprise branding-related expenses. The costs from the Everett and Seattle transactions consist primarily of amounts for third-party consulting expenses.
Separation costs for fiscal 2015 were primarily related to third-party consulting, contractor fees and other incremental costs.
Defined Benefit Plan Settlement Charges
Defined benefit plan settlement charges in fiscal 2015 were related to U.S. defined benefit plan settlement expense and net periodic benefit cost resulting from former Parent's voluntary lump sum program announced in January 2015.
Impairment of Data Center Assets
Impairment of data center assets in fiscal 2015 resulted from our exit from several ES data centers.
Gain on H3C and MphasiS Divestitures
The gain on these divestitures resulted from the sale of 51% of our H3C Technologies and China-based server, storage and technology services businesses and the sale of our equity stake in MphasiS Limited.
Interest and Other, Net
Interest and other, net expense increased by $261 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to higher interest expense from higher average borrowings and unfavorable currency fluctuations, partially offset by higher interest income.
Interest and other, net expense decreased by $38 million in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due to lower interest expense from lower average borrowings and a decrease in miscellaneous other expense.
Tax Indemnification Adjustments
Tax indemnification adjustments of $317 million in fiscal 2016 resulted from the potential settlement of certain pre-Separation tax liabilities for which the Company and HP Inc. share joint and several liability, and for which the Company is partially indemnified by HP Inc. under the Tax Matters Agreement.
Loss from Equity Interests
Loss from equity interests primarily represents our 49% interest in a partnership with Tsinghua Holdings in H3C. Loss from equity interests increased by $74 million due to the investment in H3C during fiscal 2016. The loss is primarily the result of the amortization of our interest in the basis difference of $93 million.
Provision for Taxes
Our effective tax rates were 22.5%, (67.4%) and 26.6% in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our effective tax rate generally differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to favorable tax rates associated with certain earnings from our operations in lower tax jurisdictions throughout the world. The jurisdictions with favorable tax rates that had the most significant impact on the Company's effective tax rate in the periods presented include Puerto Rico, China and Singapore. The Company plans to reinvest earnings of these jurisdictions indefinitely outside the U.S., and therefore have not provided for U.S. taxes on those indefinitely reinvested earnings.

51

In fiscal 2016, we recorded $249 million of net income tax charges related to items unique to the year. These amounts primarily included $714 million of income tax charges related to pre-Separation tax matters, of which $647 million is related to the effect of the potential settlement of certain pre-Separation Hewlett-Packard Company income tax liabilities, and $169 million of income tax charges resulting from a gain on H3C divestiture, the effects of which were partially offset by $270 million of income tax benefits on Acquisition and other related charges, and Separation costs, $212 million of income tax benefits on Restructuring charges, and $124 million of income tax benefits resulting from a gain on MphasiS divestiture.
In fiscal 2015, we recorded $1.6 billion of net income tax benefits related to items unique to the year. These amounts primarily included $1.8 billion income tax benefits due to a release of valuation allowances pertaining to certain U.S. deferred tax assets, $447 million of income tax benefits related to restructuring and Separation-related costs, and $131 million of income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, the effects of which were partially offset by $486 million of tax charges to record valuation allowances on certain foreign deferred tax assets and $217 million of income tax charges related to state tax impacts of the separation of deferred taxes under the Separate Return Method.
In fiscal 2014, we recorded $113 million of net income tax benefits related to items unique to the year. These amounts included $66 million of income tax benefits related to provision to return adjustments and $35 million of income tax benefits related to state rate changes.
For a reconciliation of our effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and further explanation of our provision for taxes, see Note 6, "Taxes on Earnings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Segment Information
A description of the products and services for each segment can be found in Note 2, "Segment Information", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. Future changes to this organizational structure may result in changes to the segments disclosed.
In connection with a strategic review of its software business by former Parent prior to the Separation, the marketing optimization software product group, a business which was historically managed by us and is included in our Software segment financial information prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, was retained by HP Inc. following the Separation. The strategic review determined that these software assets no longer aligned with the software business' strategic charter as they were outside the go-to-market focus of selling to IT departments.
Enterprise Group
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
27,219

 
$
27,907

 
$
27,727

Earnings from operations
$
3,459

 
$
3,862

 
$
3,909

Earnings from operations as a % of net revenue
12.7
%
 
13.8
%
 
14.1
%
The components of net revenue and the weighted net revenue change by business unit were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
Net Revenue
 
Weighted Net Revenue Change
Percentage Points
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
Dollars in millions
 
 
 
 
Technology Services
$
7,160

 
$
7,662

 
$
8,383

 
(1.8
)
 
(2.6
)
Servers
14,019

 
14,219

 
13,401

 
(0.7
)
 
3.0

Storage
3,065

 
3,180

 
3,315

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.6
)
Networking
2,975

 
2,846

 
2,628

 
0.5

 
0.8

Total Enterprise Group
$
27,219

 
$
27,907

 
$
27,727

 
(2.5
)
 
0.6


52

Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
EG net revenue decreased 2.5% (increased 0.6% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2016. The decrease in EG net revenue was due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations led by the euro and the impact of the H3C divestiture in May 2016, which impacted each of the EG business units, primarily Networking and TS. EG continues to experience revenue growth challenges due to market trends, including the shift of workloads to cloud deployment models, emergence of software-defined architectures, growth in IT consumption models, and a highly competitive pricing environment.
TS net revenue decreased 7% due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, the impact of the H3C divestiture and the discontinuation of support service attach revenue from hardware products sold by former Parent. Partially offsetting the TS revenue decline was growth in HPE Data Center Care and HPE Proactive Care support solutions. Servers net revenue decreased 1% due to unfavorable currency fluctuations and a decrease in unit volumes, partially offset by higher average unit prices ("AUPs"). The decrease in unit volumes was primarily in the Tower and Rack product categories within industry standard servers, due to market softness in the enterprise and small and medium business market sectors. The increase in AUPs was experienced across each of the industry standard servers product portfolio, resulting from increased option attach activity. Storage net revenue decreased 4% as a result of unfavorable currency fluctuations and a decline in traditional storage products, the effects of which were partially offset by growth in Converged Storage solutions led by higher revenue from 3PAR All-Flash Array products. Networking net revenue increased 5% due to double-digit revenue growth in wireless local area network ("WLAN") products, led by Aruba, partially offset by lower revenues resulting from the H3C divestiture.
EG earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue decreased 1.1% year-over-year as a result of a decrease in gross margin and an increase in operating expenses as percentage of net revenue. The gross margin decrease was due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, competitive pricing pressures and a decline in TS gross margin due to lower mix of traditional support solutions partially offset by improved gross margins in Networking from Aruba and higher option attach rates in Servers. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was due primarily to higher administrative expenses and R&D investments, partially offset by favorable currency fluctuations and the impact of the H3C divestiture.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
EG net revenue increased 0.6% (increased 6.2% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2015. The increase in EG net revenue was due primarily to growth in Servers and from our acquisition of Aruba in May 2015, partially offset primarily by unfavorable currency impacts led by the euro and a net revenue decline in TS.
Servers net revenue increased 6% as a result of higher AUPs and unit volume growth. The increase in AUP's was across the industry standard servers product portfolio, primarily driven by higher option attach rates for memory, processors and hard drives and a mix shift to high-end new generation HPE ProLiant servers. The unit volume growth was primarily due to shipment increases in rack and density optimized server products. Networking net revenue increased 8% due primarily to revenue from Aruba, which resulted in higher revenue from WLAN products, the effect of which was partially offset by competitive pricing pressures particularly in the China market. Storage net revenue decreased 4% as a result of a decline in traditional storage products, the effect of which was partially offset by growth in Converged Storage solutions from 3PAR StoreServ products, particularly All-flash arrays, and StoreOnce. Business Critical Systems ("BCS") net revenue decreased 13% largely as a result of contraction in the overall UNIX market. TS net revenue decreased 9% due primarily to a reduction in support for BCS and traditional storage products along with lower revenue from consulting services, the effects of which were partially offset by growth in HPE Data Center Care and HPE Proactive Care support solutions.
In fiscal 2015, EG earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.3 percentage points due to a decrease in gross margin partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue. The decrease in gross margin was due primarily to a higher revenue mix of industry standard servers, unfavorable currency impacts and competitive pricing, the effects of which were partially offset by improved cost management, improved pricing in Storage and a higher gross margin contribution in Networking from Aruba. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was due primarily to favorable currency impacts, partially offset by expenses in the period from Aruba.

53

Enterprise Services
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
18,872

 
$
19,806

 
$
22,398

Earnings from operations
$
1,457

 
$
1,019

 
$
818

Earnings from operations as a % of net revenue
7.7
%
 
5.1
%
 
3.7
%
The components of net revenue and the weighted net revenue change by business unit were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
Net Revenue
 
Weighted Net Revenue Change
Percentage Points
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
Dollars in millions
 
 
 
 
Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing
$
11,425

 
$
12,107

 
$
14,038

 
(3.4
)
 
(8.6
)
Application and Business Services
7,447

 
7,699

 
8,360

 
(1.3
)
 
(3.0
)
Total Enterprise Services
$
18,872

 
$
19,806

 
$
22,398

 
(4.7
)
 
(11.6
)
Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
ES net revenue decreased 4.7% (decreased 1.4% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2016. The net revenue decrease in ES was due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations, particularly in EMEA, and weak demand across the EMEA region, particularly the UK Public Sector business, revenue runoff in key accounts, and the divestiture of MphasiS in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, partially offset by strength in our SES portfolio, which includes analytics and data management, and security and cloud services, new client signings, and growth in our U.S. Public Sector business and the Asia Pacific and Japan ("APJ") region. Net revenue in ITO decreased by 6% in fiscal 2016 due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations and weakness in the EMEA region, particularly the UK Public Sector business, partially offset by growth in our SES portfolio and new client signings. Net revenue in Application and Business Services ("ABS") declined by 3% in fiscal 2016, due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations and the divestiture of MphasiS in fiscal 2016, partially offset by strength in our SES portfolio, particularly analytics and data management services and growth in the U.S. Public Sector business and APJ region.
ES earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue increased 2.6 percentage points in fiscal 2016. The increase in operating margin was due to an increase in gross margin and a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue. Gross margin increased due primarily to service delivery efficiencies as a result of cost savings associated with our ongoing restructuring programs, including improvements in our headcount cost location mix that resulted in a higher percentage of our headcount in lower cost locations. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was primarily driven by lower administrative expenses resulting from cost reduction actions and a business divestiture gain.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
ES net revenue decreased 11.6% (decreased 5.7% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2015. Performance in ES remained challenged by the impact of several large contracts winding down. The net revenue decrease in ES was due primarily to unfavorable currency impacts, revenue runoff in key accounts and weak growth in new and existing accounts, partially offset by growth in our SES portfolio. Net revenue in ITO decreased by 14% in fiscal 2015 due to unfavorable currency impacts, revenue runoff in key accounts and weak growth in new and existing accounts, particularly in EMEA in the first half of fiscal 2015, partially offset by growth in SES revenue in the second half of fiscal 2015. Net revenue in ABS declined by 8% in fiscal 2015, due to unfavorable currency impacts and weak growth in new and existing accounts in the first half of fiscal 2015, partially offset by growth in SES revenue in the second half of fiscal 2015.
ES earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue increased 1.4 percentage points in fiscal 2015. The increase in operating margin was due to an increase in gross margin and a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue. Gross margin increased due primarily to service delivery efficiencies and improving profit performance in underperforming contracts. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was primarily driven by lower field selling costs, which was due to favorable currency impacts and our sales transformation initiatives.

54

Software
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
3,195

 
$
3,622

 
$
3,933

Earnings from operations
$
749

 
$
788

 
$
871

Earnings from operations as a % of net revenue
23.4
%
 
21.8
%
 
22.1
%
Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
Software net revenue decreased 11.8% (decreased 9.3% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2016. Revenue growth in Software is being challenged by the overall market shift to SaaS solutions and go-to-market sales execution challenges we are addressing as we respond to the market shift. Additionally, as we transform our go-to-market approach, the market shift to SaaS solutions is impacting growth in license and support revenue. In fiscal 2016, net revenue growth was also negatively impacted by a combination of factors led by the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent which was effective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, business divestitures and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations across all regions, led primarily by weakness in the euro. As a result, in fiscal 2016, net revenue from licenses, support, professional services, and SaaS decreased by 12%, 14%, 6%, and 7%, respectively.
The decrease in license revenue was due primarily to the market shift to SaaS solutions and related sales execution challenges and, as a result, we experienced lower revenue in IT operations management and enterprise security products. The decrease in license revenue was also attributable to the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent and the divestiture of the TippingPoint business in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The decrease in support revenue was due primarily to the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent, the divestiture of the TippingPoint business, the impact of unfavorable currency fluctuations, led primarily by weakness in the euro, and the decline in license revenue, which has a carry over impact to growth rates in support revenue. Professional services net revenue decreased due primarily to the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent and the impact of unfavorable currency fluctuations. SaaS net revenue decreased due primarily to the divestiture of the LiveVault business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, partially offset by growth in the IT operations management portfolio.
In fiscal 2016, Software earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue increased by 1.6 percentage points due primarily to a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue, partially offset by a decrease in gross margin. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was driven primarily by a one-time gain related to the divestiture of the TippingPoint business, lower R&D expenses as a result of business divestitures, lower field selling costs driven by expense management, and the impact of favorable currency fluctuations. The decrease in gross margin was due primarily to a lower mix in support revenue which is a result of the carry over impact of the decline in license revenue.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
Software net revenue decreased 7.9% (decreased 4.1% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2015, net revenue growth was negatively impacted by foreign currency fluctuations across all regions, led primarily by weakness in the euro, and the impact of the transfer of the marketing optimization product group. In fiscal 2015, net revenue from licenses, support, professional services, and SaaS decreased by 13%, 5%, 9%, and 4%, respectively.
The decrease in license revenue was due primarily to the market shift to SaaS solutions and related sales execution challenges and, as a result, we experienced lower revenue in IT operations management. The decrease in support revenue was due primarily to unfavorable currency impacts, past declines in license revenue and lower revenue due to the transfer of the marketing optimization product group to former Parent effective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, partially offset by growth in revenue for security products. Professional services net revenue decreased due primarily to unfavorable currency impacts, our continued focus on higher-margin engagements and, as a result, we experienced a net revenue decrease in big data solutions, partially offset by net revenue growth in security products. SaaS net revenue decreased due primarily to sales execution challenges, which resulted in lower revenue from big data solutions, partially offset by net revenue growth in IT operations management.
In fiscal 2015, Software earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.3 percentage points due to a decrease in gross margin and an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue. The decrease in gross margin was due primarily to a lower mix of license revenue. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was due to the size of the revenue decline. During the period, operating expense declined due primarily to favorable currency

55

impacts and lower SG&A expenses as a result of lower field selling costs driven by an increased focus on expense management.
Financial Services
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
3,190

 
$
3,216

 
$
3,498

Earnings from operations
$
336

 
$
349

 
$
389

Earnings from operations as a % of net revenue
10.5
%
 
10.9
%
 
11.1
%
Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015
FS net revenue decreased by 0.8% (increased 2.3% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2016 due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations and lower asset management activity primarily as a result of lower fixed term renewals, partially offset by higher portfolio revenue due to an increase in average portfolio assets.
FS earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.4 percentage points in fiscal 2016 due primarily to an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, partially offset by an increase in gross margin. The increase in gross margin was the result of lower bad debt expense, higher margins on remarketing sales and higher portfolio margins due to an increase in average portfolio assets, partially offset by lower margins on lease extensions and unfavorable currency fluctuations. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased primarily as a result of higher IT expenses.
Fiscal 2015 compared with Fiscal 2014
FS net revenue decreased by 8.1% (decreased 1.5% on a constant currency basis) in fiscal 2015 due primarily to unfavorable currency fluctuations led by weakness in the euro and lower asset management activity in customer buyouts.
FS earnings from operations as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.2 percentage points in fiscal 2015 due primarily to a decrease in gross margin while operating expense as a percentage of net revenue was flat in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease in gross margin was due to unfavorable currency fluctuations, lower margins in customer buyouts and lower portfolio margins due to competitive pricing, the effects of which were partially offset by higher margins from asset recovery services. Operating expense as a percentage of net revenue was flat as a result of lower SG&A expenses due primarily to lower field selling costs, the effects of which were offset by size of the revenue decline.
Financing Volume
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Total financing volume
$
6,478

 
$
6,504

 
$
6,425

New financing volume, which represents the amount of financing provided to customers for equipment and related software and services, including intercompany activity, decreased 0.4% in fiscal 2016 and increased 1.2% in fiscal 2015, respectively. The decrease in fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by unfavorable currency fluctuations, partially offset primarily by higher financing associated with third-party product sales and related services offerings. The increase in fiscal 2015 was driven by higher financing associated with Company product sales and related services offerings, partially offset by unfavorable currency fluctuations, led by weakness in the euro.
Portfolio Assets and Ratios
The FS business model is asset intensive and uses certain internal metrics to measure its performance against other financial services companies, including a segment balance sheet that is derived from our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive FS amounts are substantially the same as those used by the Company. However, intercompany loans and certain accounts that are reflected in the segment balances are eliminated in our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

56

The portfolio assets and ratios derived from the segment balance sheets for FS were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Dollars in millions
Financing receivables, gross
$
6,950

 
$
6,655

Net equipment under operating leases
3,333

 
2,915

Capitalized profit on intercompany equipment transactions(1)
612

 
853

Intercompany leases(1)
2,057

 
1,990

Gross portfolio assets
12,952

 
12,413

Allowance for doubtful accounts(2)
89

 
95

Operating lease equipment reserve
45

 
58

Total reserves
134

 
153

Net portfolio assets
$
12,818

 
$
12,260

Reserve coverage
1.0
%
 
1.2
%
Debt-to-equity ratio(3)
7.0x

 
7.0x

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Intercompany activity is eliminated in consolidation.
(2)
Allowance for doubtful accounts for financing receivables includes both the short- and long-term portions.
(3)
Debt benefiting FS consists of intercompany equity that is treated as debt for segment reporting purposes, intercompany debt and borrowing- and funding-related activity associated with FS and its subsidiaries. Debt benefiting FS totaled $11.4 billion and $10.7 billion at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively, and was determined by applying an assumed debt-to-equity ratio, which management believes to be comparable to that of other similar financing companies. FS equity at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
At October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, FS cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $788 million and $589 million, respectively.
Net portfolio assets at October 31, 2016 increased 4.6% from October 31, 2015. The increase generally resulted from new financing volume in excess of portfolio runoff.
FS bad debt expense includes charges to reserves for sales-type, direct-financing and operating leases. FS recorded net bad debt expense of $23 million, $46 million and $40 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Corporate Investments
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Net revenue
$
3

 
$
7

 
$
4

Loss from operations
$
(348
)
 
$
(423
)
 
$
(245
)
Loss from operations as a % of net revenue(1)
NM

 
NM

 
NM

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
"NM" represents not meaningful.
Corporate Investments net revenue decreased by 57% for fiscal 2016 and increased by 75% for fiscal 2015, as compared to the prior year periods. Net revenue primarily represents IP-related royalty revenue and residual activity from certain cloud-related incubation projects.
Corporate Investments loss from operations decreased by 18% for fiscal 2016 and increased by 73% for fiscal 2015, as compared to the prior year periods. The decline in loss from operations for fiscal 2016 was due to lower spending on certain cloud-related incubation activities and lower expenses in HP Labs. The increase in loss from operations for fiscal 2015 was due primarily to higher expenses associated with cloud-related incubation activities and HP Labs.

57

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We use cash generated by operations as our primary source of liquidity. We believe that internally generated cash flows will be generally sufficient to support our operating businesses, capital expenditures, restructuring activities, remaining separation costs, divestiture transactions, maturing debt, interest payments, income tax payments, and the payment of future stockholder dividends, in addition to any future investments and any future share repurchases. We expect to supplement this short-term liquidity, if necessary, by accessing the capital markets and borrowing under credit facilities made available by various domestic and foreign financial institutions. However, our access to capital markets may be constrained and our cost of borrowing may increase under certain business, market and economic conditions. For example, under the Tax Matters Agreement entered into in connection with the Separation, we will generally be prohibited, except in specific circumstances, from issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds for a two year period following the Separation. Our liquidity is subject to various risks including the risks identified in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A and market risks identified in the section entitled "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in Item 7A, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Our cash balances are held in numerous locations throughout the world, with a substantial amount held outside of the U.S. We utilize a variety of planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide cash is available when and where it is needed. Our cash position is strong and we expect that our cash balances, anticipated cash flow generated from operations and access to capital markets will be sufficient to cover our expected near-term cash outlays.
Amounts held outside of the U.S. are generally utilized to support non-U.S. liquidity needs, although a portion of those amounts may from time to time be subject to short-term intercompany loans into the U.S. Most of the amounts held outside of the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S. but, under current law, some would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Repatriation of some foreign earnings is restricted by local law. Except for foreign earnings that are considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., we have provided for the U.S. federal tax liability on these earnings for financial statement purposes. Repatriation could result in additional income tax payments in future years. Where local restrictions prevent an efficient intercompany transfer of funds, our intent is that cash balances would remain outside of the U.S. and we would meet liquidity needs through ongoing cash flows, external borrowings, or both. We do not expect restrictions or potential taxes incurred on repatriation of amounts held outside of the U.S. to have a material effect on our overall liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
On October 13, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a $3.0 billion share repurchase program. On May 24, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $3.0 billion under the share repurchase program. The number of shares that we repurchase under the share repurchase program may vary depending on numerous factors, including share price, liquidity and other market conditions, our ongoing capital allocation planning, levels of cash and debt balances, other demands for cash, such as acquisition activity, general economic or business conditions, and board and management discretion. Additionally, our share repurchase activity, if any, during any particular period may fluctuate. We may commence, accelerate, suspend, delay, or discontinue any share repurchase activity at any time, without notice. These programs do not have a specific expiration date.
In fiscal 2016, we repurchased an aggregate of $2.7 billion as a result of our share repurchase program. The aggregate amount includes $2.5 billion repurchased under accelerated share repurchase agreements ("ASR Agreements") with financial institutions, with the remainder being open market repurchases. For more information on our ASR Agreements, refer to Note 15, "Stockholders' Equity", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In December 2015, in connection with the Separation and Distribution Agreement, we received a final cash allocation of approximately $526 million from former Parent. The cash allocation was based on our projected cash requirements in light of the intended investment grade credit rating, business plan and anticipated operations and activities.
In fiscal 2016, we completed a total of five divestitures resulting in $3.4 billion of net proceeds, of which $25 million represents a deposit that was received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The proceeds from the divestitures primarily consisted of the sale of our controlling interest in H3C and the sale of MphasiS.
Our joint partnership agreement with Tsinghua Holdings to create a Chinese provider of technology infrastructure, H3C, was executed in May 2016 for $2.6 billion in net proceeds. Under the definitive agreement, Tsinghua Holdings' subsidiary, Unisplendour Corporation, purchased 51% of the new business named H3C, which is comprised of our former H3C Technologies and China-based server, storage and technology services businesses. The sale of our full equity stake in MphasiS, an IT services provider headquartered in Bangalore, India, to The Blackstone Group, was completed in September 2016 and resulted in net proceeds of $0.6 billion.
On May 24, 2016, we announced plans for a tax-free spin-off and merger of our Enterprise Services business with CSC, which will create a pure-play, global IT services company. The transaction, which is currently targeted to be completed on or

58

around April 1, 2017, is expected to deliver, as of the announcement date, approximately $8.5 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This amount includes an equity stake for Hewlett Packard Enterprise shareholders in the new combined company valued at approximately $4.5 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership, a cash dividend payment of $1.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and the assumption of $2.5 billion of Hewlett Packard Enterprise net debt and other liabilities. Preceding the close of the transaction, we expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $900 million to separate the Enterprise Services business from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The majority of these costs will be offset by lower costs associated with our Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plan.
In association with our plan for a tax-free spin-off and merger of our Enterprise Services business with CSC, there will be a transfer of unfunded pension liabilities for certain pension plans to our Enterprise Services business. As of October 31, 2016, the transfer is targeted to be completed on or around April 1, 2017. The approximate net pension liability to be transferred is pursuant to the transaction agreements, wherein we are expected to fund the transferred net pension liability in excess of $570 million. We currently estimate the total funding amount to be in the range of $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion. While the exact amount will not be known until the transaction completion date, in December 2016 we made initial funding payments of $1.9 billion.
On September 7, 2016, we announced plans for a spin-off and merger of our Software segment with Micro Focus, which will create a pure-play enterprise software company. Upon the completion of the transaction, which is currently anticipated to close by approximately August 31, 2017, the transaction is expected to deliver, as of the announcement date, approximately $8.8 billion to the shareholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise on an after-tax basis. This includes an equity stake for Hewlett Packard Enterprise shareholders in the new combined company valued at approximately $6.3 billion, which represents approximately 50.1% ownership and a cash dividend payment of $2.5 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Preceding the close of the transaction, we expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $700 million to separate the Software segment from Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Liquidity
Our cash and cash equivalents, total debt and available borrowing resources were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,987

 
$
9,842

 
$
2,319

Total debt
$
16,140

 
$
15,794

 
$
1,379

Available borrowing resources
$
6,058

 
$
6,166

 
$
—

Our key cash flow metrics were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,958

 
$
3,661

 
$
6,911

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
419

 
(5,413
)
 
(2,974
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(2,232
)
 
9,275

 
(3,800
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
3,145


$
7,523


$
137

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $1.3 billion for fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to the impact of a 17 day improvement in the cash conversion cycle, as compared to a four day cash conversion cycle improvement in fiscal 2015, and lower separation payments in the current fiscal period. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $3.3 billion for fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to the impact of a four day reduction in the cash conversion cycle in fiscal 2015, as compared to a 13 day reduction in the cash conversion cycle in fiscal 2014.

