AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 10-K filed on 12/17/2021
Annual Report
v3.21.2
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Dec. 08, 2021
Apr. 30, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-15405    
Entity Registrant Name Agilent Technologies, Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001090872    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 77-0518772    
Entity Address, Address Line One 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.    
Entity Address, City or Town Santa Clara,    
Entity Address, State or Province CA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 95051    
City Area Code (800)    
Local Phone Number 227-9770    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.01 par value    
Trading Symbol A    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 30,900
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   302,000,797  
Amendment Flag false    
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") to be held on March 16, 2022, and to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after registrant's fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report    
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Net revenue:      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
Costs and expenses:      
Cost of revenue 2,912 2,502 2,358
Research and development 441 495 404
Selling, general and administrative 1,619 1,496 1,460
Total costs and expenses 4,972 4,493 4,222
Income from operations 1,347 846 941
Interest income 2 8 36
Interest expense (81) (78) (74)
Other income (expense), net 92 66 16
Income before taxes 1,360 842 919
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 150 123 (152)
Net income $ 1,210 $ 719 $ 1,071
Net income per share:      
Net income per share - basic $ 3.98 $ 2.33 $ 3.41
Net income per share - diluted $ 3.94 $ 2.30 $ 3.37
Weighted Averge Shares Used In Computing Net Income Per Share      
Basic (in shares) 304 309 314
Diluted (in shares) 307 312 318
Products      
Net revenue:      
Net revenue $ 4,756 $ 3,993 $ 3,877
Costs and expenses:      
Cost of revenue 2,078 1,796 1,680
Services and Other      
Net revenue:      
Net revenue 1,563 1,346 1,286
Costs and expenses:      
Cost of revenue $ 834 $ 706 $ 678
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 1,210 $ 719 $ 1,071
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $1, $(3) and $(2) 1 (9) (4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax 13 2 (6)
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation, net of tax expense (benefit) of $2, $1 and $(10) 9 10 10
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:      
Change in actuarial net loss, net of tax expense (benefit) of $74, $0 and $(25) 218 (5) (93)
Change in net prior service benefit, net of tax benefit of $(1), $(2) and $(2) (1) (6) (6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 240 (8) (99)
Total comprehensive income $ 1,450 $ 711 $ 972
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]      
Gain (loss) on derivatives, tax expense (benefit) $ 1 $ (3) $ (2)
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, tax expense (benefit) 4 0 (2)
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit) 2 1 (10)
Change in actuarial net loss, tax expense (benefit) 74 0 (25)
Change in net prior service benefit, tax (benefit) $ 0 $ (1) $ (2)
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,484 $ 1,441
Short-term Investments 91 0
Accounts receivable, net 1,172 1,038
Inventory 830 720
Other current assets 222 216
Total current assets 3,799 3,415
Property, plant and equipment, net 945 845
Goodwill 3,975 3,602
Other intangible assets, net 981 831
Long-term investments 185 158
Other assets 820 776
Total assets 10,705 9,627
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 446 354
Employee compensation and benefits 493 367
Deferred revenue 441 386
Short-term debt 0 75
Other accrued liabilities 328 285
Total current liabilities 1,708 1,467
Long-term debt 2,729 2,284
Retirement and post-retirement benefits 220 389
Other long-term liabilities 659 614
Total liabilities 5,316 4,754
Commitments and contingencies (Note 3, 13 and 17)
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 125 million shares authorized; none issued and outstanding 0 0
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 2 billion shares authorized; 302 million shares at October 31, 2021 and 306 million shares at October 31, 2020 issued and outstanding 3 3
Additional paid-in-capital 5,320 5,311
Retained earnings 348 81
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (282) (522)
Total stockholders' equity 5,389 4,873
Total liabilities and equity $ 10,705 $ 9,627
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) 125,000 125,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares) 0 0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) 0 0
Common stock par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized (in shares) 2,000,000 2,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares) 302,000 306,000
Common stock outstanding 302,000 306,000
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 1,210 $ 719 $ 1,071
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 321 308 238
Share-based compensation 110 83 72
Deferred taxes 14 29 (255)
Excess and obsolete inventory related charges 29 28 19
Asset impairment charges 2 99 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (21) 0 0
Net gain on equity securities 98 27 4
Loss on extinguishment of debt 17 0 9
Other non-cash expense, net 3 8 7
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable, net (128) (107) (106)
Inventory (136) (68) (36)
Accounts payable 64 2 29
Employee compensation and benefits 112 29 23
Treasury lock agreement payment 0 0 (6)
Other assets and liabilities (14) (182) (40)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,485 921 1,021
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Investments in property, plant and equipment (188) (119) (155)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 1 1 0
Proceeds from the sale of equity securities 12 0 0
Payments to acquire equity securities (22) (20) (23)
Payment in exchange for convertible note (5) (9) (3)
Payment to acquire intangible assets (1) 0 (1)
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired (546) 0 (1,408)
Net cash used in investing activities (749) (147) (1,590)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans 55 60 54
Payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards (76) (37) (16)
Treasury stock repurchases (788) (469) (723)
Payment of dividends (236) (222) (206)
Issuance of senior notes 848 499 497
Debt issuance costs (7) (4) (4)
Repayment of Senior Debt (417) 0 0
Proceeds from commercial paper 1,647 420 0