59

Our key working capital metrics were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Days of sales outstanding in accounts receivable
50

 
57

 
54

Days of supply in inventory
18

 
21

 
17

Days of purchases outstanding in accounts payable
(62
)
 
(55
)
 
(44
)
Cash conversion cycle
6


23


27

Days of sales outstanding in accounts receivable ("DSO") measures the average number of days our receivables are outstanding. DSO is calculated by dividing ending accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, by a 90-day average of net revenue. For fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior-year period, the decrease in DSO was due to favorable early payment linearity and strong credit and collections management. For fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior-year period, the increase in DSO was due to unfavorable payment linearity and longer standard payment terms for Aruba.
Days of supply in inventory ("DOS") measures the average number of days from procurement to sale of our product. DOS is calculated by dividing ending inventory by a 90-day average of cost of goods sold. For fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior-year period, the decrease in DOS was due to lower inventory to support expected service levels, including key commodity buffer management. For fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior-year period, the increase in DOS was due to higher inventory to support service levels.
Days of purchases outstanding in accounts payable ("DPO") measures the average number of days our accounts payable balances are outstanding. DPO is calculated by dividing ending accounts payable by a 90-day average of cost of goods sold. For fiscal 2016, as compared to the prior-year period, the increase in DPO was due primarily to an extension of payment terms with our product suppliers and favorable purchasing linearity. For fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior-year period, the increase in DPO was primarily the result of an extension of payment terms with our suppliers.
The cash conversion cycle is the sum of DSO and DOS less DPO. Items which may cause the cash conversion cycle in a particular period to differ include, but are not limited to, changes in business mix, changes in payment terms, the extent of receivables factoring, seasonal trends, and the timing of revenue recognition and inventory purchases within the period.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $0.4 billion in fiscal 2016 due primarily to net proceeds of $3.3 billion from business divestitures, partially offset by $2.8 billion of investments in property, plant and equipment, net of proceeds from sales. Net cash used in investing activities increased by $2.4 billion in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due primarily to the acquisition of Aruba.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $2.2 billion in fiscal 2016 due primarily to cash utilization for repurchases of common stock and dividend payments. Cash flow from financing activities for fiscal 2015 and 2014 primarily represents net transfers from (to) former Parent and net payments on debt. As cash and the financing of our operations during those periods have historically been managed by former Parent, the components of net transfers from (to) former Parent include cash transfers from us to former Parent and payments by former Parent to settle our obligations. These transactions are considered to be effectively settled for cash at the time the transaction is recorded.
Capital Resources
Debt Levels
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
Short-term debt
$
3,532

 
$
691

 
$
894

Long-term debt
$
12,608

 
$
15,103

 
$
485

Weighted-average interest rate
3.5
%
 
3.0
%
 
2.6
%

60

We maintain debt levels that we establish through consideration of a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for operations, investment plans (including acquisitions), share repurchase activities, our cost of capital, and targeted capital structure.
Outstanding borrowings increased to $16.1 billion as of October 31, 2016, as compared to $15.8 billion at October 31, 2015, bearing weighted-average interest rates of 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively. During fiscal 2016, we issued $9.3 billion and repaid $9.0 billion of commercial paper.
There are two tranches of Senior Notes scheduled to mature in October 2017 with an aggregate face value of $2.6 billion. We expect to refinance these notes to the extent they are not retired during fiscal 2017 in connection with the Everett Transaction. For more information on our borrowings, see Note 13, "Borrowings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In connection with our separation capitalization plan, on October 9, 2015 we completed our offering of $14.6 billion of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes. As intended, net proceeds of $14.5 billion from the Senior Notes offering were distributed to HP Inc. to redeem or repurchase certain of our outstanding notes and to facilitate the separation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from HP Inc. On November 23, 2016, we launched an offer to exchange new registered notes for all of the outstanding $14.6 billion of unregistered Senior Notes. The terms of the new notes in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the terms of the outstanding unregistered Senior Notes, except that the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act, and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the outstanding Senior Notes do not apply to the new notes.
Our weighted-average interest rate reflects the effective interest rate on our borrowings prevailing during the period and reflects the effect of interest rate swaps. For more information on our interest rate swaps, see Note 12, "Financial Instruments", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
For fiscal 2014, debt levels reflect only those debt balances which were the legal obligation of the subsidiaries comprising the businesses of the Company. For more information on our borrowings, see Note 13, "Borrowings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Revolving Credit Facility
On November 1, 2015, we entered into a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"), together with the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan"), as co-administrative agent and administrative processing agent, and Citibank, N.A., as co-administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with aggregate lending commitments of $4.0 billion. Loans under the revolving credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes. Commitments under the Credit Agreement are available for a period of five years, which period may be extended, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, by up to two, one-year periods. Commitment fees, interest rates and other terms of borrowing under the credit facility vary based on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's external credit rating.
Available Borrowing Resources
As of October 31, 2016, we had the following resources available to obtain short- or long-term financing if we need additional liquidity:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
In millions
Commercial paper programs
$
4,174

Uncommitted lines of credit
$
1,884

For more information on our available borrowings resources, see Note 13, "Borrowings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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CONTRACTUAL AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Our contractual and other obligations as of October 31, 2016, were as follows:
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
1 Year or
Less
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
More than
5 Years
 
In millions
Principal payments on long-term debt(1)
$
15,280

 
$
2,775

 
$
2,988

 
$
3,059

 
$
6,458

Interest payments on long-term debt(2)
5,597

 
552

 
888

 
714

 
3,443

Operating lease obligations (net of sublease rental income)
2,221

 
521

 
743

 
409

 
548

Purchase obligations(3)
1,798

 
537

 
948

 
297

 
16

Capital lease obligations (includes interest)
2

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total(4)(5)(6)(7)
$
24,898


$
4,387


$
5,567


$
4,479


$
10,465

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Amounts represent the principal cash payments relating to our long-term debt and do not include any capital lease obligations, fair value adjustments, discounts or premiums.
(2)
Amounts represent the expected interest payments relating to our long-term debt. We have outstanding interest rate swap agreements accounted for as fair value hedges that have the economic effect of changing fixed interest rates associated with some of our U.S. Dollar Senior Notes to variable interest rates. The impact of our outstanding interest rate swaps at October 31, 2016 was factored into the calculation of the future interest payments on long-term debt.
(3)
Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. These purchase obligations are related principally to software maintenance and support services and other items. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty. Purchase obligations also exclude open purchase orders that are routine arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business as they are difficult to quantify in a meaningful way. Even though open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust terms based on our business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services.
(4)
In fiscal 2017, HPE anticipates making contributions of $348 million to its non-U.S. pension plans, expects to pay benefits of $2 million to its U.S. non-qualified pension plan participants and expects to pay claims of $3 million under its post-retirement benefit plans. These amounts do not include pension funding we are obligated to make related to the spin-off and merger of the Enterprise Services business with CSC. Our policy is to fund our pension plans so that we meet at least the minimum contribution requirements, as established by local government, funding and taxing authorities. Expected contributions and payments to our pension and post-retirement benefit plans are excluded from the contractual obligations table because they do not represent contractual cash outflows, as they are dependent on numerous factors which may result in a wide range of outcomes. In connection with the Company’s plan for a tax-free spin-off and merger of its Enterprise Services business with CSC, there will be a transfer of unfunded pension liabilities for certain pension plans to the Company’s Enterprise Services business. As of October 31, 2016, the transfer is targeted to be completed on or around April 1, 2017. The approximate net pension liability to be transferred is pursuant to the transaction agreements, wherein the Company is obligated to fund the transferred net pension liability in excess of $570 million. The Company currently estimates the total funding amount to be in the range of $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion. While the exact amount will not be known until the transaction completion date, in December 2016 the Company made initial funding payments of $1.9 billion. For more information on our retirement and post-retirement benefit plans, see Note 4, "Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(5)
As of October 31, 2016 we expect future cash payments of approximately $1.9 billion in connection with our approved restructuring plans, which include $0.7 billion expected to be paid in fiscal 2017 and $1.2 billion expected to be paid through fiscal 2021. Payments for restructuring have been excluded from the contractual obligations table, because they do not represent contractual cash outflows and there is uncertainty as to the timing of these payments. For more information on our restructuring activities, see Note 3, "Restructuring", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(6)
As of October 31, 2016, we had approximately $3.9 billion of recorded liabilities and related interest and penalties pertaining to uncertain tax positions. These liabilities and related interest and penalties include $13 million expected to be paid within one year. For the remaining amount, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate as to when cash settlement with the tax authorities might occur due to the uncertainties related to these tax matters. Payments of these obligations would result from settlements with taxing authorities. For more information on our uncertain tax positions, see Note 6, "Taxes on Earnings", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(7)
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with HP Inc., effective November 1, 2015, whereby the Company agreed to indemnify HP Inc., each of its subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers and employees from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, among other matters, the liabilities allocated to the Company as part of the Separation. HP Inc. similarly agreed to indemnify the Company, each of its subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers and employees from and against all claims and liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, among other matters, the liabilities allocated to HP Inc. as part of the Separation. Additionally, in connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement (the "Tax Matters Agreement") with HP Inc., effective November 1, 2015, that governs the rights

62

and obligations of the Company and HP Inc. for certain pre-Separation tax liabilities. The Tax Matters Agreement provides that the Company and HP Inc. will share certain pre-Separation income tax liabilities that arise from adjustments made by tax authorities to the Company and HP Inc.'s U.S. and certain non-U.S. income tax returns. For more information on our General Cross-indemnification and Tax Matters Agreement and Other Income Tax Matters with HP Inc., see Note 18, "Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As part of our ongoing business, we have not participated in transactions that generate material relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
We have third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements intended to facilitate the working capital requirements of certain customers. For more information on our third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements, see Note 7, "Balance Sheet Details", to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

63

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks that could impact our financial position and results of operations. Our risk management strategy with respect to these market risks may include the use of derivative financial instruments. We use derivative contracts only to manage existing underlying exposures. Accordingly, we do not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes. Our risks, risk management strategy and a sensitivity analysis estimating the effects of changes in fair value for each of these exposures is outlined below.
Actual gains and losses in the future may differ materially from the sensitivity analyses based on changes in the timing and amount of foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate movements and our actual exposures and derivatives in place at the time of the change, as well as the effectiveness of the derivative to hedge the related exposure.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in our sales commitments, anticipated sales, anticipated purchases, and assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We transact business in approximately 70 currencies worldwide, of which the most significant foreign currencies to our operations for fiscal 2016 were the euro, British pound, Chinese yuan (renminbi), and Japanese yen. For most currencies, we are a net receiver of the foreign currency and therefore benefit from a weaker U.S. dollar and are adversely affected by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency. Even where we are a net receiver of the foreign currency, a weaker U.S. dollar may adversely affect certain expense figures, if taken alone.
We use a combination of forward contracts and, from time to time, options designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our forecasted net revenue and, to a lesser extent, cost of sales, operating expenses, and intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition, when debt is denominated in a foreign currency, we may use swaps to exchange the foreign currency principal and interest obligations for U.S. dollar-denominated amounts to manage the exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We also use other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, consisting primarily of forward contracts, to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. Alternatively, we may choose not to hedge the risk associated with our foreign currency exposures, primarily if such exposure acts as a natural hedge for offsetting amounts denominated in the same currency or if the currency is too difficult or too expensive to hedge.
We have performed sensitivity analyses as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, using a modeling technique that measures the change in the fair values arising from a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant. The analyses cover all of our foreign currency derivative contracts offset by underlying exposures. The foreign currency exchange rates we used in performing the sensitivity analysis were based on market rates in effect at October 31, 2016 and 2015. The sensitivity analyses indicated that a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates would result in a foreign exchange fair value loss of $47 million and $21 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Interest rate risk
We also are exposed to interest rate risk related to debt we have issued and our investment portfolio and financing receivables. We issue long-term debt in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies based on market conditions at the time of financing.
We often use interest rate and/or currency swaps to modify the market risk exposures in connection with the debt to achieve U.S. dollar LIBOR-based floating interest expense. The swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed for floating interest payments. However, we may choose not to swap fixed for floating interest payments or may terminate a previously executed swap if we believe a larger proportion of fixed-rate debt would be beneficial.
In order to hedge the fair value of certain fixed-rate investments, we may enter into interest rate swaps that convert fixed interest returns into variable interest returns. We may use cash flow hedges to hedge the variability of LIBOR-based interest income received on certain variable-rate investments, by entering into interest rate swaps that convert variable rate interest returns into fixed-rate interest returns.
We have performed sensitivity analyses as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, using a modeling technique that measures the change in the fair values arising from a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in the levels of interest rates across the entire yield curve, with all other variables held constant. The analyses cover our debt, investments, financing receivables, and interest rate swaps. The analyses use actual or approximate maturities for the debt, investments, financing receivables, and interest rate swaps. The discount rates used were based on the market interest rates in effect at October 31, 2016 and 2015. The sensitivity analyses indicated that a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in interest rates would result in a loss in the fair values of our

64

debt, investments and financing receivables, net of interest rate swaps, of $39 million and $52 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

65

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Table of Contents
 
Page

66

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated and combined statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries at October 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated and combined results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated December 15, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Jose, California
December 15, 2016



























67

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

We have audited Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiary’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated and combined statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2016 of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and subsidiaries and our report dated December 15, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Jose, California
December 15, 2016


68

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Hewlett Packard Enterprise; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Hewlett Packard Enterprise are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Hewlett Packard Enterprise; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management assessed the effectiveness of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016, utilizing the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on the assessment by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management, we determined that Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2016. The effectiveness of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 68 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ MARGARET C. WHITMAN
 
/s/ TIMOTHY C. STONESIFER
Margaret C. Whitman
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Timothy C. Stonesifer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
December 15, 2016
 
December 15, 2016


69
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions, except per share amounts
Net revenue:
 

 
 

 
 

Products
$
19,250

 
$
19,635

 
$
19,171

Services
30,509

 
32,111

 
35,551

Financing income
364

 
361

 
401

Total net revenue
50,123

 
52,107

 
55,123

Costs and expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of products
12,715

 
12,978

 
12,394

Cost of services
22,543

 
23,950

 
26,815

Financing interest
249

 
240

 
277

Research and development
2,298

 
2,338

 
2,197

Selling, general and administrative
7,821

 
8,025

 
8,717

Amortization of intangible assets
755

 
852

 
906

Restructuring charges
1,236

 
954

 
1,471

Acquisition and other related charges
178

 
89

 
11

Separation costs
598

 
797

 
—

Defined benefit plan settlement charges
—

 
225

 
—

Impairment of data center assets
—

 
136

 
—

Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
(2,420
)
 
—

 
—

Total costs and expenses
45,973

 
50,584

 
52,788

Earnings from operations
4,150

 
1,523

 
2,335

Interest and other, net
(312
)
 
(51
)
 
(91
)
Tax indemnification adjustments
317

 
—

 
—

Loss from equity interests
(76
)
 
(2
)
 
—

Earnings before taxes
4,079

 
1,470

 
2,244

(Provision) benefit for taxes
(918
)
 
991

 
(596
)
Net earnings
$
3,161

 
$
2,461

 
$
1,648

Net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.84

 
$
1.36

 
$
0.91

Diluted
$
1.82

 
$
1.34

 
$
0.90

Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.22

 
$
—

 
$
—

Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
1,715

 
1,804

 
1,804

Diluted
1,739

 
1,834

 
1,834

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
On November 1, 2015, HP Inc. (formerly Hewlett-Packard Company) distributed a total of 1.8 billion shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock to HP Inc. stockholders as of the record date. The number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share ("EPS") for the period ended October 31, 2015 is used for the calculation of net EPS for October 31, 2014. See Note 16, "Net Earnings Per Share", for further details.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and
Combined Financial Statements.
70

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Net earnings
$
3,161

 
$
2,461

 
$
1,648

Other comprehensive loss before taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(4
)
 
(10
)
 
5

Losses (gains) reclassified into earnings
3

 
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
 
4

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

Net unrealized gains arising during the period
226

 
481

 
111

Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings
(270
)
 
(480
)
 
60

 
(44
)
 
1

 
171

Change in unrealized components of defined benefit plans:
 

 
 

 
 

Losses arising during the period
(1,777
)
 
(382
)
 
(794
)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service benefit
284

 
214

 
82

Curtailments, settlements and other
(18
)
 
4

 
18

Plans transferred from former Parent during the period
—

 
(2,607
)
 
—

Merged into former Parent's Shared plans during the period
—

 
—

 
61

 
(1,511
)
 
(2,771
)
 
(633
)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustment arising during the period
(154
)
 
(198
)
 
(85
)
Release of cumulative translation adjustment as a result of H3C and MphasiS divestitures
75

 
—

 
—

 
(79
)
 
(198
)
 
(85
)
Other comprehensive loss before taxes
(1,635
)
 
(2,978
)
 
(543
)
Benefit (provision) for taxes
51

 
211

 
(10
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
(1,584
)
 
(2,767
)
 
(553
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
1,577

 
$
(306
)
 
$
1,095


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and
Combined Financial Statements.
71

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions, except par value
ASSETS
 

 
 

Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,987

 
$
9,842

Accounts receivable
6,909

 
8,538

Financing receivables
2,923

 
2,918

Inventory
1,774

 
2,198

Other current assets
4,324

 
6,468

Total current assets
28,917

 
29,964

Property, plant and equipment
9,636

 
9,886

Long-term financing receivables and other assets
13,216

 
10,875

Investment in equity interests
2,648

 
—

Goodwill
24,178

 
27,261

Intangible assets
1,084

 
1,930

Total assets
$
79,679

 
$
79,916

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Notes payable and short-term borrowings
$
3,532

 
$
691

Accounts payable
5,943

 
5,828

Employee compensation and benefits
2,364

 
2,902

Taxes on earnings
420

 
476

Deferred revenue
4,610

 
5,154

Accrued restructuring
671

 
628

Other accrued liabilities
4,991

 
6,314

Total current liabilities
22,531

 
21,993

Long-term debt
12,608

 
15,103

Other liabilities
13,022

 
8,902

Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders' equity
 

 
 

HPE stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value (300 shares authorized; none issued)
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.01 par value (9,600 shares authorized; 1,666 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2016)
17

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
35,248

 
—

Retained earnings
2,782

 
—

Former Parent company investment
—

 
38,550

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(6,599
)
 
(5,015
)
Total HPE stockholders' equity
31,448

 
33,535

Non-controlling interests
70

 
383

Total stockholders' equity
31,518

 
33,918

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
79,679

 
$
79,916


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and
Combined Financial Statements.
72

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Net earnings
$
3,161

 
$
2,461

 
$
1,648

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
3,775

 
3,947

 
4,144

Stock-based compensation expense
558

 
565

 
427

Provision for doubtful accounts
61

 
52

 
80

Provision for inventory
171

 
155

 
125

Restructuring charges
1,236

 
954

 
1,471

Deferred taxes on earnings
(1,345
)
 
(2,522
)
 
(304
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
(20
)
 
(100
)
 
(44
)
Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
(2,420
)
 
—

 
—

Loss from equity interests
76

 
2

 
—

Other, net
195

 
374

 
11

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
991

 
9

 
986

Financing receivables
(301
)
 
(393
)
 
428

Inventory
34

 
(424
)
 
69

Accounts payable
66

 
868

 
611

Taxes on earnings
1,615

 
956

 
404

Restructuring
(1,044
)
 
(1,021
)
 
(1,239
)
Other assets and liabilities
(1,851
)
 
(2,222
)
 
(1,906
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,958

 
3,661

 
6,911

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Investment in property, plant and equipment
(3,280
)
 
(3,344
)
 
(3,620
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
450

 
380

 
606

Purchases of available-for-sale securities and other investments
(656
)
 
(243
)
 
(940
)
Maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and other investments
585

 
298

 
1,023

Payments made in connection with business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(22
)
 
(2,644
)
 
(49
)
Proceeds from business divestitures, net
3,342

 
140

 
6

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
419

 
(5,413
)
 
(2,974
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings with original maturities less than 90 days, net
(71
)
 
(39
)
 
18

Issuance of debt
1,074

 
866

 
852

Payment of debt
(833
)
 
(1,077
)
 
(1,135
)
Settlement of cash flow hedge
3

 
—

 
—

Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans
119

 
—

 
—

Repurchase of common stock
(2,662
)
 
—

 
—

Net transfers from (to) former Parent
491

 
9,440

 
(3,542
)
Issuance of Senior Notes relating to Separation
—

 
14,546

 
—

Distribution of net proceeds of Senior Notes relating to Separation, to former Parent
—

 
(14,529
)
 
—

Cash dividends paid
(373
)
 
(32
)
 
(37
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
20

 
100

 
44

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(2,232
)
 
9,275

 
(3,800
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
3,145

 
7,523

 
137

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
9,842

 
2,319

 
2,182

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
12,987

 
$
9,842

 
$
2,319

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
 

 
 

 
 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$
656

 
$
192

 
$
302

Interest expense paid
$
585

 
$
291

 
$
357

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 

 
 

Net transfers of property, plant and equipment from former Parent
$
—

 
$
1,788

 
$
—


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and
Combined Financial Statements.
73

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated and Combined Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Par Value
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Former Parent
Company
Investment
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Equity
Attributable
to the
Company
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 
In millions, except number of shares in thousands
Balance at October 31, 2013
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
39,683

 
$
—

 
$
(1,695
)
 
$
37,988

 
$
387

 
$
38,375

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,648

 
 
 
 
 
1,648

 
 
 
1,648

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
 
 
(553
)
 
(553
)
 
 
 
(553
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
1,095

 
 
 
1,095

Net transfers to former Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,307
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,307
)
 
 
 
(2,307
)
Changes in non-controlling interests          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
9

 
9

Balance at October 31, 2014
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
39,024

 
$
—

 
$
(2,248
)
 
$
36,776

 
$
396

 
$
37,172

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,461

 
 
 
—

 
2,461

 
 
 
2,461

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,767
)
 
(2,767
)
 
 
 
(2,767
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(306
)
 
 
 
(306
)
Net transfers from former Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 
11,594

 
 
 
 
 
11,594

 
 
 
11,594

Distribution of net proceeds of Senior Notes to former Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,529
)
 
 
 
 
 
(14,529
)
 
 
 
(14,529
)
Changes in non-controlling interests          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(13
)
 
(13
)
Balance at October 31, 2015
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
38,550

 
$
—

 
$
(5,015
)
 
$
33,535

 
$
383

 
$
33,918

Separation-related adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,236
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,236
)
 
 
 
(1,236
)
Issuance of common stock and reclassification of former Parent company investment
1,803,719

 
18

 
37,296

 
(37,314
)
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
 
 
—

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,161

 
 
 
3,161

 
33

 
3,194

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,584
)
 
(1,584
)
 
 
 
(1,584
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,577

 
33

 
1,610

Issuance of common stock in connection with employee stock plans and other
20,374

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

 
 
 
15

Repurchases of common stock
(157,761
)
 
(1
)
 
(2,661
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,662
)
 
 
 
(2,662
)
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

Cash dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(379
)
 
 
 
(379
)
 
 
 
(379
)
Stock-based compensation expense          
 
 
 
 
597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
597

 
 
 
597

Changes in non-controlling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
MphasiS divestiture
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(337
)
 
(337
)
Balance at October 31, 2016
1,666,332

 
$
17

 
$
35,248

 
$
—

 
$
2,782

 
$
(6,599
)
 
$
31,448

 
$
70

 
$
31,518


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and
Combined Financial Statements.
74

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Note 1: Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Background
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company ("we", "us", "our", "Hewlett Packard Enterprise", "HPE" or "the Company") is an industry leading technology company that enables customers to go further, faster. With the industry's most comprehensive portfolio, spanning the cloud to the data center to workplace applications, its technology and services help customers around the world make IT more efficient, more productive and more secure. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's customers range from small- and medium-sized businesses ("SMBs") to large global enterprises.
On November 1, 2015, the Company became an independent publicly-traded company through a pro rata distribution by HP Inc. ("former Parent" or "HPI"), formerly known as Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP Co."), of 100% of the outstanding shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company to HP Inc.'s stockholders (the "Separation"). Each HP Inc. stockholder of record received one share of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock for each share of HP Inc. common stock held on the record date. Approximately 1.8 billion shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock were distributed on November 1, 2015 to HP Inc. stockholders. In connection with the Separation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's common stock began trading "regular-way" under the ticker symbol "HPE" on the New York Stock Exchange on November 2, 2015.
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement with former Parent, which resulted in the indemnification of certain pre-Separation tax liabilities. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, Separation-related adjustments totaling $1.2 billion were recorded in stockholders' equity. Separation-related adjustments to equity primarily reflected the impact of the income tax indemnification and the transfer of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities between former Parent and the Company. See Note 18, "Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties", for a full description of the Tax Matters Agreement.
Basis of Presentation
Prior to October 31, 2015, the Combined Financial Statements were derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements and accounting records of former Parent, as if the Company was operating on a standalone basis during the periods presented. From and after October 31, 2015, substantially all of the assets and liabilities and operations of the Company were transferred from former Parent to the Company, and Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries in accordance with the separation agreement for the transfer from former Parent to the Company. These Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements of the Company were prepared in connection with the Separation and in accordance with United States ("U.S.") Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").
Prior to October 31, 2015, the Combined and Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income of the Company reflect allocations of general corporate expenses from former Parent including, but not limited to, executive management, finance, legal, information technology, employee benefits administration, treasury, risk management, procurement, and other shared services. These allocations were made on a direct usage basis when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on the basis of revenue, expenses, headcount, or other relevant measures. Management of the Company and former Parent consider these allocations to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services by, or the benefits provided to, the Company. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expense the Company would have incurred as a standalone company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure.
Former Parent's cash had not been assigned to the Company as of October 31, 2015 because those cash balances were not directly attributable to the Company. The Company reflected transfers of cash to and from former Parent's cash management system as a component of former Parent company investment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Former Parent's long-term debt had not been attributed to the Company prior to October 31, 2015 because former Parent's borrowings were not the legal obligation of the Company. As of October 31, 2015, substantially all of the assets and liabilities and operations were transferred from former Parent to the Company and the Consolidated Balance Sheet of the Company included the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Additionally, subsequent to the Separation, the Company received a final cash allocation from HP Inc. and accrued certain general cross-indemnifications liabilities. See Note 14, "Related Party Transactions and Former Parent Company Investment", and Note 18, "Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties", for a full description of these items.

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Former Parent maintained various benefit and stock-based compensation plans at a corporate level and other benefit plans at a subsidiary level. The Company's employees participated in those programs and a portion of the cost of those plans was included in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. See Note 4, "Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans", and Note 5, "Stock-based Compensation", for a further description.
Principles of Combination and Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and other subsidiaries and affiliates in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and accounts within the consolidated and combined businesses of the Company have been eliminated.
Prior to the Separation, intercompany transactions between the Company and former Parent are considered to be effectively settled in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements at the time the transaction was recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows within financing activities and within the stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Former Parent company investment.
The Company accounts for investments in companies over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling interest under the equity method of accounting, and the Company records its proportionate share of income or losses in Loss from equity interests in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. The Company's proportionate share of losses in its equity method investments previously included in Interest and other, net, and Other, net, in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows, respectively, for all prior periods, were reclassified to Loss from equity interests to conform to the current year presentation.
Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component within Total stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests are recorded within Interest and other, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings and are not presented separately, as they were not material for any period presented.
Segment Realignment
The Company has implemented certain segment and business unit realignments in order to align its segment financial reporting more closely with its current business structure. Reclassifications of certain prior year segment and business unit financial information have been made to conform to the current-year presentation. None of the changes impact the Company's previously reported consolidated net revenue, earnings from operations, net earnings or net earnings per share ("EPS"). See Note 2, "Segment Information", for a further discussion of the Company's segment realignment.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company predominately uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical exchange rates for non-monetary assets and liabilities. Net revenue, costs and expenses denominated in non-U.S. currencies are recorded in U.S. dollars at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. The Company includes gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings and gains and losses from cash flow hedges in Net revenue as the hedged revenue is recognized. Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries designate the local currency as their functional currency, and the Company records the translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date as translation adjustments and includes them as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents was not material for any of the fiscal years presented.

76
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Former Parent Company Investment
Former Parent company investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated and Combined Statements of Stockholders' Equity represents former Parent's historical investment in the Company, the net effect of transactions with and allocations from former Parent and the Company's accumulated earnings. See Note 14, "Related Party Transactions and former Parent Company Investment", for further information about transactions between the Company and former Parent.
Revenue Recognition
General
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Additionally, the Company recognizes hardware revenue on sales to channel partners, including resellers, distributors or value-added solution providers at the time of delivery when the channel partners have economic substance apart from the Company, and the Company has completed its obligations related to the sale. The Company generally recognizes revenue for its standalone software sales to channel partners on receipt of evidence that the software has been sold to a specific end user. The Company limits the amount of revenue recognized 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 refund or return rights.
The Company reduces revenue for customer and distributor programs and incentive offerings, including price protection, rebates, promotions, other volume-based incentives, and expected returns, at the later of the date of revenue recognition or the date the sales incentive is offered. Future market conditions and product transitions may require the Company to take actions to increase customer incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time the incentive is offered. For certain incentive programs, the Company estimates the number of customers expected to redeem the incentive based on historical experience and the specific terms and conditions of the incentive.
In instances when revenue is derived from sales of third-party vendor products or services, the Company records revenue on a gross basis when the Company is a principal to the transaction and on a net basis when the Company is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor. The Company considers several factors to determine whether it is acting as a principal or an agent, most notably whether the Company is the primary obligor to the customer, has established its own pricing and has inventory and credit risks.
The Company reports revenue net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority.
Multiple element arrangements
When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements or deliverables, such as hardware and software products, and/or services, the Company 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") of selling price, if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE of selling price is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE of selling price nor TPE is available. The Company 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. The Company establishes TPE of selling price by evaluating largely similar and interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. The Company establishes ESP based on management judgment 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 technology industry life-cycles. In most arrangements with multiple elements, the Company allocates the transaction price to the individual units of accounting at inception of the arrangement based on their relative selling price.
In multiple element arrangements that include software that is more-than-incidental, the Company allocates the transaction price to the individual units of accounting for the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling price of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the selling price hierarchy. If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the transaction price allocated to the group of software deliverables is then allocated to each component software deliverable.

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


The Company evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value to the customer. For elements with no standalone value, the Company recognizes revenue consistent with the pattern of the undelivered elements. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated refund or return right or other contingency relative to the delivered items, and the delivery and performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially within the Company's control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In arrangements with combined units of accounting, changes in the allocation of the transaction price among elements may impact the timing of revenue recognition for the contract but will not change the total revenue recognized for the contract.
Product revenue
Hardware
Under the Company's standard terms and conditions of sale, the Company transfers title and risk of loss to the customer at the time product is delivered to the customer and recognizes revenue accordingly, unless customer acceptance is uncertain or significant obligations to the customer remain. The Company reduces revenue for estimated customer returns, price protection, rebates and other programs offered under sales agreements established by the Company with its distributors and resellers. The Company records revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as product revenue at the inception of the lease. The Company accrues the estimated cost of post-sale obligations, including standard product warranties, based on historical experience at the time the Company recognizes revenue.
Software
The Company recognizes revenue from perpetual software licenses at the inception of the license term, assuming all revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Term-based software license revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the license. The Company uses the residual method to allocate revenue to software licenses at the inception of the arrangement when VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements, such as post-contract customer support, exists and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. The Company recognizes revenue from maintenance and unspecified upgrades or updates provided on a when-and-if-available basis ratably over the period during which such items are delivered. The Company recognizes revenue for 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 hosting arrangements, the Company considers the rights provided to the customer (e.g. whether the customer has the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty, and the feasibility of the customer to operate or contract with another vendor to operate the software) in determining whether the arrangement includes the sale of a software license. In hosting arrangements where software licenses are sold, license revenue is generally recognized according to whether perpetual or term licenses are sold, when all other revenue recognition criteria are satisfied.
Services revenue
The Company 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, the Company recognizes revenue as services are rendered and recognizes costs as they are incurred.
The Company recognizes revenue from certain fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, as work progresses over the contract period on a proportional performance basis, as determined by the percentage of labor costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated labor costs of a contract. The Company recognizes revenue on fixed-price contracts for design and build projects (to design, develop and construct software and systems) using the percentage-of-completion method. The Company uses the cost-to-cost method to measure progress toward completion as determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs of the project. Estimates of total project costs for fixed-price contracts are regularly reassessed during the life of a contract. Provisions for estimated losses on fixed-priced contracts are recognized in the period when such losses become known. If reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made, the Company uses the completed contract method and recognizes revenue and costs upon service completion.
The Company generally recognizes outsourcing services revenue in the period when the service is provided and the amount earned is not contingent on the occurrence of any future event. The Company recognizes revenue using an objective measure of output for unit-priced contracts. Revenue for fixed-price outsourcing contracts with periodic billings is recognized

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


on a straight-line basis if the service is provided evenly during the contract term. Provisions for estimated losses on outsourcing arrangements are recognized in the period when such losses become probable and estimable.
The Company recognizes revenue from operating leases on a straight-line basis as service revenue over the rental period.
Financing income
Sales-type and direct-financing leases produce financing income, which the Company recognizes at consistent rates of return over the lease term.
Deferred revenue and deferred costs
The Company records amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied. The Company records revenue that is earned and recognized in excess of amounts invoiced on services contracts as trade receivables.
Deferred revenue represents amounts invoiced in advance for product support contracts, software customer support contracts, outsourcing startup services work, consulting and integration projects, product sales or leasing income.
The Company recognizes costs associated with outsourcing contracts as incurred, unless such costs are considered direct and incremental to the startup phase of the contract, in which case the Company defers these costs during the startup phase and subsequently amortizes such costs over the period that outsourcing services are provided, once those services commence. The Company amortizes deferred contract costs on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the contract unless facts and circumstances of the contract indicate a shorter period is more appropriate. Based on actual and projected contract financial performance indicators, the Company analyzes the recoverability of deferred contract costs using the undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract over its remaining term. If such undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of deferred contract costs and long-lived assets directly associated with the contract, the deferred contract costs are first impaired. If a cash flow deficiency remains after reducing the carrying amount of the deferred contract costs to zero, the Company evaluates any remaining long-lived assets related to that contract for impairment.
Shipping and Handling
The Company includes costs related to shipping and handling in Cost of products.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is based on the measurement date fair value of the award and is recognized only for those awards expected to meet the service and performance vesting conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is 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. The forfeiture rate is estimated based on historical experience.
Prior to November 1, 2015, the Company's employees participated in former Parent's stock-based compensation plans. Stock-based compensation expense has been allocated to the Company based on the awards and terms previously granted to the Company's employees as well as an allocation of former Parent's corporate and shared functional employee expenses.
Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans worldwide, of which the most significant are in the United Kingdom. There are three pension plans in the UK which are all closed to new entrants, but under which, members continue to earn benefit accruals. All of these plans provide benefits based on final pay and years of service and generally require contributions from members. These plans are accounted for as single employer benefit plans. The net benefit plan obligations and the related benefit plan expense of these plans have been recorded in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for fiscal 2016.
Prior to October 31, 2015 and with the exception of certain defined benefit pension plans, of which the Company was the sole sponsor, certain of Hewlett Packard Enterprise eligible employees, retirees and other former employees participated in certain U.S. and international defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment plans offered by former Parent. These plans, which included participants that were both Company employees and other employees of former Parent ("Shared" plans), were accounted for as multiemployer benefit plans and the related net benefit plan obligations were not included in the

79
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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Company's historical Combined Balance Sheets through July 31, 2015. The related benefit plan expenses were allocated to the Company based on the Company's labor costs and allocations of corporate and other shared functional personnel.
Certain benefit plans in the Company's operations only included active, retired and other former Company employees ("Direct" plans) and were accounted for as single employer benefit plans. Accordingly, the net benefit plan obligations and the related benefit plan expense of those plans have been recorded in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for all periods presented. The most significant of these Direct plans are located in the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
In connection with the Separation, during the three months ended October 31, 2015, former Parent transferred to the Company plan assets and liabilities related to newly-created single employer plans, primarily associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise eligible employees, retirees and other former employees.
The Company generally amortizes unrecognized actuarial gains and losses on a straight-line basis over the average remaining estimated service life or, in the case of closed plans, life expectancy of participants. In some cases, actuarial gains and losses are amortized using the corridor approach. See Note 4, "Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans", for a full description of these plans and the accounting and funding policies.
Advertising
Costs to produce advertising are expensed as incurred during production. Costs to communicate advertising are expensed when the advertising is first run. Advertising expense totaled approximately $340 million in fiscal 2016, $224 million in fiscal 2015 and $220 million in fiscal 2014.
Restructuring
The Company records charges associated with former Parent-approved restructuring plans to reorganize one or more of the Company's business segments, to remove duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with business acquisitions or to simplify business processes and accelerate innovation. Restructuring charges can include severance costs to eliminate a specified number of employees, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities and consolidate operations, and contract cancellation costs. The Company records restructuring charges based on estimated employee terminations and site closure and consolidation plans. The Company accrues for severance and other employee separation costs under these actions when it is probable that benefits will be paid and the amount is reasonably estimable. The rates used in determining severance accruals are based on existing plans, historical experiences and negotiated settlements.
Taxes on Earnings
For fiscal 2015 and prior, current income tax liabilities related to entities which filed jointly with former Parent are assumed to be immediately settled with former Parent and are relieved through the former Parent company investment account and the Net transfers to former Parent in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. Income tax expense and other income tax-related information contained in these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements are presented on a separate return basis, as if the Company filed its own tax returns. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the standalone financial statements as if the Company were a separate taxpayer and a standalone enterprise for the periods presented. As of November 1, 2015, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was formally separated from former Parent; as such, any current income tax liabilities generated by the Company will be settled by the Company and no longer included with tax filings of former Parent.
The Company 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. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
The Company records accruals for uncertain tax positions when the Company believes that it is not more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The Company makes adjustments to these accruals when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of adjustments for uncertain tax positions, effects of potential settlement of certain pre-Separation Hewlett-Packard Company income tax liabilities, as well as any related interest and penalties.

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Accounts Receivable
The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable. The Company records a specific reserve for individual accounts when the Company becomes aware of specific customer circumstances, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer's operating results or financial position. If there are additional changes in circumstances related to the specific customer, the Company further adjusts estimates of the recoverability of receivables. The Company maintains bad debt reserves for all other customers based on a variety of factors, including the use of third-party credit risk models that generate quantitative measures of default probabilities based on market factors, the financial condition of customers, the length of time receivables are past due, trends in the weighted-average risk rating for the portfolio, macroeconomic conditions, information derived from competitive benchmarking, significant one-time events, and historical experience. The past due or delinquency status of a receivable is based on the contractual payment terms of the receivable.
The Company participated in former Parent's third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements intended to facilitate the working capital requirements of certain customers through July 31, 2015. From and after August 1, 2015, all of the Company's transactions are under its own third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements. These financing arrangements, which in certain cases provide for partial recourse, result in the transfer of the Company's trade receivables to a third party. The Company reflects amounts transferred to, but not yet collected from, the third party in Accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For arrangements involving an element of recourse, the fair value of the recourse obligation is measured using market data from similar transactions and reported as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Concentrations of Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments, receivables from trade customers and contract manufacturers, financing receivables and derivatives.
Prior to October 31, 2015, the Company participated in cash management, funding arrangements and risk management programs managed by former Parent. After October 31, 2015, in connection with the Separation, the Company maintains cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivatives, and certain other financial instruments with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located in many different geographic regions, and the Company's policy is designed to limit exposure from any particular institution. As part of its risk management processes, the Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions. The Company has not sustained material credit losses from instruments held at these financial institutions. The Company utilizes derivative contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Such contracts involve the risk of non-performance by the counterparty, which could result in a material loss.
Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable and financing receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographic regions. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of the financial condition of its customers and may require collateral, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, in certain circumstances. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's gross accounts receivable balance.
The Company utilizes outsourced manufacturers around the world to manufacture company-designed products. The Company may purchase product components from suppliers and sell those components to its outsourced manufacturers thereby creating receivable balances from the outsourced manufacturers. The three largest outsourced manufacturer receivable balances collectively represented 83% and 80% of the Company's manufacturer receivables of $382 million and $414 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company includes the manufacturer receivables in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis. The Company's credit risk associated with these receivables is mitigated wholly or in part by the amount the Company owes to these outsourced manufacturers, as the Company generally has the legal right to offset its payables to the outsourced manufacturers against these receivables. The Company does not reflect the sale of these components in revenue and does not recognize any profit on these component sales until the related products are sold by the Company, at which time any profit is recognized as a reduction to cost of sales. The Company 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 the Company's relationship with a single source supplier, or any unilateral modification to the contractual terms under which the Company is supplied components by a single source supplier could adversely affect the Company's revenue and gross margins.

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Inventory
The Company values inventory at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using standard cost which approximates actual cost 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 or obsolescence determined primarily by future demand forecasts.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company states property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company capitalizes additions and improvements and expenses maintenance and repairs as incurred. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis 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. The Company depreciates leasehold improvements over the life of the lease or the asset, whichever is shorter. The Company 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. On retirement or disposition, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets with any gain or loss recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.
The Company 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. The Company 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
The Company capitalizes costs incurred to acquire or develop software for resale subsequent to establishing technological feasibility for the software, if significant. The Company amortizes capitalized software development costs 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 life for capitalized software for resale is generally three years or less. Software development costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility are generally not significant.
Business Combinations
The Company includes the results of operations of acquired businesses in the Company's consolidated and combined results prospectively from the date of acquisition. The Company allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the assets acquired including in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity generally based on their fair values at the acquisition date. 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, the Company will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to the Company's Consolidated and Combined Statement of Earnings in the period it is abandoned. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity is recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired company and the Company and the value of the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies for recognition as an intangible asset. Acquisition-related expenses and post-acquisition restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company is permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company performs a quantitative test for all of its reporting units as part of its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. As of October 31, 2016, the Company's reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 2, "Segment Information". In the first step of the impairment test, the

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived most significantly from the income approach, and to a lesser extent, the market approach. Under the income approach, the Company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The Company prepares cash flow projections based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The Company bases the discount rate on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the reporting unit's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, the Company estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The Company weights the fair value derived from the market approach depending on the level of comparability of these publicly traded companies to the reporting unit. When market comparables are not meaningful or not available, the Company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit using only the income approach. For the Software and Enterprise Services ("ES") reporting units, the Company primarily utilized their respective spin-off and merger transaction values to estimate fair value.
If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the Company measures the reporting unit's assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests at fair value in a hypothetical analysis to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of assets based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the asset is impaired. The Company measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value using an income approach or, when available and appropriate, using a market approach. The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from one to ten years.
Equity Method Investments
Investments and ownership interests are accounted for under equity method accounting if the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling financial interest. The Company records its interest in the net earnings of its equity method investees, along with adjustments for unrealized profits or losses on intra-entity transactions and amortization of basis differences, within earnings or loss from equity interests in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. Profits or losses related to intra-entity sales with its equity method investees are eliminated until realized by the investor or investee. Basis differences represent differences between the cost of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets of the investment and are generally amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to them. The Company records its interest in the net earnings of its equity method investments based on the most recently available financial statements of the investees.
The carrying amount of the investment in equity interests is adjusted to reflect the Company's interest in net earnings, dividends received and other-than-temporary impairments. The Company reviews for impairment whenever factors indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. In such a case, the decrease in value is recognized in the period the impairment occurs in the Consolidated and Combined Statement of Earnings.
Debt and Marketable Equity Securities Investments
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, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are calculated based on the specific identification method and included in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. The Company monitors its investment portfolio for potential impairment on a quarterly basis. When the carrying amount of an investment in debt securities exceeds its fair value and the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company records an

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


impairment charge to Interest and other, net in the amount of the credit loss and the balance, if any, is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivatives
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily forwards, swaps, and, at times, options, to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Company also may use other derivative instruments not designated as hedges, such as forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. See Note 12, "Financial Instruments", for a full description of the Company's derivative financial instrument activities and related accounting policies.
Loss Contingencies
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company records a liability for contingencies when it believes it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. See Note 17, "Litigation and Contingencies", for a full description of the Company's loss contingencies and related accounting policies.
Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the existing accounting standards for income taxes. The amendments require the recognition of the income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Under current GAAP, current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers are not recognized until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and the impact of these amendments on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
In August 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for the statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. For issues that are impracticable to apply retrospectively, the amendments may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and the impact of these amendments on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for the measurement of credit losses. The amendments require an entity to estimate its lifetime expected credit loss for most financial instruments, including trade and lease receivables, and record an allowance for the portion of the amortized cost the entity does not expect to collect. The estimate of expected credit losses should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Early adoption is permitted beginning in fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and the impact of these amendments on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
In March 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for employee share-based payment arrangements. The amendments require all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies associated with share-based payments to be recognized as income tax expense or income tax benefit, respectively, rather than as additional paid-in capital. The amendments also increase the amount an employer can withhold in order to cover income taxes on awards, allows companies to recognize forfeitures of awards as they occur, and requires companies to present excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the timing of adoption and the impact of these amendments on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


In February 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for leases. The amendments require lessees to record, at lease inception, a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use ("ROU") asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on their balance sheets. Lessees may elect to not recognize lease liabilities and ROU assets for most leases with terms of 12 months or less. The lease liability is measured at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The ROU asset will be based on the liability, adjusted for lease prepayments, lease incentives received, and the lessee's initial direct costs. For finance leases, lease expense will be the sum of interest on the lease obligation and amortization of the ROU asset, resulting in a front-loaded expense pattern. For operating leases, lease expense will generally be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The amended lessor accounting model is similar to the current model, updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue standard. The current sale-leaseback guidance, including guidance applicable to real estate, is also replaced with a new model for both lessees and lessors. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and the impact of these amendments on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
In November 2015, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for income taxes. The amendments require companies to report their deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets each as a single non-current item on their classified balance sheets. The Company elected to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and applied them retrospectively to all periods presented, as permitted by the standard. The adoption of the amendments had no impact to its net earnings or cash flows from operations for any period presented.
The following table presents the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the historical accounting method for deferred taxes and as adjusted to reflect the adoption of the amendments:
 
October 31, 2015
 
Historical Accounting
Method
 
Effect of Adoption
 
As Adjusted
 
In millions
Other current assets
$
7,677

 
$
(1,209
)
 
$
6,468

Long-term financing receivables and other assets
$
11,020

 
$
(145
)
 
$
10,875

Taxes on earnings
$
(634
)
 
$
158

 
$
(476
)
Other liabilities
$
(10,098
)
 
$
1,196

 
$
(8,902
)
In September 2015, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards to simplify the accounting for measurement period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. The amendments require all such adjustments to be recognized in the period they are determined. Adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item, either on the face of the income statement or within the footnotes. The Company elected to early adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as permitted by the standard. The adoption of the amendments did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. See Footnote 9, "Acquisitions and Divestitures", for additional information on measurement period adjustments recognized during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016.
In May 2015, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for fair value measurements. The amendments remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient. The Company elected to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and applied them retrospectively to all periods presented, as required by the standard. The adoption of the amendments had no impact to its net earnings or cash flows from operations for any period presented.
In April 2015, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for intangible assets. The amendments provide explicit guidance to customers in determining the accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement, wherein the arrangements that do not convey a software license to the customer are accounted for as service contracts. The amendments also eliminate the practice of accounting for software licenses as executory contracts which may result in more software assets being capitalized. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017; however early adoption is permitted, as is retrospective application. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

85
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements


In April 2015, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for imputation of interest. The amendments require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the classified balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected by these amendments. The Company is required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively with the adjusted balance sheet of each individual period presented, in order to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update for a one year deferral of the effective date, with an option of applying the standard on the original effective date, which for the Company is the first quarter of fiscal 2018. In accordance with this deferral, the Company is required to adopt these amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. The Company is currently assessing the impact of these amendments and the transition alternatives on its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The Company plans to adopt the new revenue standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, beginning November 1, 2018.
Note 2: Segment Information
Hewlett Packard Enterprise's operations are organized into five segments for financial reporting purposes: the Enterprise Group ("EG"), Enterprise Services ("ES"), Software, Financial Services ("FS") and Corporate Investments. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's organizational structure is based on a number of factors that the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), Meg Whitman, uses to evaluate, view and run business operations, which include, but are not limited to, customer base and homogeneity of products and technology. The segments are based on this organizational structure and information reviewed by the Company's CODM to evaluate segment results.
A summary description of each segment follows.
The Enterprise Group provides servers, storage, networking, and technology services that, when combined with Hewlett Packard Enterprise's cloud solutions, enable customers to manage applications across virtual private cloud, private cloud and traditional IT environments. Described below are Hewlett Packard Enterprise's business units and capabilities within EG.
•
Servers offers both Industry Standard Servers ("ISS") as well as Mission-Critical Servers ("MCS") to address the full array of the Company's customers' computing needs. ISS provides a range of products, from entry level servers through premium HPE ProLiant servers, which run primarily on Windows, Linux and virtualization platforms from software providers including Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft") and VMware, Inc. ("VMware") and open sourced software from other major vendors while leveraging x86 processors from Intel Corporation ("Intel") and Advanced Micro Devices ("AMD"). For the most mission-critical workloads, HPE delivers Integrity servers based on the Intel® Itanium® processor, HPE Integrity NonStop solutions and mission critical x86 ProLiant servers.
•
Storage offers Converged Storage solutions and traditional storage. Converged Storage solutions include 3PAR StoreServ, StoreOnce, all-flash arrays, Software Defined and StoreVirtual products. Traditional storage includes tape, storage networking and legacy external disk products such as MSA, EVA and XP.
•
Networking offers wireless local area network equipment, mobility and security software, switches, routers, and network management products that span data centers, campus and branch environments and deliver software defined networking and unified communications capabilities.
•
Technology Services provides support services and technology consulting to assist customers as they transform their business and IT. These services are available in the form of service contracts, pre-packaged offerings (HPE Care Pack services) or on a customized basis.
        Enterprise Services provides technology consulting, outsourcing and support services across infrastructure, applications and business process domains within traditional and Strategic Enterprise Service ("SES") offerings which includes analytics and data management, security and cloud services. Described below are the business units and capabilities within ES.

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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)


•
Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing delivers comprehensive services that encompass the management of data centers, IT security, cloud computing, workplace technology, networks, unified communications and enterprise service management.
•
Application and Business Services helps clients develop, revitalize and manage their applications and information assets and provides end-to-end, industry-specific business process services.
        Software provides big data analytics and applications, enterprise security, application testing and delivery management and IT operations management solutions for businesses and other enterprises of all sizes. These software offerings include licenses, support, professional services, and software-as-a-service ("SaaS").
        Financial Services provides flexible investment solutions, such as leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services, for customers to enable the creation of unique technology deployment models and acquire complete IT solutions, including hardware, software and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Providing flexible services and capabilities that support the entire IT life cycle, FS partners with customers globally to help build investment strategies that enhance their business agility and support their business transformation. FS offers a wide selection of investment solution capabilities for large enterprise customers and channel partners, along with an array of financial options to SMBs and educational and governmental entities.
        Corporate Investments includes Hewlett Packard Labs and certain cloud-related business incubation projects, among others.
Segment Policy
Hewlett Packard Enterprise derives the results of its business segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The accounting policies that Hewlett Packard Enterprise uses to derive segment results are substantially the same as those the consolidated company uses. The CODM measures the performance of each segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. The CODM uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to each of the segments.
Segment revenue includes revenues from sales to external customers and intersegment revenues that reflect transactions between the segments on an arm's-length basis. Intersegment revenues primarily consist of sales of hardware and software that are sourced internally and, in the majority of the cases, are financed as operating leases by FS. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's consolidated net revenue is derived and reported after the elimination of intersegment revenues from such arrangements.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise periodically engages in intercompany advanced royalty payment and licensing arrangements that may result in advance payments between subsidiaries. Revenues from these intercompany arrangements are deferred and recognized as earned over the term of the arrangement by the Hewlett Packard Enterprise legal entities involved in such transactions; however, these advanced payments are eliminated from revenues as reported by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its business segments. As disclosed in Note 6, "Taxes on Earnings", Hewlett Packard Enterprise executed intercompany advanced royalty payment arrangements resulting in advanced payments of $3.7 billion and $5.0 billion during fiscal 2016 and 2015 respectively. In these transactions, the payments were received in the U.S. from a foreign consolidated affiliate, with a deferral of intercompany revenues over the term of the arrangements, approximately 5 years. The impact of these intercompany arrangements is eliminated from both Hewlett Packard Enterprise's consolidated and segment revenues.
Financing interest in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings reflects interest expense on borrowing- and funding-related activity associated with FS and its subsidiaries, and debt issued by Hewlett Packard Enterprise for which a portion of the proceeds benefited FS. Prior to October 9, 2015, such financing interest expense resulted from debt issued by former Parent.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise does not allocate to its segments certain operating expenses which it manages at the corporate level. These unallocated costs include certain corporate governance costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring charges, acquisition and other related charges, separation costs, defined benefit plan settlement charges, impairment of data center assets and gains on the divestitures of H3C and MphasiS.
Segment Organizational Changes
Effective at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company implemented organizational changes to align its segment financial reporting more closely with its current business structure. These organizational changes resulted in: (i) within

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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)


the Enterprise Group segment, the consolidation of the Industry Standard Servers and Business Critical Systems business units into the newly formed Servers business unit; and (ii) the transfer of certain cloud-related marketing headcount activities from the Corporate Investment segment to the Enterprise Group segment.
The Company reflected these changes to its segment information retrospectively to the earliest period presented, which resulted in: (i) the consolidation of net revenue from the Industry Standard Servers and Business Critical Systems business units into the Servers business unit within the Enterprise Group segment; and (ii) the transfer of operating expenses from the Corporate Investment segment to the Enterprise Group segment. These changes had no impact on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's previously reported combined and consolidated net revenue, earnings from operations, net earnings or net earnings per share.
In May 2016, Tsinghua Holdings’ subsidiary, Unisplendour Corporation, purchased 51% of a new business named H3C Technologies ("H3C"), comprising Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s former H3C Technologies and China-based servers, storage and technology services businesses, which were previously reported within the EG segment. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of its assets and liabilities that were identified as part of the H3C transaction. The Company retained a 49% interest in the new company, which it recorded as an equity method investment. See Note 9, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" and Note 20, "Equity Method Investments" for additional information.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company signed a definitive agreement with The Blackstone Group to sell its equity stake in MphasiS Limited ("MphasiS" or “MphasiS disposal group”). The financial results of MphasiS were previously reported within the ES segment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of its entire equity stake in MphasiS and divested all of the assets and liabilities identified as a part of this transaction. See Note 9, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for additional information.
Segment Operating Results
 
Enterprise
Group
 
Enterprise
Services
 
Software
 
Financial
Services
 
Corporate
Investments
 
Total
 
In millions
2016
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
26,017

 
$
18,094

 
$
2,912

 
$
3,097

 
$
3

 
$
50,123

Intersegment net revenue and other
1,202

 
778

 
283

 
93

 
—

 
2,356

Total segment net revenue
$
27,219

 
$
18,872

 
$
3,195

 
$
3,190

 
$
3

 
$
52,479

Earnings (loss) from operations
$
3,459

 
$
1,457

 
$
749

 
$
336

 
$
(348
)
 
$
5,653

2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
26,668

 
$
19,010

 
$
3,308

 
$
3,114

 
$
7

 
$
52,107

Intersegment net revenue and other
1,239

 
796

 
314

 
102

 
—

 
2,451

Total segment net revenue
$
27,907

 
$
19,806

 
$
3,622

 
$
3,216

 
$
7

 
$
54,558

Earnings (loss) from operations
$
3,862

 
$
1,019

 
$
788

 
$
349

 
$
(423
)
 
$
5,595

2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
26,812

 
$
21,297

 
$
3,609

 
$
3,401

 
$
4

 
$
55,123

Intersegment net revenue and other
915

 
1,101

 
324

 
97

 
—

 
2,437

Total segment net revenue
$
27,727

 
$
22,398

 
$
3,933

 
$
3,498

 
$
4

 
$
57,560

Earnings (loss) from operations
$
3,909

 
$
818

 
$
871

 
$
389

 
$
(245
)
 
$
5,742


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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)


The reconciliation of segment operating results to Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated and combined results was as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Net Revenue:
 

 
 

 
 

Total segments
$
52,479

 
$
54,558

 
$
57,560

Elimination of intersegment net revenue and other
(2,356
)
 
(2,451
)
 
(2,437
)
Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated and combined net revenue
$
50,123

 
$
52,107

 
$
55,123

Earnings before taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Total segment earnings from operations
$
5,653

 
$
5,595

 
$
5,742

Corporate and unallocated costs and eliminations
(598
)
 
(454
)
 
(592
)
Stock-based compensation expense
(558
)
 
(565
)
 
(427
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(755
)
 
(852
)
 
(906
)
Restructuring charges
(1,236
)
 
(954
)
 
(1,471
)
Acquisition and other related charges
(178
)
 
(89
)
 
(11
)
Separation costs
(598
)
 
(797
)
 
—

Defined benefit plan settlement charges
—

 
(225
)
 
—

Impairment of data center assets
—

 
(136
)
 
—

Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
2,420

 
—

 
—

Interest and other, net
(312
)
 
(51
)
 
(91
)
Tax indemnification adjustments
317

 
—

 
—

Loss from equity interests
(76
)
 
(2
)
 
—

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated and combined earnings before taxes
$
4,079

 
$
1,470

 
$
2,244

Segment Assets
Hewlett Packard Enterprise allocates assets to its business segments based on the segments primarily benefiting from the assets. Total assets by segment and the reconciliation of segment assets to Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated assets were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Enterprise Group
$
26,163

 
$
27,987

Enterprise Services
9,563

 
11,581

Software
9,425

 
9,996

Financial Services
13,594

 
13,163

Corporate Investments
161

 
83

Corporate and unallocated assets
20,773

 
17,106

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated assets(1)
$
79,679

 
$
79,916

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The Company elected to adopt the amendments prescribed by ASU 2015-17 related to deferred tax assets and liabilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and applied them retrospectively, as required by the standard. The total assets by segment and total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated assets for fiscal 2015 were restated accordingly.


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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)


•Assets allocated to the EG segment in fiscal 2016 decreased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to the divestiture of 51% of the Company's former H3C Technologies and China-based servers, storage and technology services businesses.
•Assets allocated to the ES segment in fiscal 2016 decreased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to the divestiture of the MphasiS business, the ongoing amortization of intangible assets and a decrease in prepaid expenses.
•Assets allocated to the Software segment in fiscal 2016 decreased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to the divestiture of the TippingPoint business and the ongoing amortization of intangible assets.
•Assets allocated to the FS segment in fiscal 2016 increased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to an increase in equipment leases to customers, recorded as operating and capital leases.
•Assets allocated to the Corporate Investments segment in fiscal 2016 increased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to the acquisition of equity method investments.
•Assets allocated to Corporate and unallocated assets in fiscal 2016 increased as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to an increase in cash and cash equivalents, tax indemnification receivables as a result of the Separation and Distribution Agreement with HP Inc., and deferred tax assets.
Major Customers
No single customer represented 10% or more of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's total net revenue in any fiscal year presented.
Geographic Information
Net revenue by country is based upon the sales location that predominately represents the customer location. For each of the fiscal years of 2016, 2015 and 2014, other than the U.S. and the United Kingdom, no country represented more than 10% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's net revenue.
Net revenue by country in which Hewlett Packard Enterprise operates was as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
U.S. 
$
19,581

 
$
20,063

 
$
20,833

United Kingdom
5,074

 
5,379

 
5,661

Other countries
25,468

 
26,665

 
28,629

Total net revenue
$
50,123

 
$
52,107

 
$
55,123

Net property, plant and equipment by country in which Hewlett Packard Enterprise operates was as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
U.S. 
$
4,768

 
$
4,851

United Kingdom
912

 
955

Other countries
3,956

 
4,080

Total net property, plant and equipment
$
9,636

 
$
9,886


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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)


Net revenue by segment and business unit was as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Servers
$
14,019

 
$
14,219

 
$
13,401

Technology Services
7,160

 
7,662

 
8,383

Storage
3,065

 
3,180

 
3,315

Networking
2,975

 
2,846

 
2,628

Enterprise Group
27,219

 
27,907

 
27,727

Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing
11,425

 
12,107

 
14,038

Application and Business Services
7,447

 
7,699

 
8,360

Enterprise Services
18,872

 
19,806

 
22,398

Software
3,195

 
3,622

 
3,933

Financial Services
3,190

 
3,216

 
3,498

Corporate Investments
3

 
7

 
4

Total segment net revenue
52,479

 
54,558

 
57,560

Eliminations of intersegment net revenue and other
(2,356
)
 
(2,451
)
 
(2,437
)
Total net revenue
$
50,123

 
$
52,107

 
$
55,123

Note 3: Restructuring
Summary of Restructuring Plans
Restructuring charges of $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion were recorded by the Company during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, based on restructuring activities impacting the Company's employees and infrastructure. Restructuring charges of $1.5 billion were recorded by the Company during fiscal 2014 based on restructuring activities impacting the Company's employees and infrastructure, as well as an allocation of restructuring charges related to former Parent's corporate and shared functional employees and infrastructure of $131 million. Restructuring activities related to the Company's employees and infrastructure (“Direct Restructuring”), summarized by plan, are presented in the table below:

91

 
Fiscal 2015 Plan
 
Fiscal 2012 Plan
 
Other Plans
 
 
 
Employee
Severance
 
Infrastructure
and other
 
Employee
Severance
and EER
 
Infrastructure
and other
 
Employee
Severance
 
Infrastructure
and other
 
Total
Liability as of
October 31, 2013
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
712

 
$
37

 
$
9

 
$
120

 
$
878

Charges
—

 
—

 
1,092

 
253

 
—

 
(5
)
 
1,340

Cash payments
—

 
—

 
(978
)
 
(198
)
 
(1
)
 
(62
)
 
(1,239
)
Non-cash items
—

 
—

 
(89
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(90
)
Liability as of
October 31, 2014
—


—


737


91


8


53


889

Charges
351

 
1

 
542

 
73

 
(4
)
 
(9
)
 
954

Cash payments
—

 
(1
)
 
(884
)
 
(116
)
 
—

 
(20
)
 
(1,021
)
Non-cash items
—

 
—

 
(74
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(80
)
Liability as of
October 31, 2015
351


—


321


45


1


24


742

Charges
932

 
217

 
88

 
1

 
—

 
(2
)
 
1,236

Cash payments
(615
)
 
(132
)
 
(263
)
 
(22
)
 
—

 
(11
)
 
(1,043
)
Non-cash items
(39
)
 
(50
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
(98
)
Liability as of
October 31, 2016
$
629


$
35


$
139


$
23


$
1


$
10


$
837

Total costs incurred to date as of October 31, 2016
$
1,283

 
$
218

 
$
3,980

 
$
546

 
$
1,997

 
$
1,127

 
$
9,151

Total expected costs to be incurred as of October 31, 2016
$
2,158

 
$
451

 
$
3,980

 
$
546

 
$
1,997

 
$
1,127

 
$
10,259

The current restructuring liability reported in Accrued restructuring in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $671 million, $628 million and $711 million, respectively. The non-current restructuring liability reported in Other liabilities in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $166 million, $114 million and $178 million, respectively.
Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plan
On September 14, 2015, former Parent's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the "2015 Plan") in connection with the Separation, which will be implemented through fiscal 2018. As of October 31, 2016, the Company expects up to approximately 30,000 employees to exit the Company by the end of 2018. The changes to the workforce will vary by country, based on local legal requirements and consultations with employee work councils and other employee representatives, as appropriate. As of October 31, 2016, the Company estimates that it will incur aggregate pre-tax charges of approximately $2.6 billion through fiscal 2018 in connection with the 2015 Plan, of which approximately $2.2 billion relates to workforce reductions and approximately $400 million primarily relates to real estate consolidation.
On May 24, 2016, the Company announced plans for a tax-free spin-off and merger of its Enterprise Services business with Computer Sciences Corporation ("CSC"). The completion of the transaction will result in lower costs being incurred by the Company in connection with the 2015 Plan, the extent of which will depend on a number of factors including the exact closing date.
Fiscal 2012 Restructuring Plan
On May 23, 2012, former Parent adopted a multi-year restructuring plan (the "2012 Plan") designed to simplify business processes, accelerate innovation and deliver better results for customers, employees and stockholders. As of October 31, 2015, the Company had eliminated 42,100 positions in connection with the 2012 Plan, with a portion of those employees exiting the Company as part of voluntary enhanced early retirement ("EER") programs in the U.S. and in certain other countries. As of October 31, 2016, the plan is substantially complete, with no further positions being eliminated. During fiscal 2016, the

92

Company recorded severance charges of $88 million and infrastructure charges of $1 million, respectively, as a result of a change in the estimate of expected cash payouts. The Company recognized $4.5 billion in total aggregate charges in connection with the 2012 Plan, with approximately $4.0 billion related to workforce reductions, including the EER programs, and $546 million related to infrastructure, including data center and real estate consolidation and other items. The severance- and infrastructure-related cash payments associated with the 2012 Plan are expected to be paid out through fiscal 2021.
Other Plans
As of October 31, 2016, restructuring plans initiated by former Parent in fiscal 2008 and 2010 are substantially complete. Severance- and infrastructure-related cash payments associated with these plans are expected to be paid out through fiscal 2019.
Note 4: Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans worldwide, the most significant of which are in the UK. There are three pension plans in the UK which are all closed to new entrants, but under which, members continue to earn benefit accruals. Two of these plans provide pension benefits to employees predominately within the Enterprise Services segment, the remaining plan provides pension benefits to employees within the remaining HPE segments. All of these plans provide benefits based on final pay and years of service and generally require contributions from members. These plans are accounted for as single employer benefit plans. The net benefit plan obligations and the related benefit plan expense for these plans have been recorded in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for fiscal 2016.
Prior to October 31, 2015, and with the exception of certain defined benefit pension plans of which the Company was the sole sponsor, certain Hewlett Packard Enterprise eligible employees, retirees and other former employees participated in certain U.S. and international defined benefit pension plans offered by former Parent. These plans, which included participants of both Company employees and employees of former Parent, were accounted for as multiemployer benefit plans and the related net benefit plan obligations were not included in the Company's Combined and Consolidated Balance Sheets through July 31, 2015. The related benefit plan expense was allocated to the Company based on the Company's labor costs and allocations of corporate and other shared functional personnel. Former Parent contributions to these Shared plans were $518 million in fiscal 2015 and $277 million in fiscal 2014.
In connection with the Separation, during the three months ended October 31, 2015, former Parent transferred plan assets and liabilities primarily associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise eligible employees, retirees and other former employees to the Company. As a result, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, plan assets of $11.7 billion, a benefit obligation of $11.9 billion and an accumulated other comprehensive loss of $2.6 billion, primarily related to non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans, were assumed and recorded by the Company. The net benefit plan obligations transferred were remeasured on the date of transfer resulting in an additional loss of $553 million recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended October 31, 2015.
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors retiree health and welfare benefit plans, the most significant of which is in the U.S. Generally, employees hired before August 2008 are eligible for employer credits under the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Retirement Medical Savings Account Plan (“RMSA”) upon attaining age 45. Employer credits to the RMSA available after September 2008 are provided in the form of matching credits on employee contributions made to a voluntary employee beneficiary association. Upon retirement, employees may use these employer credits for the reimbursement of certain eligible medical expenses.
Prior to July 31, 2015, former Parent sponsored retiree health and welfare benefit plans, the most significant of which were in the U.S. All of these plans were accounted for as multiemployer benefit plans. The Company recognized post-retirement benefit credits of $28 million in fiscal 2015 and $18 million in fiscal 2014 in the Combined and Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
In connection with the Separation, during the three months ended October 31, 2015, the former Parent transferred a benefit obligation of $150 million, plan assets of $40 million and accumulated other comprehensive income of $10 million, primarily associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise eligible employees, retirees and other former employees to the Company.

93
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Defined Contribution Plans
The Company offers various defined contribution plans for U.S. and non-U.S. employees. Prior to the Separation, former Parent offered various defined contribution plans for U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The Company's defined contribution expense was approximately $438 million in fiscal 2016, $450 million in fiscal 2015 and $480 million in fiscal 2014. Prior to the Separation, U.S. employees were automatically enrolled in the Hewlett-Packard Company 401(k) Plan ("HP 401(k) Plan") when they met eligibility requirements, unless they declined participation. The quarterly employer matching contributions in the HP 401(k) Plan were 100% of an employee's contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of eligible compensation. Effective November 1, 2015, the Company's active employees became eligible to participate in the newly created Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 401(k) Plan. Effective January 1, 2017, the annual employer matching contributions in the updated HPE 401(k) Plan will be 50% of an employee's contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation. Prior to the amendment, the quarterly employer matching contributions in the HPE 401(k) Plan were 100% of an employee’s contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of eligible compensation.
Pension Benefit Expense
The Company's total net pension benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings was $140 million in fiscal 2016, $341 million in fiscal 2015 and $142 million in fiscal 2014. The amounts for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 include $201 million and $6 million, respectively, of related benefit plan expenses that were allocated to the Company by former Parent for multiemployer pension plans.
In January 2015, former Parent offered certain terminated vested participants of the U.S. HP Pension Plan (a Shared plan) a one-time voluntary window during which they could elect to receive their pension benefit as a lump sum payment. As a result, the former Parent pension plan trust made lump sum payments to eligible participants who elected to receive their pension benefit under this lump sum program. The defined benefit plan settlement charges of $225 million recorded in the Combined and Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended October 31, 2015 primarily include settlement expenses and additional net periodic benefit costs resulting from this lump sum program incurred by former Parent, which was determined to be directly attributable to the Company, and the impact of the remeasurement of the related U.S. defined benefit plans.
The Company's net pension and post-retirement benefit costs that were directly attributable to the eligible employees, retirees and other former employees of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the table below. In addition, the table includes costs related to the plans transferred from former Parent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Service cost
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
254

 
$
121

 
$
74

 
$
3

 
$
—

 
$
—

Interest cost
—

 
16

 
15

 
549

 
337

 
283

 
6

 
1

 
—

Expected return on plan assets
—

 
—

 
—

 
(983
)
 
(570
)
 
(364
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

Amortization and deferrals:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Actuarial loss
—

 
2

 
2

 
311

 
218

 
82

 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

Prior service benefit
—

 
—

 
—

 
(24
)
 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

Net periodic benefit cost
—


18


17


107


100


73


4


—


—

Curtailment gain
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlement loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
9

 
4

 
8

 
—

 
—

 
—

Special termination benefits
—

 
—

 
—

 
25

 
18

 
39

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net benefit cost
$
—


$
18


$
17


$
136


$
122


$
119


$
4


$
—


$
—


94
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The weighted-average assumptions used to calculate net pension benefit cost for Direct plans in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 and for costs related to the plans transferred from former Parent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
Discount rate
3.8
%
 
4.4
%
 
4.8
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.0
%
 
4.2
%
 
4.6
%
 
4.7
%
 
—

Expected increase in compensation levels
2.0
%
 
—

 
—

 
2.5
%
 
2.4
%
 
2.8
%
 
—

 
—

 
—

Expected long-term return on plan assets
—

 
—

 
—

 
6.2
%
 
6.9
%
 
7.8
%
 
4.0
%
 
—

 
—

Prior to October 31, 2016, the Company estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curves used to measure the benefit obligation. Beginning in fiscal 2017, the Company will change its method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans that use the yield curve approach, which represent substantially all of defined benefit plans. The Company has elected to use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The Company will make this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. The Company will account for this change as a change in estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and will account for it prospectively beginning in fiscal 2017.




95
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Funded Status
The funded status of the plans was as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Change in fair value of plan assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value—beginning of year
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
16,624

 
$
5,098

 
$
40

 
$
—

Transfer from former Parent(1)
—

 
—

 
—

 
11,667

 
—

 
40

Acquisition/divestiture/addition/deletion of plans(2)
—

 
—

 
138

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

Actual return on plan assets
—

 
—

 
2,104

 
512

 
1

 
—

Employer contributions
—

 
21

 
328

 
132

 
3

 
1

Participant contributions
—

 
—

 
41

 
7

 
6

 
—

Benefits paid
—

 
(21
)
 
(518
)
 
(273
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Settlement
—

 
—

 
(33
)
 
(8
)
 
—

 
—

Currency impact
—

 
—

 
(2,022
)
 
(507
)
 
—

 
—

Fair value—end of year
—


—


16,662


16,624


47


40

Change in benefit obligation:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Projected benefit obligation—beginning of year
7

 
370

 
19,439

 
7,335

 
139

 
—

Merged into former Parent's Shared plan(3)
—

 
(365
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfer from former Parent(1)
—

 
7

 
—

 
12,262

 
—

 
150

Acquisition/divestiture/addition/deletion of plans(2)
—

 
—

 
(20
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

Service cost
—

 
—

 
254

 
121

 
3

 
—

Interest cost
—

 
16

 
549

 
337

 
6

 
1

Participant contributions
—

 
—

 
41

 
7

 
6

 
—

Actuarial loss (gain)
—

 
—

 
3,018

 
409

 
6

 
(10
)
Benefits paid
—

 
(21
)
 
(518
)
 
(273
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Plan amendments
—

 
—

 
1

 
(82
)
 
—

 
—

Curtailment
—

 
—

 
(18
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlement
—

 
—

 
(33
)
 
(8
)
 
—

 
—

Special termination benefits
—

 
—

 
25

 
18

 
—

 
—

Currency impact
—

 
—

 
(2,374
)
 
(684
)
 
1

 
(1
)
Projected benefit obligation—end of year
7


7


20,364


19,439


158


139

Funded status at end of year
$
(7
)

$
(7
)

$
(3,702
)

$
(2,815
)

$
(111
)

$
(99
)
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
19,829

 
$
18,706

 
$
—

 
$
—

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
In fiscal 2015, in connection with the Separation, former Parent transferred plan assets and liabilities from former Parent's shared plans to established Company plans.
(2)
Primarily attributable to a business divestiture of outsourcing services in Germany and a Netherlands plan data review that transferred HPI retirees to HPE.
(3)
In October 2015, the Company transferred three unfunded non-qualified U.S. defined benefit plans to HPI.


96
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the projected benefit obligations were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
Discount rate
3.2
%
 
3.8
%
 
2.0
%
 
3.0
%
 
4.2
%
 
4.6
%
Expected increase in compensation levels
2.0
%
 
2.0
%
 
2.4
%
 
2.5
%
 
—

 
—

The net amounts recognized for defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Noncurrent assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
378

 
$
495

 
$
—

 
$
—

Current liabilities
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(43
)
 
(38
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
(4,037
)
 
(3,272
)
 
(108
)
 
(96
)
Funded status at end of year
$
(7
)

$
(7
)

$
(3,702
)

$
(2,815
)

$
(111
)

$
(99
)
The following table summarizes the pre-tax net actuarial loss and prior service benefit recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the defined benefit plans:
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Net actuarial loss (gain)
$
—

 
$
5,800

 
$
(9
)
Prior service benefit
—

 
(184
)
 
—

Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
—


$
5,616


$
(9
)
The following table summarizes the net actuarial loss and prior service benefit for plans that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) during the next fiscal year.
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Net actuarial loss (gain)
$
—

 
$
446

 
$
(3
)
Prior service benefit
—

 
(24
)
 
—

Total expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
—


$
422


$
(3
)

97
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Aggregate fair value of plan assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10,508

 
$
8,510

Aggregate projected benefit obligation
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
14,587

 
$
11,820

Defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
Aggregate fair value of plan assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10,171

 
$
8,449

Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
13,765

 
$
11,195


98
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Fair Value of Plan Assets
The Company pays the U.S. defined benefit plan obligations when they come due since these plans are unfunded. The table below sets forth the fair value of non-U.S defined benefit plan assets by asset category within the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
As of
October 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
In millions
Asset Category:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. 
$
706

 
$
34

 
$
—

 
$
740

 
$
772

 
$
65

 
—

 
$
837

Non-U.S. 
1,022

 
227

 
84

 
1,333

 
1,910

 
408

 
68

 
2,386

Debt securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
—

 
2,558

 
—

 
2,558

 
—

 
2,646

 
—

 
2,646

Government(1)
—

 
805

 
—

 
805

 
—

 
843

 
—

 
843

Alternative investments
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Private Equity(2)
—

 
4

 
68

 
72

 
—

 
1

 
68

 
69

Hybrids(3)
—

 
458

 
—

 
458

 
—

 
2,576

 
—

 
2,576

Hybrids at NAV(4)


 


 


 
2,851

 


 


 


 
343

Hedge Funds(5)
—

 
148

 
87

 
235

 
11

 
73

 
236

 
320

Common Contractual Funds at NAV(6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equities at NAV


 


 


 
3,125

 


 


 


 
2,821

Fixed Income at NAV


 


 


 
948

 


 


 


 
993

Emerging Markets at NAV


 


 


 
955

 


 


 


 
844

Alternative investments at NAV


 


 


 
367

 


 


 


 
297

Real Estate Funds
215

 
269

 
307

 
791

 
447

 
33

 
571

 
1,051

Insurance Group Annuity Contracts
—

 
38

 
63

 
101

 
—

 
48

 
69

 
117

Cash and Cash Equivalents(7)
1,061

 
—

 
—

 
1,061

 
372

 
—

 
—

 
372

Other(8)
71

 
69

 
122

 
262

 
61

 
13

 
35

 
109

Total
$
3,075

 
$
4,610

 
$
731

 
$
16,662

 
$
3,573

 
$
6,706

 
$
1,047

 
$
16,624

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes debt issued by national, state and local governments and agencies.
(2)
Includes limited partnerships such as equity, buyout, venture capital, real estate, and other similar funds that invest in the U.S. and internationally where foreign currencies are hedged.
(3)
Includes a fund that invests in both private and public equities primarily in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, as well as emerging markets across all sectors. The fund also holds fixed income and derivative instruments to hedge interest rate and inflation risk. In addition, the fund includes units in transferable securities, collective investment schemes, money market funds, cash, and deposits.
(4)
Includes pooled funds that invest:
a.
in government bonds and derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, future contracts and repurchase agreements with the objective to provide nominal and/or inflation-linked returns ($2,478 million and $0 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively); 
b.
in various worldwide equity index funds with the objective to provide returns that are consistent with the FTSE All World Developed Index ($373 million and $343 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively).
While the funds are not publicly traded, the custodian strikes a net asset value at least monthly. There are no redemption restrictions or future commitments on these investments.

99
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



(5)
Includes limited partnerships that invest both long and short primarily in common stocks and credit, relative value, event driven equity, distressed debt and macro strategies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks and bonds, and from a net long position to a net short position.
(6)
HP Invest Common Contractual Fund (CCF) is an investment arrangement in which institutional investors pool their assets.  Units may be acquired in six different sub-funds focused on equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and emerging markets.  Each sub-fund is invested in accordance with the fund’s investment objective and units are issued in relation to each sub-fund.  While the sub-funds are not publicly traded, the custodian strikes a net asset value either once or twice a month, depending on the sub-fund. There are no redemption restrictions or future commitments on these investments.
(7)
Includes cash and cash equivalents such as short-term marketable securities.
(8)
Includes international insured contracts, derivative instruments and unsettled transactions.
Post-retirement benefit plan assets of $47 million and $40 million as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were invested in publicly traded registered investment entities and were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Changes in fair value measurements of Level 3 investments for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans were as follows:
 
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016
 
 
 
Alternative
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
Securities
Non-U.S.
 
Private
Equity
 
Hedge
Funds
 
Real
Estate
Funds
 
Insurance
Group
Annuities
 
Other
 
Total
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
68

 
$
68

 
$
236

 
$
571

 
$
69

 
$
35

 
$
1,047

Actual return on plan assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Relating to assets held at the reporting date
16

 
(1
)
 
(35
)
 
(96
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(119
)
Relating to assets sold during the period
—

 
4

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
1

Purchases, sales, and settlements
—

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
 
2

 
(3
)
 
82

 
67

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—

 
—

 
(103
)
 
(170
)
 
2

 
6

 
(265
)
Balance at end of year
$
84


$
68


$
87


$
307


$
63


$
122


$
731


 
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Alternative
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
Securities
Non-U.S.
 
Private
Equity
 
Hedge
Funds
 
Real
Estate
Funds
 
Insurance
Group
Annuities
 
Other
 
Total
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
—

 
$
28

 
$
—

 
$
336

 
$
5

 
$
—

 
$
369

Transfer from former Parent(1)
81

 
19

 
192

 
23

 
58

 
34

 
407

Actual return on plan assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Relating to assets held at the reporting date
(13
)
 
(1
)
 
7

 
23

 
4

 
1

 
21

Relating to assets sold during the period
—

 
5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

Purchases, sales, and settlements
—

 
10

 
36

 
15

 
—

 
—

 
61

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—

 
7

 
1

 
174

 
2

 
—

 
184

Balance at end of year
$
68

 
$
68

 
$
236

 
$
571

 
$
69

 
$
35

 
$
1,047


100
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
In connection with the Separation, former Parent transferred plan assets from former Parent's shared plans to established Company plans.
During the period ended October 31, 2016, the Company adopted the amendment to the existing accounting standards for fair value measurements issued by the FASB in May 2015, and elected to apply it on a retrospective basis. This ASU removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient. See Note 1, "Overview and Basis of Presentation", for more details.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used to measure plan assets at fair value.
Investments in publicly traded equity securities are valued using the closing price on the measurement date as reported on the stock exchange on which the individual securities are traded. For corporate, government and asset-backed debt securities, fair value is based on observable inputs of comparable market transactions. For corporate and government debt securities traded on active exchanges, fair value is based on observable quoted prices. The valuation of alternative investments, such as limited partnerships and joint ventures, may require significant management judgment. For alternative investments, valuation is based on fair value as reported by the asset manager and adjusted for cash flows, if necessary. In making such an assessment, a variety of factors are reviewed by management, including, but not limited to, the timeliness of fair value as reported by the asset manager and changes in general economic and market conditions subsequent to the last fair value reported by the asset manager. Depending on the amount of management judgment, the lack of near-term liquidity, and the absence of quoted market prices, these assets are classified in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Further, depending on how quickly the Company can redeem its hedge fund investments, and the extent of any adjustments to fair value, hedge funds are classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The valuation for some of these assets requires judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, and these assets are generally classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Cash and cash equivalents includes money market funds, which are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value. Other assets, including insurance group annuity contracts, were classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input (e.g., quoted prices and observable inputs) that is significant to the fair value measure in its entirety.
Plan Asset Allocations
The weighted-average target and actual asset allocations across the benefit plans at the respective measurement dates for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plan were as follows:
 
Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
Plan Assets
 
 
 
Plan Assets
Asset Category
2016
Target
Allocation
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Target
Allocation
 
2016
 
2015
Public equity securities
 

 
38.3
%
 
43.4
%
 
 

 
—

 
—

Private/other equity securities
 

 
22.5
%
 
19.8
%
 
 

 
—

 
—

Real estate and other
 

 
6.3
%
 
7.0
%
 
 

 
—

 
—

Equity-related investments
64.7
%
 
67.1
%
 
70.2
%
 
—

 
—

 
—

Debt securities
34.5
%
 
26.5
%
 
27.6
%
 
90.0
%
 
90.2
%
 
97.2
%
Cash and cash equivalents
0.8
%
 
6.4
%
 
2.2
%
 
10.0
%
 
9.8
%
 
2.8
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Investment Policy
The Company's investment strategy is to seek a competitive rate of return relative to an appropriate level of risk depending on the funded status of each plan and the timing of expected benefit payments. The majority of the plans' investment managers employ active investment management strategies with the goal of outperforming the broad markets in which they invest. Risk management practices include diversification across asset classes and investment styles and periodic rebalancing

101
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



toward asset allocation targets. A number of the plans' investment managers are authorized to utilize derivatives for investment or liability exposures, and the Company may utilize derivatives to effect asset allocation changes or to hedge certain investment or liability exposures.
Outside the U.S., asset allocation decisions are typically made by an independent board of trustees for the specific plan. Investment objectives are designed to generate returns that will enable the plan to meet its future obligations. In some countries, local regulations may restrict asset allocations, typically leading to a higher percentage of investment in fixed income securities than would otherwise be deployed. The Company reviews the investment strategy and provides a recommended list of investment managers for each country plan, with final decisions on asset allocation and investment managers made by the board of trustees for the specific plan.
Basis for Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the expected returns for each major asset class in which the plan invests and the weight of each asset class in the target mix. Expected asset returns reflect the current yield on government bonds, risk premiums for each asset class and expected real returns, which considers each country's specific inflation outlook. Because the Company's investment policy is to employ primarily active investment managers who seek to outperform the broader market, the expected returns are adjusted to reflect the expected additional returns, net of fees.
Future Contributions and Funding Policy
In fiscal 2017, the Company expects to contribute approximately $348 million to its non-U.S. pension plans. In addition, the Company expects to contribute approximately $2 million to cover benefit payments to U.S. non-qualified plan participants. The Company expects to pay approximately $3 million to cover benefit claims for its post-retirement benefit plans. These amounts do not include pension funding the Company is obligated to make related to the spin-off and merger of the Enterprise Services business with CSC. The Company's policy is to fund its pension plans so that it makes at least the minimum contribution required by local government, funding and taxing authorities.
In connection with the Company’s plan for a tax-free spin-off and merger of its Enterprise Services business with CSC, there will be a transfer of unfunded pension liabilities for certain pension plans to the Company’s Enterprise Services business. As of October 31, 2016, the transfer is targeted to be completed on or around April 1, 2017. The approximate net pension liability to be transferred is pursuant to the transaction agreements, wherein the Company is obligated to fund the transferred net pension liability in excess of $570 million. The Company currently estimates the total funding amount to be in the range of $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion. While the exact amount will not be known until the transaction completion date, in December 2016 the Company made initial funding payments of $1.9 billion.
Estimated Future Benefits Payments
As of October 31, 2016, estimated future benefits payments for the Company's retirement plans were as follows:
Fiscal year
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Defined
Benefit Plans
 
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
In millions
2017
$
2

 
$
527

 
$
4

2018
—

 
505

 
5

2019
1

 
542

 
6

2020
—

 
579

 
7

2021
1

 
608

 
8

Next five fiscal years to October 31, 2026
2

 
3,515

 
54

The table above includes benefit payments from pension plans transferring to CSC as part of the spin-off and merger of the Company's Enterprise Services business with CSC.

102
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Note 5: Stock-Based Compensation
Prior to the Separation, certain of the Company's employees participated in stock-based compensation plans sponsored by former Parent. Former Parent's stock-based compensation plans included incentive compensation plans ("former Parent's Plan") and an employee stock purchase plan ("former Parent's ESPP"). All awards granted under the plans were based on former Parent's common shares and, as such, the award activity is not reflected in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, stock-based compensation expense includes expense attributable to the Company based on the awards and terms previously granted under the incentive compensation plan to the Company's employees and an allocation of former Parent's corporate and shared functional employee expenses. Accordingly, the amounts presented for fiscal 2015 and 2014 are not necessarily indicative of future awards and do not necessarily reflect the results that the Company would have experienced as an independent, publicly-traded company. The share and per share data for fiscal 2015 and 2014 presented in this note has not been adjusted to reflect the impact of the Separation.
In conjunction with the Separation, the Company adopted the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The Plan and the ESPP became effective November 1, 2015. The total number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized under the Plan and the ESPP was 260 million and 80 million, respectively. The Plan provides for the grant of various types of awards including restricted stock awards, stock options, and performance-based awards.
In connection with the Separation and in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement between HP Inc. and the Company, the Company's employees with outstanding former Parent stock-based awards received replacement stock-based awards under the Plan at Separation. The value of the replacement stock-based awards was designed to generally preserve the intrinsic value of the replaced awards immediately prior to the Separation. The incremental expense incurred by the Company was not material. Also in conjunction with the Separation, the Company granted one-time retention stock awards to certain executives, with a total grant date fair value of approximately $137 million. These awards vest over three years from the grant date.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefits
Stock-based compensation expense and the resulting tax benefits recognized by the Company were as follows:
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Stock-based compensation expense
$
597

 
$
565

 
$
427

Income tax benefit
(181
)
 
(165
)
 
(141
)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
$
416

 
$
400

 
$
286

In May 2016, in connection with the announcement of the spin-off and merger of the Company's Enterprise Services business with CSC, the Company modified its stock-based compensation program such that certain unvested equity awards outstanding on May 24, 2016 will vest upon the earlier of: (i) the termination of an employee’s employment with HPE as a direct result of an announced sale, divestiture or spin-off of a subsidiary, division or other business; (ii) the termination of an employee’s employment by HPE without cause; or (iii) June 1, 2018. This modification also includes changes to the performance and market conditions of certain performance-based awards. As a result, for the year ended October 31, 2016, stock-based compensation expense in the table above includes pre-tax expense of $31 million, which has been recorded within Separation costs in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. Additionally, for the year ended October 31, 2016, stock-based compensation expense in the table above includes pre-tax expense of $8 million related to workforce reductions, which has been recorded within Restructuring charges in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.
In connection with the Separation, former Parent's Board of Directors approved amendments to certain outstanding long-term incentive awards on July 29, 2015. The amendments provided for the accelerated vesting on September 17, 2015 of certain stock-based awards that were otherwise scheduled to vest between September 18, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The incremental pre-tax stock-based compensation expense due to the acceleration was approximately $61 million in fiscal 2015.
Stock-based compensation expense includes an allocation of former Parent's corporate and shared functional employee expenses of $151 million and $113 million in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively.

103
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Cash received from option exercises and purchases under the Company's ESPP was $119 million in fiscal 2016. The benefit realized for the tax deduction from option exercises in fiscal 2016 was $21 million. Cash received from option exercises and purchases by Company employees under former Parent's ESPP was $165 million in fiscal 2015 and $154 million in fiscal 2014. The benefit realized for the tax deduction from option exercises in fiscal 2015 and 2014 was $45 million and $42 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are unvested stock awards that may include grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards and cash-settled awards are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the lapse of the restrictions. Such awards generally vest one to three years from the date of grant. During the vesting period, ownership of the restricted stock cannot be transferred. Restricted stock has the same dividend and voting rights as common stock and is considered to be issued and outstanding upon grant. The dividends paid on restricted stock are non-forfeitable. Restricted stock units have forfeitable dividend equivalent rights equal to the dividend paid on common stock. Restricted stock units do not have the voting rights of common stock, and the shares underlying restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding upon grant. The fair value of the restricted stock awards is the close price of the Company's common stock on the grant date of the award. The Company expenses the fair value of restricted stock awards ratably over the period during which the restrictions lapse.
For fiscal 2016, the activity summarized in the table below is related to restricted stock held by Company employees under the Plan. For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the activity summarized in the table below is related to restricted stock held by Company employees under former Parent's Plans.
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 
In thousands
 
 
 
In thousands
 
 
 
In thousands
 
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
—

 
$
—

 
24,496

 
$
24

 
18,170

 
$
20

Converted from former Parent's plan
42,012

 
$
15

 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

Granted and assumed through acquisition(1)
32,752

 
$
15

 
19,601

 
$
35

 
15,820

 
$
28

Vested
(12,747
)
 
$
15

 
(21,860
)
 
$
26

 
(7,893
)
 
$
24

Forfeited
(4,696
)
 
$
15

 
(1,819
)
 
$
30

 
(1,601
)
 
$
22

Employee transition(2)
—

 
$
—

 
3,982

 
$
33

 
—

 
$
—

Outstanding at end of year
57,321

 
$
15

 
24,400

 
$
32

 
24,496

 
$
24

________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes a one-time restricted stock unit retention grant of approximately 5 million shares in fiscal 2016.
(2)
The Employee transition amounts consist of restricted stock award activity for employees transitioning between the Company and former Parent.
In fiscal 2015, approximately 8 million shares of restricted stock units were assumed through acquisition with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $33 per share.
The total grant date fair value of restricted stock awards vested for Company employees in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $130 million, $451 million and $128 million, respectively, net of taxes. As of October 31, 2016, there was $463 million of unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.2 years.
Stock Options

104
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Stock options granted under the Company's principal equity plans are generally non-qualified stock options, but the principal equity plans permitted some options granted to qualify as incentive stock options under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Stock options generally vest over three to four years from the date of grant. The exercise price of a stock option is equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the option grant date. The majority of the stock options issued by the Company contain only service vesting conditions. The Company also issued, to a lesser extent, performance-contingent stock options that vest only on the satisfaction of both service and market conditions.
The Company and former Parent utilize the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula to estimate the fair value of stock options subject to service-based vesting conditions. The Company and former Parent estimate the fair value of stock options subject to performance-contingent vesting conditions using a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation model and a lattice model, as these awards contain market conditions. The weighted-average fair value and the assumptions used to measure fair value were as follows:
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Weighted-average fair value(1)
$
4

 
$
8

 
$
7

Expected volatility(2)
31.1
%
 
26.8
%
 
33.1
%
Risk-free interest rate(3)
1.7
%
 
1.7
%
 
1.8
%
Expected dividend yield(4)
1.5
%
 
1.8
%
 
2.1
%
Expected term in years(5)
5.4

 
5.9

 
5.7

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
For fiscal 2016, the weighted-average fair value was based on stock options granted under the Plan during the period. For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the weighted-average fair value was based on stock options granted under former Parent's Plan during the respective periods.
(2)
For options granted in fiscal 2016, expected volatility was estimated using the average historical volatility of selected peer companies. For options granted in fiscal 2015, expected volatility was estimated using the implied volatility derived from options traded on former Parent's common stock. For options granted in fiscal 2014, expected volatility for options subject to service-based vesting was estimated using the implied volatility derived from options traded on former Parent's common stock, whereas for performance-contingent options, expected volatility was estimated using the historical volatility of former Parent's common stock.
(3)
The risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues.
(4)
The expected dividend yield represents a constant dividend yield applied for the duration of the expected term of the option.
(5)
For options granted in fiscal 2016 subject to service-based vesting, the expected term was estimated using the simplified method detailed in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110. For options granted in fiscal 2015 and 2014 subject to service-based vesting, the expected term was estimated using historical exercise and post-vesting termination patterns. For performance-contingent options, the expected term represents an output from the lattice model.

105
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



For fiscal 2016, the activity summarized in the table below is related to stock options held by Company employees under the Plan. For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the activity summarized in the table below is related to stock options held by Company employees under former Parent's Plan.
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
In thousands
 
 
 
In years
 
In millions
 
In thousands
 
 
 
In years
 
In millions
 
In thousands
 
 
 
In years
 
In millions
Outstanding
at beginning
of year
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
24,472

 
$
27

 
 
 
 

 
37,433

 
$
26

 
 
 
 

Converted from former Parent's plan
42,579

 
$
15

 
 
 
 
 
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
Granted and assumed through acquisitions(1)
25,390

 
$
15

 
 
 
 
 
3,147

 
$
37

 
 
 
 

 
4,255

 
$
28

 
 
 
 

Exercised
(7,845
)
 
$
11

 
 
 
 
 
(5,716
)
 
$
18

 
 
 
 

 
(5,533
)
 
$
18

 
 
 
 

Forfeited/cancelled/expired
(2,626
)
 
$
20

 
 
 
 
 
(7,116
)
 
$
40

 
 
 
 

 
(11,683
)
 
$
37

 
 
 
 

Employee transition(2)
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
11,391

 
$
26

 
 
 
 
 
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 

Outstanding
at end
of year
57,498

 
$
15

 
5.4
 
$
437

 
26,178

 
$
26

 
5.2
 
$
115

 
24,472

 
$
27

 
4.2
 
$
272

Vested and expected to
vest at end
of year
55,716

 
$
15

 
5.3
 
$
425

 
25,309

 
$
26

 
5.2
 
$
115

 
23,152

 
$
27

 
4.0
 
$
252

Exercisable at end of year
26,204

 
$
13

 
3.8
 
$
241

 
18,767

 
$
23

 
4.7
 
$
109

 
14,174

 
$
31

 
2.5
 
$
119

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes one-time stock option retention grant of approximately 16 million shares in fiscal 2016.
(2)
Employee transition amounts consist of option activity for employees transitioning between the Company and former Parent.
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that Company employee option holders would have realized had all option holders exercised their options on the last trading day of fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014. For fiscal 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value is the difference between the Company's closing common stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options. For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value is the difference between former Parent's closing stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $62 million, $94 million and $78 million, respectively. The total grant date fair value of options granted which vested in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $18 million, $38 million and $46 million, respectively, net of taxes.

106
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options:
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices
Shares
Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Shares
Exercisable
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
In thousands
 
In years
 
 
 
In thousands
 
 
$0-$9.99
7,321

 
3.7
 
$
8

 
8,905

 
$
8

$10-$19.99
39,881

 
5.7
 
$
15

 
13,289

 
$
14

$20-$29.99
10,296

 
5.2
 
$
21

 
4,010

 
$
22

 
57,498

 
5.4
 
$
15

 
26,204

 
$
13

As of October 31, 2016, there was $58 million of unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.8 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10% of their eligible compensation to purchase Hewlett Packard Enterprise's common stock. The ESPP provides for a discount not to exceed 15% and an offering period up to 24 months. The Company currently offers 6 month offering periods during which employees have the ability to purchase shares at 95% of the closing market price on the purchase date. No stock-based compensation expense was recorded in connection with those purchases, as the criteria of a non-compensatory plan were met.
Prior to the Separation, former Parent sponsored the ESPP, pursuant to which eligible employees could contribute up to 10% of their eligible compensation, subject to certain income limits, to purchase shares of former Parent's common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the ESPP, employees purchased stock under the ESPP at a price equal to 95% of former Parent's closing stock price on the purchase date. No stock-based compensation expense was recorded in connection with those purchases because the criteria of a non-compensatory plan were met.
Note 6: Taxes on Earnings
Prior to the Separation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's operating results were included in former Parent's various consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns, as well as non-U.S. tax filings. For the purposes of the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for periods prior to the Separation, income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been recorded as if the Company filed tax returns on a standalone basis separate from former Parent. The Separate Return Method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the standalone financial statements as if the Company was a separate taxpayer and a standalone enterprise for fiscal 2015 and prior.
Provision for Taxes
The domestic and foreign components of earnings before taxes were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
U.S. 
$
(368
)
 
$
192

 
$
878

Non-U.S. 
4,447

 
1,278

 
1,366

 
$
4,079


$
1,470


$
2,244


107
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The provision for (benefit from) taxes on earnings were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
U.S. federal taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Current
$
1,133

 
$
1,647

 
$
481

Deferred
(1,162
)
 
(3,508
)
 
(460
)
Non-U.S. taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Current
1,085

 
492

 
375

Deferred
35

 
527

 
197

State taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Current
72

 
47

 
45

Deferred
(245
)
 
(196
)
 
(42
)
 
$
918


$
(991
)

$
596

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate were as follows:
 
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
(0.4
)%
 
14.1
 %
 
2.4
 %
Lower rates in other jurisdictions, net
(26.8
)%
 
(53.6
)%
 
(9.6
)%
Valuation allowance
(5.8
)%
 
(75.7
)%
 
3.2
 %
Uncertain tax positions
23.7
 %
 
5.8
 %
 
(0.7
)%
Other, net
(3.2
)%
 
7.0
 %
 
(3.7
)%
 
22.5
 %

(67.4
)%

26.6
 %
The jurisdictions with favorable tax rates that had the most significant impact on the Company's effective tax rate in the periods presented include Puerto Rico, China and Singapore. The Company plans to reinvest earnings of these jurisdictions indefinitely outside the U.S., and therefore has not provided for U.S. taxes on those indefinitely reinvested earnings.
In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded $249 million of net income tax charges related to items unique to the year. These amounts primarily included $714 million of income tax charges related to pre-Separation tax matters, of which $647 million is related to the effect of the potential settlement of certain pre-Separation Hewlett-Packard Company income tax liabilities, and $169 million of income tax charges resulting from a gain on H3C divestiture, the effects of which were partially offset by $270 million of income tax benefits on Acquisition and other related charges, and Separation costs, $212 million of income tax benefits on restructuring charges, and $124 million of income tax benefits resulting from a gain on MphasiS divestiture.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recorded $1.6 billion of net income tax benefits related to items unique to the year. These amounts primarily included $1.8 billion of income tax benefits due to the release of valuation allowances pertaining to certain U.S. deferred tax assets, $447 million of income tax benefits related to restructuring and Separation-related costs, and $131 million of income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, the effects of which were partially offset by $486 million of tax charges to record valuation allowances on certain foreign deferred tax assets and $217 million of income tax charges related to state tax impacts of the separation of deferred taxes under the Separate Return Method.
In fiscal 2014, the Company recorded $113 million of net income tax benefits related to items unique to the year. These amounts included $66 million of income tax benefits related to provision to return adjustments and $35 million of income tax benefits related to state rate changes.
As a result of certain employment actions and capital investments the Company has undertaken, income from manufacturing and services in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates, and in some cases is wholly exempt from taxes,

108
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



through 2024. The gross income tax benefits attributable to these actions and investments were estimated to be $401 million ($0.23 diluted net EPS) in fiscal 2016, $260 million ($0.14 diluted net EPS) in fiscal 2015 and $546 million ($0.30 diluted net EPS) in fiscal 2014. For comparative purposes, the number of shares used to compute the diluted net EPS as of October 31, 2015 is used for calculation of diluted net EPS as of October 31, 2014. Refer Note 16, "Net Earnings Per Share" for details on shares used to compute diluted net EPS.
A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
4,901

 
$
2,067

 
$
1,925

Increases:
 

 
 

 
 

For current year's tax positions
1,481

 
1,449

 
273

For prior years' tax positions
863

 
3,591

 
533

Net transfers from former Parent through equity
4,540

 
—

 
—

Decreases:
 

 
 

 
 

For prior years' tax positions
(115
)
 
(554
)
 
(328
)
Statute of limitations expiration
(47
)
 
(12
)
 
(121
)
Settlements with taxing authorities
(73
)
 
(54
)
 
(215
)
       Net transfers to former Parent through equity
—

 
(1,586
)
 
—

Balance at end of year
$
11,550


$
4,901


$
2,067

Up to $3.1 billion, $0.6 billion and $1.4 billion of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's unrecognized tax benefits at October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, would affect the Company's effective tax rate if realized. The $6.6 billion increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended October 31, 2016, is primarily related to certain pre-Separation income tax liabilities for which the Company is joint and severally liable under the Tax Matters Agreement entered in to with HP Inc. effective November 1, 2015, as well as the unrecognized tax benefits related to the timing of intercompany royalty revenue recognition, which does not affect the Company's effective tax rate.
For fiscal 2015 and prior, the unrecognized tax benefits reflected in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements have been determined using the Separate Return Method. The $2.8 billion increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended October 31, 2015, primarily relates to the timing of intercompany royalty revenue recognition, which does not affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise recognizes interest income from favorable settlements and interest expense and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits in Provision for taxes in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. The Company had accrued $423 million and $269 million for interest and penalties as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise engages in continuous discussion and negotiation with taxing authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. Hewlett Packard Enterprise does not expect complete resolution of any U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") audit cycle within the next 12 months. However, it is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign and state tax issues may be concluded in the next 12 months, including resolution of certain intercompany transactions, joint and several tax liabilities and other matters. Accordingly, Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes it is reasonably possible that its existing unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by an amount up to $2.5 billion within the next 12 months.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is subject to income tax in the U.S. and approximately 110 other countries and is subject to routine corporate income tax audits in many of these jurisdictions.
Revenue Agent Reports (“RAR”) have been received from the IRS for tax years 2005 - 2009 related to the Company's U.S. Enterprise Services subsidiaries, proposing total tax deficiencies of $336 million. HPE is contesting certain of these issues. The IRS is also conducting an audit of the 2010 tax return and a limited audit of the 2011 and 2012 amended income tax returns for the Company’s U.S. Enterprise Services subsidiaries.

109
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



With respect to major foreign tax jurisdictions, HPE is no longer subject to tax authority examinations for years prior to 2005. HPE is subject to a foreign tax audit concerning an intercompany transaction for fiscal 2009. The relevant taxing authority has proposed an assessment of approximately $743 million. HPE is contesting this proposed assessment. With respect to major state tax jurisdictions, HPE is no longer subject to tax authority examinations for years prior to 2003.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes it has provided adequate reserves for all tax deficiencies or reductions in tax benefits that could result from federal, state and foreign tax audits. The Company regularly assesses the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of the Company's tax provision. The Company adjusts its uncertain tax positions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular audit. However, income tax audits are inherently unpredictable and there can be no assurance that the Company will accurately predict the outcome of these audits. The amounts ultimately paid on resolution of an audit could be materially different from the amounts previously included in the Provision for taxes and therefore the resolution of one or more of these uncertainties in any particular period could have a material impact on net earnings or cash flows.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is joint and severally liable for certain pre-Separation tax liabilities of HP Inc. HP Inc. is subject to numerous ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The IRS is conducting an audit of former Parent’s 2009 - 2014 income tax returns. HP Inc. has received from the IRS Notices of Deficiency for its fiscal 1999 - 2000 and 2003 - 2005 tax years, and RARs for its fiscal 2001 - 2002 and 2006 - 2008 tax years.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has not provided for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes on $26.2 billion of undistributed earnings from non-U.S. operations as of October 31, 2016 because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings indefinitely outside of the U.S. If the Company were to distribute these earnings, foreign tax credits may become available under current law to reduce the resulting U.S. income tax liability. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable. The Company will remit non-indefinitely reinvested earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries for which deferred U.S. federal and withholding taxes have been provided where excess cash has accumulated and the Company determines that it is advantageous for business operations, tax or cash management reasons.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes. For the purposes of the Company's Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets in the period prior to the Separation, deferred tax balances and tax carryforwards and credits have been recorded under the Separate Return Method. The deferred tax balances reflected in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in the period prior to the Separation have been recorded on a consolidated return basis and include tax attributes allocated to the Company at the time of the Separation. The inclusion of these tax attributes resulted in tax carryforwards and credits, which generated higher deferred income tax assets for the Company in the period prior to the Separation.

110
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Deferred
Tax
Assets
 
Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 
Deferred
Tax
Assets
 
Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 
In millions
Loss and credit carryforwards
$
1,859

 
$
(26
)
 
$
1,706

 
$
—

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries
—

 
(3,708
)
 
—

 
(3,362
)
Inventory valuation
94

 
(1
)
 
97

 
(24
)
Intercompany transactions—royalty prepayments
5,237

 
—

 
5,598

 
—

Intercompany transactions—excluding royalty prepayments
160

 
—

 
190

 
(14
)
Fixed assets
128

 
(128
)
 
327

 
(362
)
Warranty
164

 
—

 
171

 
(2
)
Employee and retiree benefits
1,655

 
(65
)
 
772

 
(48
)
Accounts receivable allowance
32

 
—

 
38

 
(9
)
Intangible assets
53

 
(176
)
 
—

 
(349
)
Restructuring
258

 
—

 
210

 
—

Deferred revenue
968

 
(3
)
 
1,152

 
(196
)
Other
436

 
—

 
241

 
—

Gross deferred tax assets and liabilities
11,044


(4,107
)

10,502


(4,366
)
Valuation allowance
(2,650
)
 
—

 
(2,252
)
 
—

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities
$
8,394


$
(4,107
)

$
8,250


$
(4,366
)
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted the amendment to the existing accounting standards for income taxes issued by the FASB in November 2015, and elected to apply it on a retrospective basis. As a result, all of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current as of October 31, 2016 and retrospectively as of October 31, 2015. See Note 1, "Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", for more details.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Deferred tax assets
$
4,430

 
$
3,925

Deferred tax liabilities
(143
)
 
(41
)
Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities
$
4,287


$
3,884

The Company periodically engages in intercompany advanced royalty payment and licensing arrangements that may result in advance payments between subsidiaries in different tax jurisdictions. When the local tax treatment of the intercompany licensing arrangements differs from U.S. GAAP treatment, deferred taxes are recognized. Hewlett Packard Enterprise executed intercompany advanced royalty payment arrangements resulting in advanced payments of $3.7 billion and $5.0 billion during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. In these transactions, the payments were received in the U.S. from a foreign consolidated affiliate, with a deferral of intercompany revenues over the term of the arrangements, approximately 5 years. Intercompany royalty revenue and the amortization expense related to the licensing rights are eliminated in consolidation.
As of October 31, 2016, the Hewlett Packard Enterprise had $51 million, $1.9 billion and $6.0 billion of federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. Amounts included in state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2017 and amounts included in federal net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2030.

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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Hewlett Packard Enterprise has provided a valuation allowance of $38 million and $1.2 billion for deferred tax assets related to state and foreign net operating losses carryforwards, respectively.
As of October 31, 2016, Hewlett Packard Enterprise had recorded deferred tax assets for various tax credit carryforwards as follows:
 
Carryforward
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Initial
Year of
Expiration
 
In millions
U.S. foreign tax credits
$
291

 
$
—

 
2021
U.S. research and development and other credits
99

 
—

 
2019
Tax credits in state and foreign jurisdictions
205

 
(160
)
 
2019
Balance at end of year
$
595


$
(160
)
 
 
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
The deferred tax asset valuation allowance and changes were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
2,252

 
$
3,912

 
$
3,194

Income tax expense
(235
)
 
(1,155
)
 
198

Other comprehensive income, currency translation and charges to other accounts
633

 
(505
)
 
520

Balance at end of year
$
2,650


$
2,252


$
3,912

Total valuation allowances increased by $398 million in fiscal 2016, due primarily to the valuation allowance against foreign deferred tax assets related to pension assets and liabilities, partially offset by decreases in foreign deferred tax assets for net operating losses. Total valuation allowances decreased by $1.7 billion in fiscal 2015 due primarily to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in the U.S.
Tax Matters Agreement and Other Income Tax Matters
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement with HP Inc., formerly Hewlett-Packard Company. See Note 18, "Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties", for a full description of the Tax Matters Agreement.
Note 7: Balance Sheet Details
Balance sheet details were as follows:
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Unbilled receivable
$
1,086

 
$
1,396

Accounts receivable
5,907

 
7,251

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(84
)
 
(109
)
Total
$
6,909

 
$
8,538


112
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable and changes therein were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
109

 
$
126

 
$
150

Provision for doubtful accounts
52

 
27

 
50

Deductions, net of recoveries
(77
)
 
(44
)
 
(74
)
Balance at end of year
$
84

 
$
109

 
$
126

The Company has third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements intended to facilitate the working capital requirements of certain customers. The recourse obligations associated with these short-term financing arrangements as of October 31, 2016 and 2015 were not material.
The activity related to Hewlett Packard Enterprise's revolving short-term financing arrangements was as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of period(1)
$
68

 
$
188

 
$
70

Trade receivables sold
3,015

 
4,221

 
3,947

Cash receipts
(2,931
)
 
(4,327
)
 
(3,815
)
Foreign currency and other
(7
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
Balance at end of period(1)
$
145

 
$
68

 
$
188

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Beginning and ending balances represent amounts for trade receivables sold but not yet collected.
Inventory
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Finished goods
$
1,202

 
$
1,518

Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies
572

 
680

Total
$
1,774

 
$
2,198

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the change in inventory was due primarily to the removal of approximately $200 million of inventory as a result of the divestiture of H3C and lower EG inventory to support service levels.
Other Current Assets
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Value-added taxes receivable
$
1,060

 
$
1,538

Manufacturer and other receivables
1,057

 
1,992

Prepaid and other current assets
2,207

 
2,938

Total
$
4,324

 
$
6,468


113
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Property, Plant and Equipment
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Land
$
497

 
$
514

Buildings and leasehold improvements
6,948

 
6,924

Machinery and equipment, including equipment held for lease
14,300

 
13,986

 
21,745

 
21,424

Accumulated depreciation
(12,109
)
 
(11,538
)
Total
$
9,636

 
$
9,886

Depreciation expense was $3.0 billion, $3.1 billion and $3.2 billion in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in gross property, plant and equipment was due primarily to purchases of $3.4 billion, partially offset by sales and retirements of $2.8 billion, the removal of certain property, plant and equipment as result of the divestitures of H3C and MphasiS of $251 million and unfavorable currency fluctuations of $114 million. Accumulated depreciation associated with the assets sold and retired was $2.3 billion.
Long-Term Financing Receivables and Other Assets
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Financing receivables, net
$
3,938

 
$
3,642

Deferred tax assets
4,430

 
3,925

Deferred costs - long-term
822

 
715

Other
4,026

 
2,593

Total
$
13,216

 
$
10,875

Other Accrued Liabilities
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Accrued taxes - other
$
1,297

 
$
1,364

Warranty
258

 
276

Sales and marketing programs
858

 
908

Other
2,578

 
3,766

Total
$
4,991

 
$
6,314


114
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Other Liabilities
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Pension, post-retirement, and post-employment liabilities
$
4,230

 
$
3,432

Deferred revenue - long-term
3,408

 
3,565

Deferred tax liability
143

 
41

Tax liability - long-term
4,057

 
778

Other long-term liabilities
1,184

 
1,086

Total
$
13,022

 
$
8,902

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the change in Other liabilities was due primarily to an increase in Tax liability - long-term. The increase was due primarily to a long-term payable to HP Inc. for certain tax liabilities for which the Company is joint and severally liable under the Tax Matters Agreement entered into with HP Inc., effective November 1, 2015.
Note 8: Financing Receivables and Operating Leases
Financing receivables represent sales-type and direct-financing leases of the Company and third-party products. These receivables typically have terms ranging from two to five years and are usually collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Financing receivables also include billed receivables from operating leases. The components of financing receivables were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Minimum lease payments receivable
$
7,293

 
$
6,941

Unguaranteed residual value
231

 
217

Unearned income
(574
)
 
(503
)
Financing receivables, gross
6,950

 
6,655

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(89
)
 
(95
)
Financing receivables, net
6,861

 
6,560

Less: current portion(1)
(2,923
)
 
(2,918
)
Amounts due after one year, net(1)
$
3,938

 
$
3,642

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The Company includes the current portion in Financing receivables and amounts due after one year, net in Long-term financing receivables and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of October 31, 2016, scheduled maturities of the Company's minimum lease payments receivable were as follows:
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
In millions
Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable
$
3,187

 
$
1,952

 
$
1,263

 
$
595

 
$
234

 
$
62

 
$
7,293

Credit Quality Indicators
Due to the homogenous nature of its leasing transactions, the Company manages its financing receivables on an aggregate basis when assessing and monitoring credit risk. Credit risk is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographic regions. The Company evaluates the credit quality of an obligor at lease inception and monitors that credit quality over the term of a transaction. The Company assigns risk ratings to each lease based on the creditworthiness of the obligor and other variables that

115
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



augment or mitigate the inherent credit risk of a particular transaction. Such variables include the underlying value and liquidity of the collateral, the essential use of the equipment, the term of the lease, and the inclusion of credit enhancements, such as guarantees, letters of credit or security deposits.
The credit risk profile of gross financing receivables, based on internal risk ratings, was as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Risk Rating:
 

 
 

Low
$
3,484

 
$
3,467

Moderate
3,382

 
3,115

High
84

 
73

Total
$
6,950

 
$
6,655

Accounts rated low risk typically have the equivalent of a Standard & Poor's rating of BBB– or higher, while accounts rated moderate risk generally have the equivalent of BB+ or lower. The Company classifies accounts as high risk when it considers the financing receivable to be impaired or when management believes there is a significant near-term risk of impairment.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The allowance for doubtful accounts for financing receivables is comprised of a general reserve and a specific reserve. The Company maintains general reserve percentages on a regional basis and bases such percentages on several factors, including consideration of historical credit losses and portfolio delinquencies, trends in the overall weighted-average risk rating of the portfolio, current economic conditions and information derived from competitive benchmarking. The Company excludes accounts evaluated as part of the specific reserve from the general reserve analysis. The Company establishes a specific reserve for financing receivables with identified exposures, such as customer defaults, bankruptcy or other events, that make it unlikely the Company will recover its investment. For individually evaluated receivables, the Company determines the expected cash flow for the receivable, which includes consideration of estimated proceeds from disposition of the collateral, and calculates an estimate of the potential loss and the probability of loss. For those accounts where a loss is considered probable, the Company records a specific reserve. The Company generally writes off a receivable or records a specific reserve when a receivable becomes 180 days past due, or sooner if the Company determines that the receivable is not collectible.
The allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables and changes therein were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
95

 
$
111

 
$
131

Provision for doubtful accounts
11

 
25

 
30

Deductions, net of recoveries
(17
)
 
(41
)
 
(50
)
Balance at end of year
$
89

 
$
95

 
$
111


116
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The gross financing receivables and related allowance evaluated for loss were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Gross financing receivables collectively evaluated for loss
$
6,667

 
$
6,399

Gross financing receivables individually evaluated for loss
283

 
256

Total
$
6,950

 
$
6,655

Allowance for financing receivables collectively evaluated for loss
$
73

 
$
82

Allowance for financing receivables individually evaluated for loss
16

 
13

Total
$
89

 
$
95

Non-Accrual and Past-Due Financing Receivables
The Company considers a financing receivable to be past due when the minimum payment is not received by the contractually specified due date. The Company generally places financing receivables on non-accrual status, which is suspension of interest accrual, and considers such receivables to be non-performing at the earlier of the time at which full payment of principal and interest becomes doubtful or the receivable becomes 90 days past due. Subsequently, the Company may recognize revenue on non-accrual financing receivables as payments are received, which is on a cash basis, if the Company deems the recorded financing receivable to be fully collectible; however, if there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of the recorded financing receivable, all cash receipts are applied to the carrying amount of the financing receivable, which is the cost recovery method. In certain circumstances, such as when the Company deems a delinquency to be of an administrative nature, financing receivables may accrue interest after becoming 90 days past due. The non-accrual status of a financing receivable may not impact a customer's risk rating. After all of a customer's delinquent principal and interest balances are settled, the Company may return the related financing receivable to accrual status.
The following table summarizes the aging and non-accrual status of gross financing receivables:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Billed:(1)
 

 
 

Current 1-30 days
$
337

 
$
358

Past due 31-60 days
47

 
52

Past due 61-90 days
12

 
14

Past due >90 days
59

 
57

Unbilled sales-type and direct-financing lease receivables
6,495

 
6,174

Total gross financing receivables
$
6,950

 
$
6,655

Gross financing receivables on non-accrual status(2)
$
163

 
$
154

Gross financing receivables 90 days past due and still accruing interest(2)
$
120

 
$
102

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes billed operating lease receivables and billed sales-type and direct-financing lease receivables.
(2)
Includes billed operating lease receivables and billed and unbilled sales-type and direct-financing lease receivables.

117
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Operating Leases
Operating lease assets included in machinery and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Equipment leased to customers
$
5,467

 
$
4,428

Accumulated depreciation
(2,134
)
 
(1,513
)
 
$
3,333

 
$
2,915

As of October 31, 2016, minimum future rentals on non-cancelable operating leases related to leased equipment were as follows:
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
In millions
Minimum future rentals on non-cancelable operating leases
$
1,505

 
$
971

 
$
460

 
$
98

 
$
17

 
$
2

 
$
3,053

Note 9: Acquisitions and Divestitures
Divestitures and Acquisitions in Fiscal 2016
Divestitures
In fiscal 2016, the Company completed five divestitures, which resulted in $3.4 billion of net proceeds, of which $25 million represents a deposit that was received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. These divestitures primarily represent the sale of the Company's controlling interest in H3C and MphasiS, which are discussed further below, and the sale of the TippingPoint business, which was previously reported within the Software segment. The gains associated with the sale of the Company's controlling interest in H3C and MphasiS are included in Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. The gains associated with all other divestitures were included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.
In May 2016, the Company executed its joint partnership agreement with Tsinghua Holdings to bring together the Chinese enterprise technology assets of the Company and Tsinghua University to create a Chinese business provider of technology infrastructure. Under the definitive agreement, Tsinghua Holdings' subsidiary, Unisplendour Corporation, purchased 51% of the new business named H3C for $2.6 billion, which includes purchase consideration adjustments. H3C is comprised of the Company's former H3C Technologies and China-based server, storage and technology services businesses ("H3C disposal group"), which were previously reported within the EG segment until the time of the sale. As a result of the H3C divestiture, the Company recognized a gain of $2.2 billion. The Company's remaining China subsidiary maintains 100% ownership of its existing China-based Enterprise Services, Software and Helion Cloud businesses. The new H3C is the exclusive provider of the Company's server and storage portfolio, as well as the Company's exclusive hardware support services provider in China, customized for that market.
The results of the H3C disposal group, which represented 100% of the Company's H3C Technologies and China-based server, storage and technology services businesses, were reflected in the Company's Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements through the date of closing. The pre-tax earnings for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $182 million, $286 million and $406 million, respectively. Subsequently, the Company's remaining 49% ownership is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and its proportionate share of H3C’s earnings are included in Loss from equity interests in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings. See Note 20, "Equity Method Investments" for additional information.
In April 2016, the Company signed a definitive agreement with The Blackstone Group to sell the Company's equity stake in MphasiS Limited, an IT services provider headquartered in Bangalore, India, which was previously reported within the Services segment, for Indian Rupees ("INR") 430 per share. On September 1, 2016, the Company closed the MphasiS divestiture by selling its full equity stake, which was valued at $824 million at the purchase price of INR 430 per share. As a result of the MphasiS divestiture, the Company recognized a gain of $253 million.

118
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Acquisitions
In fiscal 2016, the Company completed two acquisitions. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company recorded approximately $12 million of goodwill and $11 million of intangible assets.
The purchase price allocation for acquisitions may reflect various preliminary fair value estimates and analysis, including preliminary work performed by third-party valuation specialists, which are subject to change within the measurement period as valuations are finalized. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocation that are subject to change relate to the fair values of certain tangible assets and liabilities acquired, the valuation of intangible assets acquired, certain legal matters, income and income based taxes, and residual goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are recorded in the reporting period in which the estimates are finalized and adjustment amounts are determined.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, $260 million of purchase price adjustments were recorded, primarily for provisional tax-related items recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of Aruba Networks, Inc. ("Aruba"), and as such impacted goodwill in the EG segment.
In August 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Silicon Graphics International Corp. ("SGI"), a global leader in high-performance solutions for compute, data analytics and data management, for $7.75 per share in cash, a transaction valued at approximately $275 million, net of cash and debt, as of the date of the agreement. SGI’s results of operations will be included within the EG segment. The transaction closed on November 1, 2016.
Divestitures and Acquisitions in Prior Years
Divestitures
In fiscal 2015, the Company completed four divestitures, which resulted in $140 million of proceeds. These divestitures include the sale of its LiveVault and iManage businesses, which were previously reported within the Software segment. The gains associated with these divestitures were included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Combined Statement of Earnings.
Acquisitions
In fiscal 2015, the Company completed five acquisitions. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions is shown in the table below. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions are not presented, as these acquisitions were not material to the Company's consolidated and combined results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The following table presents the aggregate purchase price allocation, including those items that were preliminary allocations, for the Company's acquisitions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015:
 
In millions
Goodwill
$
1,987

Amortizable intangible assets
704

In-process research and development
159

Net assets assumed
221

Total fair value of consideration
$
3,071

The Company's largest acquisition in fiscal 2015 was Aruba, which was completed in May 2015. The Company reports the financial results of Aruba's business in the Networking business unit within the EG segment. The acquisition date fair value of consideration of $2.8 billion consisted of cash paid for outstanding common stock, vested in-the-money stock awards and the estimated fair value of earned unvested stock awards assumed by the Company. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $1.8 billion of goodwill, $643 million of intangible assets and $153 million of in-process research and development. The Company is amortizing intangible assets on a straight-line basis over an estimated weighted-average life of six years.
In fiscal 2014, the Company completed two acquisitions with a combined purchase price of $55 million, of which $12 million was recorded as goodwill and $25 million was recorded as intangible assets.

119

Note 10: Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill and related changes in the carrying amount by reportable segment were as follows:
 
Enterprise
Group
 
Enterprise
Services(1)
 
Software
 
Financial
Services
 
Total
 
In millions
Balance at October 31, 2014(2)
$
16,867

 
$
97

 
$
8,852

 
$
144

 
$
25,960

Goodwill acquired during the period
1,891

 
—

 
96

 
—

 
1,987

Goodwill divested during the period(3)
—

 
—

 
(123
)
 
—

 
(123
)
Changes due to foreign currency
(52
)
 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
(57
)
Goodwill adjustments(4)
6

 
—

 
(512
)
 
—

 
(506
)
Balance at October 31, 2015(2)
18,712


92


8,313


144


27,261

Goodwill acquired during the period
2

 
—

 
10

 
—

 
12

Goodwill divested during the period(5)
(3,000
)
 
(90
)
 
(234
)
 
—

 
(3,324
)
Changes due to foreign currency
(29
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
(31
)
Goodwill adjustments(6)
260

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
260

Balance at October 31, 2016(2)
$
15,945


$
—


$
8,089


$
144


$
24,178

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Goodwill related to the MphasiS Limited reporting unit, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2016.
(2) Goodwill is net of accumulated impairment losses of $13.7 billion, which were recorded prior to October 31, 2014. Of that amount, $8.0 billion relates to the Enterprise Services segment and the remaining $5.7 billion relates to the Software segment.
(3) Goodwill divested as part of the divestiture of the LiveVault and iManage businesses.
(4) In connection with the Separation, former Parent retained the marketing optimization software product group, a continuing business which had historically been managed by the Company and included in the Software segment. The adjustment reflects the impact of removing the related goodwill of $512 million, allocated on a relative fair value basis, from former Parent.
(5) Goodwill divested as part of the H3C transaction (EG), sale of TippingPoint (Software) and sale of MphasiS (ES).
(6) Primarily measurement period adjustments to provisional tax items recorded in conjunction with the Aruba acquisition.
Goodwill Impairments
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. As of October 31, 2016, the Company's reporting units were consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 2, "Segment Information". Based on the results of the Company's annual impairment tests for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of:
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
As of October 31, 2015
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Accumulated
Impairment
Loss
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Accumulated
Impairment
Loss
 
Net
 
In millions
Customer contracts, customer lists and distribution agreements
$
1,394

 
$
(322
)
 
$
(856
)
 
$
216

 
$
5,109

 
$
(3,517
)
 
$
(856
)
 
$
736

Developed and core technology and patents
4,190

 
(1,232
)
 
(2,138
)
 
820

 
4,218

 
(1,110
)
 
(2,138
)
 
970

Trade name and trade marks
178

 
(21
)
 
(109
)
 
48

 
231

 
(57
)
 
(109
)
 
65

In-process research and development
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
159

 
—

 
—

 
159

Total intangible assets
$
5,762


$
(1,575
)

$
(3,103
)

$
1,084


$
9,717


$
(4,684
)

$
(3,103
)

$
1,930


For fiscal 2016, the decrease in gross intangible assets was due primarily to $3.5 billion of intangible assets which became fully amortized and have been eliminated from gross intangible assets and accumulated amortization, and $478 million of intangible assets that have been divested ($379 million of accumulated amortization was associated with the divested assets).

120

The decrease was partially offset by $11 million of purchases related to acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 was $755 million.
 For fiscal 2015, the decrease in gross intangible assets was due primarily to $703 million of intangible assets that became fully amortized and have been eliminated from gross intangible assets and accumulated amortization, and the impact of removing intangible assets related to the marketing optimization software product group, which was retained by former Parent. The decrease was partially offset by intangible assets and in-process research and development resulting from the Company's acquisitions, primarily the acquisition of Aruba. Intangible asset amortization expense for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was $852 million and $906 million, respectively.
In-process research and development consists of efforts that are in process on the date the Company acquires a business. Under the accounting guidance for intangible assets, in-process research and development acquired in a business combination is considered an indefinite-lived intangible asset until completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. The Company begins amortizing its in-process research and development intangible assets upon completion of the projects. If an in-process research and development project is abandoned, the Company records an expense for the value of the related intangible asset to its Consolidated and Combined Statement of Earnings in the period of abandonment. The Company reclassified in-process research and development assets acquired of $159 million to developed and core technology and patents as the projects were completed, and began amortization during fiscal 2016.
As of October 31, 2016, the weighted-average remaining useful lives of the Company's finite-lived intangible assets were as follows:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Useful Lives
 
In years
Customer contracts, customer lists and distribution agreements
5
Developed and core technology and patents
5
Trade name and trade marks
7
As of October 31, 2016, estimated future amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was as follows:
Fiscal year
In millions
2017
$
339

2018
248

2019
202

2020
172

2021
55

Thereafter
68

Total
$
1,084


Note 11: Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company uses valuation techniques that are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are developed using market data such as publicly available information and reflect the assumptions market participants would use, while unobservable inputs are developed using the best information available about the assumptions market participants would use. Assets and liabilities are classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement:
Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

121
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to observable inputs and lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
As of October 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Measured Using
 
 
 
Fair Value
Measured Using
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
In millions
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash Equivalents and Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Time deposits
$
—

 
$
4,085

 
$
—

 
$
4,085

 
$
—

 
$
2,473

 
$
—

 
$
2,473

Money market funds
6,549

 
—

 
—

 
6,549

 
4,592

 
—

 
—

 
4,592

Mutual funds
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
246

 
—

 
246

Equity securities in public companies
17

 
—

 
—

 
17

 
46

 
7

 
—

 
53

Foreign bonds
8

 
279

 
—

 
287

 
8

 
305

 
—

 
313

Other debt securities
—

 
—

 
35

 
35

 
—

 
—

 
40

 
40

Derivative Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
—

 
109

 
—

 
109

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
—

 
660

 
—

 
660

 
—

 
816

 
—

 
816

Other derivatives
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
—

 
3

Total assets
$
6,574

 
$
5,133

 
$
35

 
$
11,742

 
$
4,646

 
$
3,850

 
$
40

 
$
8,536

Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$
—

 
$
6

 
$
—

 
$
6

 
$
—

 
$
55

 
$
—

 
$
55

Foreign exchange contracts
—

 
220

 
—

 
220

 
—

 
137

 
—

 
137

Other derivatives
—

 
2

 
—

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total liabilities
$
—

 
$
228

 
$
—

 
$
228

 
$
—

 
$
192

 
$
—

 
$
192

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, there were no material transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Company transferred $41 million of equity securities in public companies from Level 2 to Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy as a result of a change in the market activity of the underlying investment. The remaining transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy were not material.
During fiscal 2016, as a result of the MphasiS transaction, certain cash equivalents and investments and derivative instruments were divested. The financial instruments divested comprised of $74 million in time deposits, $332 million in mutual funds, $37 million in foreign bonds, and $9 million in foreign currency contracts previously included within Other current assets.
Valuation Techniques
Cash Equivalents and Investments: The Company holds time deposits, money market funds, mutual funds, other debt securities primarily consisting of corporate and foreign government notes and bonds, and common stock and equivalents. The Company values cash equivalents and equity investments using quoted market prices, alternative pricing sources, including net asset value, or models utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of debt investments was based on quoted market prices or model-driven valuations using inputs primarily derived from or corroborated by observable market data, and, in certain instances, valuation models that utilize assumptions which cannot be corroborated with observable market data.

122
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Derivative Instruments: The Company uses forward contracts, interest rate and total return swaps to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Company uses industry standard valuation models to measure fair value. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves, the Company and counterparties' credit risk, foreign currency exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies and interest rates. See Note 12, "Financial Instruments", for a further discussion of the Company's use of derivative instruments.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
Short- and Long-Term Debt: The Company estimates the fair value of its debt primarily using an expected present value technique, which is based on observable market inputs using interest rates currently available to companies of similar credit standing for similar terms and remaining maturities, and considering its own credit risk. The portion of the Company's debt that is hedged is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an amount equal to the debt's carrying amount and a fair value adjustment representing changes in the fair value of the hedged debt obligations arising from movements in benchmark interest rates. At October 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of the Company's short-term and long-term debt was $16.3 billion and the carrying value was $16.1 billion. As of October 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the Company's short-term and long-term debt approximated its carrying value of $15.8 billion. If measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, short-term and long-term debt would be classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Other Financial Instruments: For the balance of the Company's financial instruments, primarily accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial liabilities included in other accrued liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities. If measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, these other financial instruments would be classified in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Non-Marketable Equity Investments and Non-Financial Assets: The Company's non-marketable equity investments and non-financial assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are recorded at fair value in the period an impairment charge is recognized. If measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, these would generally be classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In fiscal 2015, the Company determined that it would exit certain data centers. The Company conducted an analysis of the respective asset groups to determine if the carrying value was greater than the fair value. As a result of this assessment, the Company recorded a $136 million impairment charge to Impairment of data center assets on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.

123
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Note 12: Financial Instruments
Cash Equivalents and Available-for-Sale Investments
Cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments were as follows:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
As of
October 31, 2015
 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
In millions
Cash Equivalents:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Time deposits
$
4,074

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
4,074

 
$
2,367

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,367

Money market funds
6,549

 
—

 
—

 
6,549

 
4,592

 
—

 
—

 
4,592

Mutual funds
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
173

 
—

 
—

 
173

Total cash equivalents
10,623

 
—

 
—

 
10,623

 
7,132

 
—

 
—

 
7,132

Available-for-Sale Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Time deposits
11

 
—

 
—

 
11

 
106

 
—

 
—

 
106

Foreign bonds
218

 
69

 
—

 
287

 
244

 
69

 
—

 
313

Other debt securities
47

 
—

 
(12
)
 
35

 
53

 
—

 
(13
)
 
40

Total debt securities
276

 
69

 
(12
)
 
333

 
403

 
69

 
(13
)
 
459

Equity securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mutual funds
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
73

 
—

 
—

 
73

Equity securities in public companies
21

 
—

 
(4
)
 
17

 
55

 
7

 
(9
)
 
53

Total equity securities
21

 
—

 
(4
)
 
17

 
128

 
7

 
(9
)
 
126

Total available-for-sale investments
297

 
69

 
(16
)
 
350

 
531

 
76

 
(22
)
 
585

Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments
$
10,920

 
$
69

 
$
(16
)
 
$
10,973

 
$
7,663

 
$
76

 
$
(22
)
 
$
7,717

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, as a result of the MphasiS transaction, $33 million of time deposits and $214 million of mutual funds previously included in cash equivalents, and $41 million of time deposits, $37 million of foreign bonds and $118 million of mutual funds previously included in available-for-sale investments were divested.
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition are considered cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximated fair value due to the short period of time to maturity. Interest income related to cash, cash equivalents and debt securities was approximately $122 million in fiscal 2016, $54 million in fiscal 2015 and $64 million in fiscal 2014. Time deposits were primarily issued by institutions outside the U.S. as of October 31, 2016 and 2015. The estimated fair value of the available-for-sale investments may not be representative of values that will be realized in the future.
The gross unrealized loss as of October 31, 2016 and 2015 was due primarily to a decline in the fair value of a debt security of $12 million and $13 million, respectively, that has been in a continuous loss position for more than twelve months. The Company does not intend to sell this debt security, and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell this debt security prior to the recovery of the amortized cost.

124
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Contractual maturities of investments in available-for-sale debt securities were as follows:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
In millions
Due in more than five years
$
276

 
$
333

 
$
276

 
$
333

During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a $30 million impairment charge related to a public equity investment, as the Company determined that such impairment was other-than-temporary. The Company made its determination primarily based on closing prices during the quarter of impairment and the prospect of recovery in the near term.
Equity securities in privately held companies that are accounted for as cost basis investments are included in Long-term financing receivables and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments amounted to $128 million and $45 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Investments in equity securities that are accounted for using the equity method are included in Investments in equity interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These amounted to $2.6 billion at October 31, 2016. For additional information, see Note 20, "Equity Method Investments".
Derivative Instruments
The Company is a global company 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, the Company uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, interest rate swaps and total return swaps to hedge certain foreign currency, interest rate and, to a lesser extent, equity exposures. The Company'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 the fair value of assets and liabilities. The Company does not have any leveraged derivatives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes. The Company may designate its derivative contracts 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, the Company categorizes those economic hedges as other derivatives. Derivative instruments directly attributable to the Company are recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings or Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income depending upon the type of hedge as further discussed below. The Company classifies cash flows from its derivative programs with the activities that correspond to the underlying hedged items in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
As a result of its use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that its counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into derivative contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based on their credit ratings and other factors, and the Company maintains dollar risk limits that correspond to each financial institution's credit rating and other factors. The Company's established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and periodically reassessing the creditworthiness of its counterparties. Master netting agreements also mitigate credit exposure to counterparties by permitting the Company to net amounts due from the Company to a counterparty against amounts due to the Company from the same counterparty under certain conditions.
To further mitigate credit exposure to counterparties, the Company has collateral security agreements, which allows the Company to hold collateral from, or require the Company to post collateral to, counterparties when aggregate derivative fair values exceed contractually established thresholds which are generally based on the credit ratings of the Company and its counterparties. If the Company's credit rating falls below a specified credit rating, the counterparty has the right to request full collateralization of the derivatives' net liability position. Conversely, if the counterparty's credit rating falls below a specified credit rating, the Company has the right to request full collateralization of the derivatives' net liability position. Collateral is generally posted within two business days. The fair value of the Company's derivatives with credit contingent features in a net liability position was $9 million and $35 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, all of which were fully collateralized within two business days.

125
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Under the Company's derivative contracts, the counterparty can terminate all outstanding trades following a covered change of control event affecting the Company that results in the surviving entity being rated below a specified credit rating. This credit contingent provision did not affect the Company's financial position or cash flows as of October 31, 2016 and 2015.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company issues long-term debt in U.S. dollars based on market conditions at the time of financing. The Company may enter into fair value hedges, such as interest rate swaps, to reduce the exposure of its debt portfolio to changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates by achieving a primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR-based floating interest rate. The swap transactions generally involve principal and interest obligations for U.S. dollar-denominated amounts. Alternatively, the Company 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, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps that convert the fixed interest payments into variable interest payments and may designate these swaps as fair value hedges.
In fiscal 2015, concurrent with the issuance of fixed-rate Senior Notes, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to reduce the exposure of $9.5 billion of aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate Senior Notes to changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates by achieving LIBOR-based floating interest rate. See Note 13, "Borrowings", for more information related to the issuance of Senior Notes.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the Company recognizes the change in fair value of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings in the period of change.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses forward contracts 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 expenses, and intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company's foreign currency cash flow hedges mature generally within twelve months; however, forward contracts associated with sales-type and direct-financing leases and intercompany loans extend for the duration of the lease or loan term, which typically range from two to five years.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the Company initially records changes in fair value for the effective portion of the derivative instrument in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. The Company reports the effective portion of its cash flow hedges in the same financial statement line item as changes in the fair value of the hedged item.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses forward contracts designated as net investment hedges to hedge net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency. The Company records the effective portion of such derivative instruments together with changes in the fair value of the hedged items in Cumulative translation adjustment as a separate component of Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other Derivatives
Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forward contracts used to hedge foreign currency-denominated balance sheet exposures. The Company also uses total return swaps and, to a lesser extent, interest rate swaps, based on equity or fixed income indices, to hedge its executive deferred compensation plan liability.
For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the Company recognizes changes in fair value of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings in the period of change.

126
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Hedge Effectiveness
For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges, the Company measures hedge effectiveness by offsetting the change in fair value of the hedged items with the change in fair value of the derivative. For forward contracts designated as cash flow or net investment hedges, the Company measures hedge effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in fair value of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item, both of which are based on forward rates. The Company recognizes any ineffective portion of the hedge in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings in the same period in which ineffectiveness occurs. Amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings in the period they arise.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The gross notional and fair value of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
As of
October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Outstanding
Gross
Notional
 
Other
Current
Assets
 
Long-Term
Financing
Receivables
and Other
Assets
 
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
 
Long-Term
Other
Liabilities
 
Outstanding
Gross
Notional
 
Other
Current
Assets
 
Long-Term
Financing
Receivables
and Other
Assets
 
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
 
Long-Term
Other
Liabilities
 
In millions
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$
9,500

 
$
—

 
$
109

 
$
—

 
$
6

 
$
9,500

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
55

Cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency contracts
7,255

 
296

 
172

 
40

 
15

 
8,692

 
296

 
206

 
28

 
8

Net investment hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency contracts
1,891

 
53

 
28

 
23

 
28

 
1,861

 
114

 
66

 
7

 
4

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
18,646

 
349

 
309

 
63

 
49

 
20,053

 
410

 
272

 
35

 
67

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency contracts
16,496

 
100

 
11

 
103

 
11

 
9,283

 
46

 
88

 
50

 
40

Other derivatives
158

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
—

 
127

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
16,654

 
100

 
11

 
105

 
11

 
9,410

 
49

 
88

 
50

 
40

Total derivatives
$
35,300

 
$
449

 
$
320

 
$
168

 
$
60

 
$
29,463

 
$
459

 
$
360

 
$
85

 
$
107


127
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and collateral security arrangements. The Company does not offset the fair value of its derivative instruments against the fair value of cash collateral posted under collateral security agreements. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, information related to the potential effect of the Company's use of the master netting agreements and collateral security agreements was as follows:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
In the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
(i)
 
(ii)
 
(iii) = (i)–(ii)
 
(iv)
 
(v)
 
 
 
(vi) = (iii)–(iv)–(v)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
Amount
Recognized
 
Gross
Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Presented
 
Derivatives
 
Financial
Collateral
 
 
 
Net Amount
 
In millions
Derivative assets
$
769

 

 
$
769

 
$
214

 
$
465

 
(1)
 
$
90

Derivative liabilities
$
228

 

 
$
228

 
$
214

 
$
10

 
(2)
 
$
4

 
As of
October 31, 2015
 
In the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
(i)
 
(ii)
 
(iii) = (i)–(ii)
 
(iv)
 
(v)
 
(vi) = (iii)–(iv)–(v)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
Amount
Recognized
 
Gross
Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Presented
 
Derivatives
 
Financial
Collateral
 
 
 
Net Amount
 
In millions
Derivative assets
$
819

 
$
—

 
$
819

 
$
153

 
$
631

 
(1)
 
$
35

Derivative liabilities
$
192

 
$
—

 
$
192

 
$
153

 
$
19

 
(2)
 
$
20

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Represents the cash collateral posted by counterparties as of the respective reporting date for the Company's asset position, net of derivative amounts that could be offset, as of, generally, two business days prior to the respective reporting date.
(2)
Represents the collateral posted by the Company through re-use of counterparty cash collateral as of the respective reporting date for the Company's liability position, net of derivative amounts that could be offset, as of, generally, two business days prior to the respective reporting date.

128
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items in a fair value hedging relationship for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative and Related Hedged Item
Derivative Instrument
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Hedged Item
 
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
In millions
 
 
 
 
 
In millions
Interest rate contracts
Interest and other, net
 
$
158

 
$
(55
)
 
$
—

 
Fixed-rate debt
 
Interest and other, net
 
$
(158
)
 
$
55

 
$
—

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow and net investment hedging relationships for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
 
Gains (Losses)
Recognized in OCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI
Into Earnings (Effective Portion)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
 
 
 
In millions
Cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency contracts
$
(16
)
 
$
279

 
$
149

 
Net revenue
 
$
19

 
$
276

 
$
(4
)
Foreign currency contracts
6

 
(3
)
 
13

 
Cost of products
 
—

 
6

 
3

Foreign currency contracts
—

 
(2
)
 
9

 
Other operating expenses
 
—

 
(4
)
 
(9
)
Foreign currency contracts
—

 
—

 
—

 
Gain on MphasiS divestiture
 
8

 
—

 
—

Foreign currency contracts
236

 
207

 
(60
)
 
Interest and other, net
 
243

 
202

 
(50
)
Total currency hedges
$
226

 
$
481

 
$
111

 
 
 
$
270

 
$
480

 
$
(60
)
Net investment hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency contracts
$
(58
)
 
$
228

 
$
57

 
Interest and other, net
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

As of October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 no portion of the hedging instruments' gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for fair value, cash flow or net investment hedges. Hedge ineffectiveness for fair value, cash flow and net investment hedges was not material for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014.
As of October 31, 2016, the Company expects to reclassify an estimated net Accumulated other comprehensive gain of approximately $40 million, net of taxes, to earnings in the next twelve months along with the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions associated with cash flow hedges.
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
In millions
Foreign currency contracts
Interest and other, net
 
$
(425
)
 
$
11

 
$
169

Other derivatives
Interest and other, net
 
(5
)
 
1

 
—

Total
 
 
$
(430
)
 
$
12

 
$
169


129
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Note 13: Borrowings
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Notes payable and short-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term debt, were as follows:
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Interest Rate
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Interest Rate
 
Dollars in millions
Current portion of long-term debt
$
2,776

 
1.7
%
 
$
161

 
2.6
%
FS Commercial paper
326

 
0.1
%
 
39

 
0.2
%
Notes payable to banks, lines of credit and other(1)
430

 
2.0
%
 
491

 
2.7
%
Total notes payable and short-term borrowings
$
3,532

 
 

 
$
691

 
 

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Notes payable to banks, lines of credit and other includes $381 million and $374 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of borrowing- and funding-related activity associated with FS and its subsidiaries.

130
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Long-Term Debt
 
As of October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Senior Notes(1)
 

 
 

$2,250 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.944% in October 2015 at 2.45%, due October 5, 2017, interest payable semi-annually on April 5 and October 5 of each year
$
2,249

 
$
2,249

$2,650 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.872% in October 2015 at 2.85%, due October 5, 2018, interest payable semi-annually on April 5 and October 5 of each year
2,648

 
2,647

$3,000 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.972% in October 2015 at 3.6%, due October 15, 2020, interest payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year
2,999

 
2,999

$1,350 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.802% in October 2015 at 4.4%, due October 15, 2022, interest payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year
1,348

 
1,347

$2,500 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.725% in October 2015 at 4.9%, due October 15, 2025, interest payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year
2,494

 
2,493

$750 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.942% in October 2015 at 6.2%, due October 15, 2035, interest payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year
750

 
749

$1,500 issued at discount to par at a price of 99.932% in October 2015 at 6.35%, due October 15, 2045, interest payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year
1,499

 
1,499

$350 issued at par in October 2015 at three-month USD LIBOR plus 1.74%, due October 5, 2017, interest payable quarterly on January 5, April 5, July 5 and October 5 of each year
350

 
350

$250 issued at par in October 2015 at three-month USD LIBOR plus 1.93%, due October 5, 2018, interest payable quarterly on January 5, April 5, July 5 and October 5 of each year
250

 
250

EDS Senior Notes(1)
 

 
 

$300 issued October 1999 at 7.45%, due October 2029
312

 
313

Other, including capital lease obligations, at 0.00%-7.45%, due in calendar years 2016-2022(2)
382

 
423

Fair value adjustment related to hedged debt
103

 
(55
)
Less: current portion
(2,776
)
 
(161
)
Total long-term debt
$
12,608

 
$
15,103

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The Company may redeem some or all of the fixed-rate Hewlett Packard Enterprise Senior Notes and the EDS Senior Notes at any time in accordance with the terms thereof.
(2)
Other, including capital lease obligations includes $181 million and $196 million as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of borrowing- and funding-related activity associated with FS and its subsidiaries that are collateralized by receivables and underlying assets associated with the related capital and operating leases. For both the periods presented, the carrying amount of the assets approximated the carrying amount of the borrowings.
In fiscal 2016, as a result of the MphasiS transaction, $40 million of long-term debt previously included in the Other, including capital lease obligations category was divested.
Interest expense on borrowings recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings was as follows:
 
 
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
Expense
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
In millions
Financing interest
Financing interest
 
$
249

 
$
240

 
$
277

Interest expense
Interest and other, net
 
328

 
29

 
45

Total interest expense
 
 
$
577

 
$
269

 
$
322

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Senior Notes
On October 9, 2015, Hewlett Packard Enterprise completed its offering of $14.0 billion of fixed rate notes and $0.6 billion of floating rate notes, with the interest rate and maturity date described in the table above.

131
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The Notes are Hewlett Packard Enterprise's senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Notes were initially guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by HP Co., which guarantee was automatically and unconditionally released upon HP Co.'s distribution of all of the outstanding shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock to HP Co.'s shareholders on November 1, 2015, in connection with the separation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from HP Co. (the "Distribution"), and beneficial ownership of substantially all of the assets intended to be included in Hewlett Packard Enterprise were transferred to Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise distributed approximately $14.5 billion of net proceeds from the Notes offering to HP Co. HP Co. utilized the net proceeds to fund repurchases and redemptions of its outstanding Senior Notes, and to repay other indebtedness, to facilitate the separation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from HP Co.
During fiscal 2015, the Company incurred issuance costs of $54 million which are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes. As of October 31, 2016, issuance costs included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets amounted to $50 million.
On November 23, 2016, Hewlett Packard Enterprise launched an offer to exchange new registered notes for all of the outstanding $14.6 billion of unregistered Senior Notes. The terms of the new Notes in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the terms of the outstanding unregistered Senior Notes, except that the new Notes will be registered under the Securities Act, and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the outstanding Senior Notes do not apply to the new Notes.
As disclosed in Note 12, "Financial Instruments", the Company uses interest rate swaps to mitigate the exposure of its debt portfolio to changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates by achieving a primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR-based floating interest rate. Concurrent with the issuance of the Senior Notes, Hewlett Packard Enterprise entered into interest rate swaps to reduce the exposure of $9.5 billion of aggregate principal amount of fixed rate Senior Notes to changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates by achieving LIBOR-based floating interest rate. Interest rates on long-term debt in the table above have not been adjusted to reflect the impact of any interest rate swaps.
Available Borrowing Resources
The Company had the following resources available to obtain short- or long-term financing if additional liquidity is needed:
 
As of
October 31, 2016
 
In millions
Commercial paper programs
$
4,174

Uncommitted lines of credit
$
1,884

Commercial Paper
Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to $4.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of commercial paper by Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's subsidiaries are authorized to issue up to an additional $500 million in aggregate principal amount of commercial paper. Hewlett Packard Enterprise maintains two commercial paper programs, and a wholly-owned subsidiary maintains a third program. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's U.S. program provides for the issuance of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $4.0 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's euro commercial paper program provides for the issuance of commercial paper outside of the U.S. denominated in U.S. dollars, euros or British pounds up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $3.0 billion or the equivalent in those alternative currencies. The combined aggregate principal amount of commercial paper outstanding under those programs at any one time cannot exceed the $4.0 billion authorized by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Board of Directors. The Hewlett Packard Enterprise subsidiary's euro Commercial Paper/Certificate of Deposit Program provides for the issuance of commercial paper in various currencies of up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $500 million.

132
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Revolving Credit Facility
On November 1, 2015, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"), together with the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan"), as co-administrative agent and administrative processing agent, and Citibank, N.A., as co-administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with aggregate lending commitments of $4.0 billion. Loans under the revolving credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes. Commitments under the Credit Agreement are available for a period of five years, which period may be extended, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, by up to two, one-year periods. Commitment Fees, interest rates and other terms of borrowing under the credit facility vary based on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's external credit rating.
Future Maturities of Long-term Debt
As of October 31, 2016, aggregate future maturities of the Company's long-term debt at face value (excluding a fair value adjustment related to hedged debt of $103 million and a net discount on debt issuance of $1 million), including capital lease obligations were as follows:
Fiscal year
In millions
2017
$
2,777

2018
2,948

2019
40

2020
3,002

2021
57

Thereafter
6,458

Total
$
15,282


Note 14: Related Party Transactions and Former Parent Company Investment
Prior to November 1, 2015, the Company consisted of the enterprise technology infrastructure, software, services, and financing businesses of former Parent and thus, transactions with former Parent were considered related party transactions. Following November 1, 2015, in connection with the Separation, the Company became an independent publicly-traded company. As a result, transactions with HP Inc. are no longer considered related party transactions.
On October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2015, in connection with the Separation, the Company entered into several agreements with former Parent that govern the relationship between the Company and former Parent following the distribution, including the following:
•
Separation and Distribution Agreement;
•
Transition Services Agreement;
•
Tax Matters Agreement;
•
Employee Matters Agreement;
•
Real Estate Matters Agreement;
•
Master Commercial Agreement; and
•
Information Technology Service Agreement.
These agreements provided the allocation between the Company and former Parent's assets, employees, liabilities, and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Separation. Obligations under the service and commercial contracts generally extend through five years.
Final Cash Allocation from former Parent
In December 2015, and in connection with the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Company received a net cash allocation of $526 million from former Parent. The cash allocation was based on the projected cash requirements of the Company, in light of the intended investment grade credit rating, business plan and anticipated operations and activities.

133
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



Receivable from and Payable (to) former Parent
 
As of
October 31, 2015
 
In millions
Receivable from former Parent(1)
$
492

Payable to former Parent(2)
(343
)
Net receivable from former Parent
$
149

______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The Company includes the receivable from former Parent in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)
The Company includes the employee compensation and benefits portion in Employee compensation and benefits, and all other accruals from former Parent in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Purchases from former Parent
During fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company purchased equipment from other businesses of former Parent in the amount of $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.
Allocation of Corporate Expenses
Prior to the Separation, the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income include an allocation of general corporate expenses from former Parent for certain management and support functions which are provided on a centralized basis within former Parent. These management and support functions include, but are not limited to, executive management, finance, legal, information technology, employee benefits administration, treasury, risk management, procurement, and other shared services. These allocations were made on a direct usage basis when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on the basis of revenue, expenses, headcount, or other relevant measures. These allocations were $3.6 billion and $4.2 billion in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Management of the Company and former Parent consider these allocations to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services by, or the benefits provided to, the Company. These allocations may not, however, reflect the expense the Company would have incurred as a standalone company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure.
Former Parent Company Investment
Former Parent company investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents former Parent's historical investment in the Company, the net effect of transactions with and allocations from former Parent and the Company's accumulated earnings.
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement with former Parent, which resulted in the indemnification of certain pre-Separation tax liabilities. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, Separation-related adjustments totaling $1.2 billion were recorded in stockholders' equity. Separation-related adjustments to equity primarily reflected the impact of the income tax indemnification and the transfer of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities between former Parent and the Company. See Note 18, "Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties", for a full description of the Tax Matters Agreement.
As of November 1, 2015, in connection with the Separation and distribution, former Parent's investment in the Company's business was re-designated as stockholders' equity and allocated between common stock and additional paid-in capital based on the number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding at the distribution date.
Net Transfers from former Parent
Net transfers from former Parent are included within former Parent company investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Former Parent historically used a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations. Prior to the Separation, transactions between the Company and former Parent were considered to be effectively settled for cash at the

134
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



time the transaction was recorded. The net effect of these transactions is included in Net transfer from former Parent in Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
Note 15: Stockholders' Equity
Taxes related to Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Taxes on change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

Tax benefit (provision) on net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
(1
)
Tax benefit on losses reclassified into earnings
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—


2


(1
)
Taxes on change in net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

Tax provision on net unrealized gains arising during the period
(14
)
 
(69
)
 
(32
)
Tax provision on net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings
25

 
76

 
1

 
11


7


(31
)
Taxes on change in unrealized components of defined benefit plans:
 

 
 

 
 

Tax benefit on losses arising during the period
63

 
30

 
58

Tax benefit on amortization of actuarial loss and prior service benefit
(20
)
 
(10
)
 
(6
)
Tax provision on curtailments, settlements and other
(1
)
 
—

 
(3
)
Tax benefit on Plans transferred from former Parent during the period
—

 
255

 
—

 
42


275


49

Taxes on change in cumulative translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax on cumulative translation adjustment arising during the period
20

 
(73
)
 
(27
)
Tax on release of cumulative translation adjustment as a result of H3C and MphasiS divestitures
(22
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
(73
)
 
(27
)
Tax benefit (provision) on other comprehensive loss
$
51


$
211


$
(10
)
Changes and reclassifications related to Other Comprehensive Loss, net of taxes
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
$
(2
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
4

Losses (gains) reclassified into earnings
1

 
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(8
)
 
3

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

Net unrealized gains arising during the period
212

 
412

 
79

Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings(1)
(245
)
 
(404
)
 
61

 
(33
)
 
8

 
140

Change in unrealized components of defined benefit plans:
 

 
 

 
 

Losses arising during the period
(1,714
)
 
(352
)
 
(736
)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service benefit(2)
264

 
204

 
76

Curtailments, settlements and other
(19
)
 
4

 
15

Plans transferred from former Parent during the period
—

 
(2,352
)
 
—

Merged into former Parent's Shared plan during the period
—

 
—

 
61

 
(1,469
)
 
(2,496
)
 
(584
)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustment arising during the period
(134
)
 
(271
)
 
(112
)
Release of cumulative translation adjustment as a result of H3C and MphasiS divestitures
53

 
—

 
—

 
(81
)
 
(271
)
 
(112
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
$
(1,584
)
 
$
(2,767
)
 
$
(553
)
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Reclassification of pre-tax (gains) losses on cash flow hedges into the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings was as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions
Net revenue
$
(19
)
 
$
(276
)
 
$
4

Cost of products
—

 
(6
)
 
(3
)
Other operating expenses
—

 
4

 
9

Gain on MphasiS divestiture
(8
)
 
—

 
—

Interest and other, net
(243
)
 
(202
)
 
50

 
$
(270
)

$
(480
)

$
60

(2)
These components are included in the computation of net pension and post-retirement benefit (credit) cost in Note 4, "Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans".


135
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes as of October 31, 2016 and changes during fiscal 2016 were as follows:
 
Net unrealized
gains (losses) on
available-for-sale
securities
 
Net unrealized
gains (losses) on cash
flow hedges
 
Unrealized
components
of defined
benefit plans
 
Cumulative
translation
adjustment
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of period
$
55

 
$
68

 
$
(4,173
)
 
$
(965
)
 
$
(5,015
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(2
)
 
212

 
(1,733
)
 
(134
)
 
(1,657
)
Reclassifications of (gains) losses into earnings
1

 
(245
)
 
264

 
53

 
73

Balance at end of period
$
54


$
35


$
(5,642
)

$
(1,046
)

$
(6,599
)
Dividends
On November 11, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a regular quarterly cash dividend for its common stock. The stockholders of HPE common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by HPE's Board of Directors. Dividends declared were $0.22 per common share in fiscal 2016.
Share Repurchase Program
On October 13, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company announced the authorization of a $3.0 billion share repurchase program. On May 24, 2016, the Board of Directors announced the authorization of an additional $3.0 billion under the share repurchase program. The Company's share repurchase program authorizes both open market and private repurchase transactions and does not have a specific expiration date. The Company may choose to repurchase shares when sufficient liquidity exists and the shares are trading at a discount relative to estimated intrinsic value.
The Company entered into two separate accelerated share repurchase agreements ("ASR Agreements") with financial institutions in November 2015 and May 2016. Under the ASR agreements, the Company paid upfront amounts of $1,075 million and $1,450 million, respectively. For fiscal 2016, the Company retired a total of 158 million shares as a result of its share repurchase program, which included purchases of 148 million shares under the ASR Agreements with the remainder under open market repurchases. The 158 million shares were retired and recorded as a $2.7 billion reduction to stockholder's equity. The 148 million shares repurchased under the ASR agreements were repurchased based on the daily volume weighted-average stock price of the Company's common stock during the term of the transaction, plus transaction fees. As of October 31, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization of $3.3 billion for future share repurchases.
Note 16: Net Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic net EPS using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net EPS includes the weighted-average dilutive effect of restricted stock awards, stock options, and performance-based awards.
For periods prior to fiscal 2015, the Company calculated basic net EPS using the net earnings and number of Hewlett-Packard Company shares outstanding as of October 31, 2015. On November 1, 2015, the distribution date, Hewlett-Packard Company shareholders received one share of HPE common stock for every share of Hewlett-Packard Company common stock held as of the record date, October 21, 2015.

136
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



The reconciliations of the numerators and denominators of each of the basic and diluted net EPS calculations were as follows:
 
Fiscal years ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
In millions, except per share amounts
Numerator:
 

 
 

 
 

Net earnings
$
3,161

 
$
2,461

 
$
1,648

Denominator:(1)(2)
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net EPS
1,715

 
1,804

 
1,804

Dilutive effect of employee stock plans(3)
24

 
30

 
30

Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net EPS
1,739

 
1,834

 
1,834

Net earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.84

 
$
1.36

 
$
0.91

Diluted
$
1.82

 
$
1.34

 
$
0.90

Anti-dilutive weighted-average stock awards(4)
32

 
28

 
28

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The Company considers restricted stock awards that provide the holder with a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends to be participating securities. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no shares outstanding of restricted stock that provided the holder with a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends. For fiscal 2014, net earnings allocated to participating securities were not significant.
(2)
On November 1, 2015, the Separation and distribution date, HP Inc. stockholders received one share of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock for every share of HP Inc. common stock held as of the record date, October 21, 2015. For comparative purposes, the same number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 is used in the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings per share for fiscal 2015 and 2014.
(3)
For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company calculated the weighted-average dilutive effect of employee stock plans after conversion by multiplying the dilutive Hewlett-Packard Company stock-based awards attributable to Hewlett Packard Enterprise employees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 by the price conversion ratio used to convert those awards to equivalent units of Hewlett Packard Enterprise awards on the Separation date. The price conversion ratio was calculated using the closing price of Hewlett-Packard Company common shares on October 31, 2015 divided by the opening price of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common shares on November 2, 2015.
(4)
The Company excludes stock awards where the assumed proceeds exceed the average market price from the calculation of diluted net EPS, because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The assumed proceeds of a stock award include the sum of its exercise price (if the award is an option), average unrecognized compensation cost and excess tax benefit. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company's anti-dilutive shares were calculated by multiplying the anti-dilutive Hewlett-Packard Company stock-based awards attributable to Hewlett Packard Enterprise employees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 by the price conversion ratio used to convert those awards to equivalent units of Hewlett Packard Enterprise awards on the Separation date. The price conversion ratio was calculated using the closing price of Hewlett-Packard Company common shares on October 31, 2015 divided by the opening price of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common shares on November 2, 2015.
Note 17: Litigation and Contingencies
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings including those consisting of IP, commercial, securities, employment, employee benefits and environmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. In addition, as part of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. (formerly known as "Hewlett-Packard Company") agreed to cooperate with each other in managing certain existing litigation related to both parties' businesses. The Separation and Distribution Agreement included provisions that allocate liability and financial responsibility for pending litigation involving the parties, as well as provide for cross-indemnification of the parties against liabilities to one party arising out of liabilities allocated to the other party. The Separation and Distribution Agreement also included provisions that assign to the parties responsibility for managing pending and future litigation related to the general corporate matters of HP Inc. arising prior to the Separation. Hewlett Packard Enterprise records a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability of having incurred a liability and the estimated amount of the liability. Hewlett Packard Enterprise reviews these matters at least quarterly and adjusts these liabilities to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other updated information and events pertaining to a particular matter. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. However, Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes it has valid defenses with respect to legal matters pending against us. Nevertheless, cash flows or results of operations could be materially affected in any particular

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



period by the resolution of one or more of these contingencies. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes it has recorded adequate provisions for any such matters and, as of October 31, 2016, it was not reasonably possible that a material loss had been incurred in connection with such matters in excess of the amounts recognized in its financial statements.
Litigation, Proceedings and Investigations
Fair Labor Standards Act Litigation.    Hewlett Packard Enterprise is involved in several pre-Separation lawsuits in which the plaintiffs are seeking unpaid overtime compensation and other damages based on allegations that various employees of Electronic Data Systems Corporation ("EDS") or HP Inc. have been misclassified as exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (the "FLSA") and/or in violation of the California Labor Code or other state laws. Those matters include the following:
•
Karlbom, et al. v. Electronic Data Systems Corporation was a class action filed on March 16, 2009 in California Superior Court alleging that certain information technology employees allegedly involved in installing and/or maintaining computer software and hardware were misclassified as exempt employees. On October 30, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify a Rule 23 state class of all California-based EDS employees in the Infrastructure Associate, Infrastructure Analyst, Infrastructure Specialist, and Infrastructure Specialist Senior job codes from March 16, 2005 through October 31, 2009 who they claim were improperly classified as exempt from overtime under state law. On January 22, 2016, the court denied plaintiffs' motion for class certification. On April 8, 2016, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the California Court of Appeal, which was later dismissed voluntarily. On October 3, 2016, the court dismissed this matter with prejudice pursuant to an agreed-upon settlement.
•
Benedict v. Hewlett-Packard Company was a purported class and collective action filed on January 10, 2013 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that certain technical support employees allegedly involved in installing, maintaining and/or supporting computer software and/or hardware for HP Inc. were misclassified as exempt employees under the FLSA. The plaintiffs also alleged that HP Inc. violated California law by, among other things, allegedly improperly classifying these employees as exempt. On February 13, 2014, the court granted plaintiff's motion for conditional class certification. On May 7, 2015, plaintiff filed a motion to certify a Rule 23 state class of certain Technical Solutions Consultants in California, Massachusetts, and Colorado who they claim were improperly classified as exempt from overtime under state law. On July 30, 2015, the court dismissed the Technology Consultant and certain Field Technical Support Consultant opt-ins from the conditionally certified FLSA collective action. The court denied plaintiffs' motion for Rule 23 class certification on March 29, 2016. On April 12, 2016, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of that decision to the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit, which was denied. On July 13, 2016, the court granted HP’s motion to decertify the FLSA class that had been conditionally certified on February 13, 2014. Currently, only the claims of the three individual named plaintiffs remain in the district court.
India Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Proceedings.    On April 30 and May 10, 2010, the India Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (the "DRI") issued show cause notices to Hewlett-Packard India Sales Private Ltd ("HP India"), a subsidiary of HP Inc., seven HP India employees and one former HP India employee alleging that HP India underpaid customs duties while importing products and spare parts into India and seeking to recover an aggregate of approximately $370 million, plus penalties. Prior to the issuance of the show cause notices, HP India deposited approximately $16 million with the DRI and agreed to post a provisional bond in exchange for the DRI's agreement to not seize HP India products and spare parts and to not interrupt the transaction of business by HP India.
On April 11, 2012, the Bangalore Commissioner of Customs issued an order on the products-related show cause notice affirming certain duties and penalties against HP India and the named individuals of approximately $386 million, of which HP India had already deposited $9 million. On December 11, 2012, HP India voluntarily deposited an additional $10 million in connection with the products-related show cause notice. On April 20, 2012, the Commissioner issued an order on the parts-related show cause notice affirming certain duties and penalties against HP India and certain of the named individuals of approximately $17 million, of which HP India had already deposited $7 million. After the order, HP India deposited an additional $3 million in connection with the parts-related show cause notice so as to avoid certain penalties.
HP India filed appeals of the Commissioner's orders before the Customs Tribunal along with applications for waiver of the pre-deposit of remaining demand amounts as a condition for hearing the appeals. The Customs Department has also filed cross-appeals before the Customs Tribunal. On January 24, 2013, the Customs Tribunal ordered HP India to deposit an additional $24 million against the products order, which HP India deposited in March 2013. The Customs Tribunal did not order

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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



any additional deposit to be made under the parts order. In December 2013, HP India filed applications before the Customs Tribunal seeking early hearing of the appeals as well as an extension of the stay of deposit as to HP India and the individuals already granted until final disposition of the appeals. On February 7, 2014, the application for extension of the stay of deposit was granted by the Customs Tribunal until disposal of the appeals. On October 27, 2014, the Customs Tribunal commenced hearings on the cross-appeals of the Commissioner's orders. The Customs Tribunal rejected HP India's request to remand the matter to the Commissioner on procedural grounds. The hearings were scheduled to reconvene on April 6, 2015, and again on November 3, 2015 and April 11, 2016, but were canceled at the request of the Customs Tribunal. No new hearing date has been set.
Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission Proceedings.   In April 2014, HP Inc. and HP Inc. subsidiaries in Russia, Poland, and Mexico collectively entered into agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") and the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to resolve claims of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") violations. Pursuant to the terms of the resolutions with the DOJ and SEC, HP Inc. was required to undertake certain compliance, reporting and cooperation obligations for a three year period. In October of 2015, Hewlett Packard Enterprise contractually undertook the same compliance, reporting and cooperation obligations that were held by HP Inc. under the DOJ resolutions for the balance of the three year period. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has reached a similar agreement with the SEC, which is set forth in an amended SEC administrative order dated July 15, 2016.
ECT Proceedings.  In January 2011, the postal service of Brazil, Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos ("ECT"), notified a former subsidiary of HP Inc. in Brazil ("HP Brazil") that it had initiated administrative proceedings to consider whether to suspend HP Brazil's right to bid and contract with ECT related to alleged improprieties in the bidding and contracting processes whereby employees of HP Brazil and employees of several other companies allegedly coordinated their bids and fixed results for three ECT contracts in 2007 and 2008. In late July 2011, ECT notified HP Brazil it had decided to apply the penalties against HP Brazil and suspend HP Brazil's right to bid and contract with ECT for five years, based upon the evidence before it. In August 2011, HP Brazil appealed ECT's decision. In April 2013, ECT rejected HP Brazil's appeal, and the administrative proceedings were closed with the penalties against HP Brazil remaining in place. In parallel, in September 2011, HP Brazil filed a civil action against ECT seeking to have ECT's decision revoked. HP Brazil also requested an injunction suspending the application of the penalties until a final ruling on the merits of the case. The court of first instance has not issued a decision on the merits of the case, but it has denied HP Brazil's request for injunctive relief. HP Brazil appealed the denial of its request for injunctive relief to the intermediate appellate court, which issued a preliminary ruling denying the request for injunctive relief but reducing the length of the sanctions from five to two years. HP Brazil appealed that decision and, in December 2011, obtained a ruling staying enforcement of ECT's sanctions until a final ruling on the merits of the case. HP Brazil expects the decision to be issued in 2017 and any subsequent appeal on the merits to last several years.
Cisco Systems.    On August 21, 2015, Cisco Systems, Inc. ("Cisco") and Cisco Systems Capital Corporation ("Cisco Capital") filed an action in Santa Clara County Superior Court for declaratory judgment and breach of contract against HP Inc. in connection with a dispute arising out of a third-party's termination of a services contract with HP Inc. As part of that third-party services contract, HP Inc. separately contracted with Cisco on an agreement to utilize Cisco products and services. HP Inc. prepaid the entire amount due Cisco through a financing arrangement with Cisco Capital. Following the termination of HP Inc.'s services contract with the third-party, HP Inc. no longer required Cisco's products and services, and accordingly, exercised its contractual termination rights under the agreement with Cisco, and requested that Cisco apply the appropriate credit toward the remaining balance owed Cisco Capital. This lawsuit relates to the calculation of that credit under the agreement between Cisco and HP Inc. Cisco contends that after the credit is applied, HP Inc. still owes Cisco Capital approximately $58 million. HP Inc. contends that under a proper reading of the agreement, HP Inc. owes nothing to Cisco Capital, and that Cisco owes a significant amounts to HP Inc. On December 18, 2015, the court held a status conference at which it lifted the responsive pleading and discovery stay. Following the conference, Cisco filed an amended complaint that abandons the claim for breach of contract set forth in the original complaint, and asserts a single cause of action for declaratory relief concerning the proper calculation of the cancellation credit. On January 19, 2016, HP Inc. filed a counterclaim for breach of contract simultaneously with its answer to the amended complaint. Fact discovery is scheduled to conclude December 16, 2016. Expert discovery is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2017. The court has not set a trial date.
Washington DC Navy Yard Litigation:    In December 2013, HP Enterprise Services, LLC ("HPES") was named in the first lawsuit arising out of the September 2013 Washington DC Navy Yard shooting that resulted in the deaths of twelve individuals. The perpetrator was an employee of The Experts, HPES's now-terminated subcontractor on its IT services contract with the U.S. Navy. This initial action was filed in the Middle District of Florida but was transferred in February 2015 to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia so that it and all other known cases arising out of the shooting could be

139
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



heard before the same Judge. HPES has been named as a defendant in fifteen lawsuits arising out of the shooting, including six lawsuits that were filed immediately prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations on September 16, 2016. All cases assert various negligence claims against HPES, The Experts, and other parties, including the U.S. Navy. The court previously dismissed the plaintiffs' claims against the U.S. Navy but did not, at that time, decide the motions to dismiss of HPES or The Experts. On September 15, 2016, the court issued an opinion granting in part and denying in part HPES' motion to dismiss the nine cases filed prior to September 2016. HPES also moved to dismiss the six most recently filed complaints on November 21, 2016.
Forsyth, et al. vs. HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise: This purported class and collective action was filed on August 18, 2016 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, against HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise alleging defendants violated the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California public policy and the California Business and Professions Code by terminating older workers and replacing them with younger workers.  Plaintiffs seek to certify a nationwide collective action under the ADEA comprised of all U.S. residents employed by defendants who had their employment terminated pursuant to a WFR plan on or after May 23, 2012, and who were 40 years of age or older at the time of termination. Plaintiffs also seek to represent a Rule 23 class under California law comprised of all persons 40 years of age or older employed by defendants in the state of California and terminated pursuant to a WFR plan on or after May 23, 2012.

Hewlett-Packard Company v. Oracle (Itanium): On June 15, 2011, HP Inc. filed suit against Oracle in Santa Clara Superior Court in connection with Oracle's March 2011 announcement that it was discontinuing software support for HP Inc.’s Itanium-based line of mission critical servers.  HP Inc. asserted, among other things, that Oracle’s actions breached the contract that was signed by the parties as part of the settlement of the litigation relating to Oracle’s hiring of Mark Hurd.   The matter eventually progressed to trial, which was bifurcated into two phases.  HP Inc. prevailed in the first phase of the trial, in which the court ruled that the contract at issue required Oracle to continue to offer its software products on HP Inc.'s Itanium-based servers for as long as HP Inc. decided to sell such servers.  Phase 2 of the trial was then postponed by Oracle’s appeal of the trial court’s denial of Oracle’s “anti-SLAPP” motion, in which Oracle argued that HP Inc.’s damages claim infringed on Oracle’s First Amendment rights.  On August 27, 2015, the Court of Appeal rejected Oracle’s appeal.  The matter was remanded to the trial court for Phase 2 of the trial, which began on May 23, 2016, and was submitted to the jury on June 29, 2016.  On June 30, 2016, the jury returned a verdict in favor of HP Inc., awarding HP Inc. approximately $3 billion in damages: $1.7 billion for past lost profits and $1.3 billion for future lost profits.  Final judgment was entered on October 20, 2016. Oracle has publicly stated that it will appeal. The Company expects that any appeal could take several years to be resolved and could materially affect the amount ultimately recovered by the Company. The amounts ultimately awarded, if any, would be recorded in the period received. Pursuant to the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise will share equally in any recovery from Oracle once Hewlett Packard Enterprise has been reimbursed for all costs incurred in the prosecution of the action prior to the HP Inc./Hewlett Packard Enterprise separation on November 1, 2015.
Environmental
The Company's operations and products are or may in the future become subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations concerning environmental protection, including laws addressing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the clean-up of contaminated sites, the substances and materials used in the Company's products, the energy consumption of products, services and operations and the operational or financial responsibility for recycling, treatment and disposal of those products. This includes legislation that makes producers of electrical goods, including servers and networking equipment, financially responsible for specified collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of past and future covered products (sometimes referred to as "product take-back legislation"). The Company could incur substantial costs, its products could be restricted from entering certain jurisdictions, and it could face other sanctions, if it were to violate or become liable under environmental laws or if its products become non-compliant with environmental laws. The Company's potential exposure includes impacts on revenue, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage or personal injury claims and clean-up costs. The amount and timing of costs to comply with environmental laws are difficult to predict.
In particular, the Company may become a party to, or otherwise involved in, proceedings brought by U.S. or state environmental agencies under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), known as "Superfund," or other federal, state or foreign laws and regulations addressing the clean-up of contaminated sites, and may become a party to, or otherwise involved in, proceedings brought by private parties for contribution towards clean-up costs. The Company is also contractually obligated to make financial contributions to address actions related to certain

140
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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



environmental liabilities, both ongoing and arising in the future, pursuant to its Separation and Distribution Agreement with HP Inc.
Note 18: Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties
Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may issue performance guarantees to certain of its clients, customers and other parties pursuant to which the Company has guaranteed the performance obligations of third parties. Some of those guarantees may be backed by standby letters of credit or surety bonds. In general, the Company would be obligated to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event a specified triggering event occurs as defined by the guarantee. The Company believes the likelihood of having to perform under a material guarantee is remote.
The Company has entered into service contracts with certain of its clients that are supported by financing arrangements. If a service contract is terminated as a result of the Company's non-performance under the contract or failure to comply with the terms of the financing arrangement, the Company could, under certain circumstances, be required to acquire certain assets related to the service contract. The Company believes the likelihood of having to acquire a material amount of assets under these arrangements is remote.
Indemnifications
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company may agree to indemnify a third party to such arrangement from any losses incurred relating to the services they perform on behalf of the Company or for losses arising from certain events as defined within the particular contract, which may include, for example, litigation or claims relating to past performance. The Company also provides indemnifications to certain vendors and customers against claims of IP infringement made by third parties arising from the use by such vendors and customers of the Company's software products and services and certain other matters. Some indemnifications may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial.
General Cross-indemnification
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with HP Inc. effective November 1, 2015 where the Company agreed to indemnify HP Inc., each of its subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers and employees from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, among other matters, the liabilities allocated to the Company as part of the Separation. HP Inc. similarly agreed to indemnify the Company, each of its subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers and employees from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, among other matters, the liabilities allocated to HP Inc. as part of the Separation. As a result, as of October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 the Company recorded both a receivable from HP Inc. of $56 million and $232 million and a payable to HP Inc. of $41 million and $38 million related to litigation matters and other contingencies, respectively.
Shared Litigation with HP Inc.
As part of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Company and HP Inc. agreed to cooperate with each other in managing certain existing litigation related to both parties' businesses. The Separation and Distribution Agreement also included provisions that assign to the parties responsibility for managing pending and future litigation related to general corporate matters of HP Inc. arising prior to the Separation.
Tax Matters Agreement and Other Income Tax Matters
In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement (the "Tax Matters Agreement") with HP Inc. effective November 1, 2015 that governs the rights and obligations of the Company and HP Inc. for certain pre-Separation tax liabilities. The Tax Matters Agreement provides that the Company and HP Inc. will share certain pre-Separation income tax liabilities that arise from adjustments made by tax authorities to the Company and HP Inc.'s U.S. and certain non-U.S. income tax returns. In certain jurisdictions, the Company and HP Inc. have joint and several liability for past income tax liabilities and accordingly, the Company could be legally liable under applicable tax law for such liabilities and required to make additional tax payments. In these cases, the Company records the entire liability, which is partially offset by the indemnification receivable from HP Inc., thereby reflecting the Company's net exposure in its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (Continued)



In addition, if the Distribution of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's common shares to the HP Inc. shareholders are determined to be taxable, the Company and HP Inc. would share the tax liability equally, unless the taxability of the Distribution is the direct result of action taken by either the Company or HP Inc. subsequent to the Distribution in which case the party causing the Distribution to be taxable would be responsible for any taxes imposed on the Distribution.
As of October 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net long-term receivable of $1.3 billion from HP Inc. for certain tax liabilities that the Company is joint and severally liable for, but for which it is indemnified by HP Inc. under the Tax Matters Agreement. The actual amount that the Company may receive could vary depending upon the outcome of certain unresolved tax matters, which may not be resolved for several years.
Warranties
The Company accrues the estimated cost of product warranties at the time it recognizes revenue. The Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers; however, contractual warranty terms, repair costs, product call rates, average cost per call, current period product shipments and ongoing product failure rates, as well as specific product class failures outside of the Company's baseline experience, affect the estimated warranty obligation.
The Company's aggregate product warranty liabilities and changes therein were as follows:
 
Fiscal years ended
October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
In millions
Balance at beginning of year
$
523

 
$
571

Accruals for warranties issued
376

 
373

Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties (including changes in estimates)
1

 
(16
)
Divested as part of the H3C transaction
(23
)
 
—

Settlements made (in cash or in kind)
(380
)
 
(405
)
Balance at end of year
$
497

 
$
523


Note 19: Commitments
Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain real and personal property under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain leases require the Company to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance and include renewal options and escalation clauses. Rent expense on operating leases was approximately $0.7 billion in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 and approximately $0.8 billion in fiscal 2014.
Property under capital leases is comprised primarily of equipment and furniture. Capital lease assets included in Property, plant and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $173 million and $203 million as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on the property under capital lease was $161 million and $186 million as of October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

142

As of October 31, 2016, future minimum lease commitments on the Company's operating leases were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In millions
2017
$
557

2018
464

2019
333

2020
257

2021
185

Thereafter
594

Less: Sublease rental income
(169
)
Total
$
2,221

Unconditional Purchase Obligations
At October 31, 2016, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of approximately $1.8 billion. These unconditional purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, fixed, minimum or variable price provisions and the approximate timing of the transaction. These unconditional purchase obligations are related principally to software maintenance and support services and other items. Unconditional purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
As of October 31, 2016, future unconditional purchase obligations were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In millions
2017
$
537

2018
529

2019
419

2020
175

2021
122

Thereafter
16

Total
$
1,798


Note 20: Equity Method Investments
The Company includes investments which are accounted for using the equity method, under Investments in equity interests on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2016, the Company's Investments in equity interests primarily included $2.6 billion related to a 49% equity interest in H3C.

Investment in H3C
In May 2016, Tsinghua Holdings’ subsidiary, Unisplendour Corporation, purchased 51% of a new business named H3C, which is comprised of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s former H3C Technologies and China-based servers, storage and technology services businesses which were previously reported within the EG segment. The Company retained a 49% interest in the new company, which it records as an equity method investment.
In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded its interest in the net earnings of H3C along with an adjustment to eliminate unrealized profits on intra-entity sales, and the amortization of basis difference, within earnings/loss from equity interests in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.
In order to identify the basis difference resulting from the sale of its portion of the H3C business, the Company was required to determine the fair value of the identifiable assets and assumed liabilities on the date of sale in the same manner as it would in a business combination. These determined fair values were compared with the asset and liability carrying values reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the sale date; the resulting difference was considered basis difference. Any excess cost of the investment over the Company's proportional fair value of the H3C assets acquired and liabilities assumed was identified as equity method goodwill.

143

The difference between the sale date carrying value of the Company's investment in H3C and its proportionate share of the net assets of H3C, which is the basis difference is summarized as follows:
 
In millions
Carrying value of investment in H3C
$
2,739

Proportionate share of net assets of H3C
205

Basis difference
$
2,534

The basis difference was allocated as follows:
 
In millions
Equity method goodwill
$
1,674

Intangible assets
749

In-process research and development
188

Deferred tax liabilities
(152
)
Other
75

Basis difference
$
2,534

The Company amortizes the basis difference over the estimated useful lives of the assets that gave rise to this difference. The weighted-average life of the H3C intangible assets is five years and will be amortized using a straight-line method. 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, the Company will record the full basis difference charge for the value of the related intangible asset to its Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings in the period of abandonment. Equity method goodwill is not amortized or tested for impairment; instead the equity method investment is tested for impairment whenever factors indicate that the carrying value of the investment may not be recoverable.
In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a Loss from equity interests of $76 million in the Consolidated and Combined Statement of Earnings, $93 million of which represented basis difference amortization, $15 million for elimination of profit on intra-entity sales and $32 million represented the Company's share of H3C's net income. This loss was reflected as a reduction in the carrying amount in Investments in equity interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2016.
The Company also has commercial arrangements with H3C to buy and sell HPE branded servers, storage and technology services.

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HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Quarterly Summary
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
For the three-month periods
ended in fiscal 2016
 
January 31
 
April 30
 
July 31
 
October 31
Net revenue
$
12,724

 
$
12,711

 
$
12,210

 
$
12,478

Cost of sales
9,112

 
9,068

 
8,638

 
8,689

Research and development
585

 
624

 
555

 
534

Selling, general and administrative
1,998

 
2,021

 
1,938

 
1,864

Amortization of intangible assets
218

 
201

 
210

 
126

Restructuring charges
311

 
161

 
369

 
395

Acquisition and other related charges
37

 
53

 
37

 
51

Separation costs
79

 
91

 
135

 
293

Gain on H3C and MphasiS divestitures
—

 
—

 
(2,169
)
 
(251
)
Total costs and expenses
12,340

 
12,219

 
9,713

 
11,701

Earnings from operations
384

 
492

 
2,497

 
777

Interest and other, net
(80
)
 
(60
)
 
(78
)
 
(94
)
Tax indemnification adjustments
15

 
(69
)
 
60

 
311

Loss from equity interests
—

 
—

 
(72
)
 
(4
)
Earnings before taxes
319

 
363

 
2,407

 
990

Provision for taxes
(52
)
 
(43
)
 
(135
)
 
(688
)
Net earnings
$
267

 
$
320

 
$
2,272

 
$
302

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.15

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.35

 
$
0.18

Diluted
$
0.15

 
$
0.18

 
$
1.32

 
$
0.18

Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.110

 
$
0.055

 
$
0.055

 
$
—

Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
1,761

 
1,725

 
1,681

 
1,672

Diluted
1,778

 
1,751

 
1,715

 
1,709













145
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Quarterly Summary
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
For the three-month periods
ended in fiscal 2015
 
January 31
 
April 30
 
July 31
 
October 31
Net revenue
$
13,053

 
$
12,549

 
$
13,057

 
$
13,448

Cost of sales
9,433

 
8,965

 
9,307

 
9,463

Research and development
532

 
552

 
602

 
652

Selling, general and administrative
1,973

 
1,974

 
2,040

 
2,038

Amortization of intangible assets
203

 
204

 
225

 
220

Restructuring charges
132

 
248

 
24

 
550

Acquisition and other related charges
4

 
19

 
46

 
20

Separation costs
44

 
159

 
255

 
339

Defined benefit plan settlement charges
—

 
—

 
178

 
47

Impairment of data center assets
—

 
—

 
136

 
—

Total costs and expenses
12,321

 
12,121

 
12,813

 
13,329

Earnings from operations
732

 
428

 
244

 
119

Interest and other, net
(18
)
 
(30
)
 
4

 
(9
)
Earnings before taxes
714

 
398

 
248

 
110

(Provision) benefit for taxes
(167
)
 
(93
)
 
(24
)
 
1,275

Net earnings
$
547

 
$
305

 
$
224

 
$
1,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.30

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.76

Diluted
$
0.30

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.75

Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
1,804

 
1,804

 
1,804

 
1,804

Diluted
1,834

 
1,834

 
1,834

 
1,834

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
On November 1, 2015, HP Inc. (formerly Hewlett-Packard Company) shareholders received one share of Hewlett Packard Enterprise common stock for every share of Hewlett-Packard Company common stock held as of the record date. The number of shares used to compute the basic and diluted net earnings per share as of October 31, 2015 is used for calculation of net earnings per share for all periods presented in this quarterly summary. See Note 16, "Net Earnings Per Share", for details on shares used to compute net earnings per share as of October 31, 2015.

146

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report (the "Evaluation Date"). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our SEC reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Hewlett Packard Enterprise's management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See Management’s Report of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on our internal control over financial reporting in Item 8, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that there has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting during that quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information.
None.

147

PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The names of the executive officers of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and their ages, titles and biographies as of the date hereof are incorporated by reference from Part I, Item 1, above.
The following information is included in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Proxy Statement related to its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after Hewlett Packard Enterprise's fiscal year end of October 31, 2016 (the "Proxy Statement") and is incorporated herein by reference:
•
Information regarding directors of Hewlett Packard Enterprise including those who are standing for reelection and any persons nominated to become directors of Hewlett Packard Enterprise is set forth under "Corporate Governance—Board Leadership Structure" and/or "Proposals to be Voted On—Proposal No. 1—Election of Directors".
•
Information regarding Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Audit Committee and designated "audit committee financial experts" is set forth under "Board Structure and Committee Composition—Audit Committee".
•
Information on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, also known as the "Standards of Business Conduct," and on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Corporate Governance Guidelines is set forth under "Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters".
•
Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth under "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance".
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation.
The following information is included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference:
•
Information regarding Hewlett Packard Enterprise's compensation of its named executive officers is set forth under "Executive Compensation".
•
Information regarding Hewlett Packard Enterprise's compensation of its directors is set forth under "Director Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines".
•
The report of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's HR and Compensation Committee is set forth under "HR and Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation".
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following information is included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference:
•
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners, directors and executive officers is set forth under "Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management".
•
Information regarding Hewlett Packard Enterprise's equity compensation plans, including both stockholder approved plans and non-stockholder approved plans, is set forth in the section entitled "Equity Compensation Plan Information".
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The following information is included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference:
•
Information regarding transactions with related persons is set forth under "Transactions with Related Persons".
•
Information regarding director independence is set forth under "Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters—Director Independence".
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is set forth under "Principal Accounting Fees and Services" in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

148

PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. All Financial Statements:
The following financial statements are filed as part of this report under Item 8—"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 above.
3. Exhibits:
A list of exhibits filed or furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K (or incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed or furnished by Hewlett Packard Enterprise) is provided in the accompanying Exhibit Index. Hewlett Packard Enterprise will furnish copies of exhibits for a reasonable fee (covering the expense of furnishing copies) upon request. Stockholders may request exhibits copies by contacting:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
Attn: Investor Relations
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304

149

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
December 15, 2016
 
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY
 
 
 
By:
/s/ TIMOTHY C. STONESIFER
 
 
 
 
Timothy C. Stonesifer
 Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Timothy C. Stonesifer, John F. Schultz and Rishi Varma, or any of them, his or her attorneys-in-fact, for such person in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that either of said attorneys-in-fact, or substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated

150

Signature
 
Title(s)
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ MARGARET C. WHITMAN
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
December 15, 2016
Margaret C. Whitman
 
 
/s/ TIMOTHY C. STONESIFER
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
December 15, 2016
Timothy C. Stonesifer
 
 
/s/ JEFF T. RICCI
 
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
December 15, 2016
Jeff T. Ricci
 
 
/s/ PATRICIA F. RUSSO
 
Chairman
 
December 15, 2016
Patricia F. Russo
 
 
/s/ DANIEL L. AMMANN
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Daniel L. Ammann
 
 
/s/ MARC L. ANDREESSEN
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Marc L. Andreessen
 
 
/s/ MICHAEL J. ANGELAKIS
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Michael J. Angelakis
 
 
/s/ LESLIE A. BRUN
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Leslie A. Brun
 
 
/s/ PAMELA L. CARTER
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Pamela L. Carter
 
 
/s/ KLAUS KLEINFELD
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Klaus Kleinfeld
 
 
/s/ RAYMOND J. LANE
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Raymond J. Lane
 
 
/s/ ANN M. LIVERMORE
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Ann M. Livermore
 
 
/s/ RAYMOND E. OZZIE
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Raymond E. Ozzie
 
 
/s/ GARY M. REINER
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Gary M. Reiner
 
 
 
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Lip-Bu Tan
 
 
/s/ MARY AGNES WILDEROTTER
 
Director
 
December 15, 2016
Mary Agnes Wilderotter
 
 

151
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit(s)
 
Filing Date
2.1

 
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, by and among Hewlett-Packard Company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and the Other Parties Thereto
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.1
 
November 5, 2015
2.2

 
Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.2
 
November 5, 2015
2.3

 
Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.3
 
November 5, 2015
2.4

 
Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.4
 
November 5, 2015
2.5

 
Real Estate Matters Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.5
 
November 5, 2015
2.6

 
Master Commercial Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.6
 
November 5, 2015
2.7

 
Information Technology Service Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, by and between Hewlett-Packard Company and HP Enterprise Services, LLC
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
2.7
 
November 5, 2015
3.1

 
Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
3.1
 
November 5, 2015
3.2

 
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws effective October 31, 2015
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
3.2
 
November 5, 2015
4.1

 
Senior Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.1
 
October 13, 2015
4.2

 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 2.450% notes due 2017
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.2
 
October 13, 2015
4.3

 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 2.850% notes due 2018
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.3
 
October 13, 2015
4.4

 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 3.600% notes due 2020
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.4
 
October 13, 2015
4.5

 
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 4.400% notes due 2022
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.5
 
October 13, 2015
4.6

 
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 4.900% notes due 2025
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.6
 
October 13, 2015

152
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit(s)
 
Filing Date
4.7

 
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 6.200% notes due 2035
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.7
 
October 13, 2015
4.8

 
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's 6.350% notes due 2045
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.8
 
October 13, 2015
4.9

 
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's floating rate notes due 2017
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.9
 
October 13, 2015
4.1

 
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company's floating rate notes due 2018
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.1
 
October 13, 2015
4.11

 
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2015, between Hewlett-Packard Company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, in favor of the holders of the Notes
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.1
 
October 13, 2015
4.12

 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2015, among Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, Hewlett-Packard Company, and the representatives of the initial purchasers of the Notes
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
4.1
 
October 13, 2015
4.13

 
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2015, among Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, HP Enterprise Services, LLC and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to HP Enterprise Services LLC's 7.45% Senior Notes due October 2029.
 
10-K
 
001-37483
 
4.13
 
December 17, 2015
10.1

 
Amended and Restated Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 2015 Stock Incentive Plan‡*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.2

 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
10
 
001-37483
 
10.2
 
September 28, 2015
10.3

 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Severance and Long-Term Incentive Change in Control Plan for Executive Officers*
 
10
 
001-37483
 
10.4
 
September 28, 2015
10.4

 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Executive Deferred Compensation Plan*
 
S-8
 
001-37483
 
4.3
 
October 30, 2015
10.5

 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Grandfathered Executive Deferred Compensation Plan*
 
S-8
 
001-37483
 
4.4
 
October 30, 2015
10.6

 
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.4
 
November 5, 2015
10.7

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.5
 
November 5, 2015
10.8

 
Form of Performance-Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.6
 
November 5, 2015
10.9

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Launch Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.7
 
November 5, 2015
10.10

 
Form of Performance-Contingent Non-Qualified Stock Option Launch Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.8
 
November 5, 2015
10.11

 
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Options Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.9
 
November 5, 2015
10.12

 
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement*
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.1
 
November 5, 2015

153
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit(s)
 
Filing Date
10.13

 
Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, by and among Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citibank, N.A., and the other parties thereto
 
8-K
 
001-37483
 
10.1
 
November 5, 2015
10.14

 
Form of Restricted Stock Units Grant Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2016*
 
10-Q
 
001-37483
 
10.14
 
March 10, 2016
10.15

 
Form of Performance-Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2016*
 
10-Q
 
001-37483
 
10.15
 
March 10, 2016
10.16

 
Description of Transaction-Related Equity Award Amendments‡*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

 
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21

 
Subsidiaries of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23

 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24

 
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2

 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS

 
XBRL Instance Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
* Indicates management contract or compensation plan, contract or arrangement
‡ Filed herewith
† Furnished herewith
The registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission supplementally upon request a copy of (1) any instrument with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith as to which the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and (ii) schedules or exhibits omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K of any material plan of acquisition, disposition or reorganization set forth above.

154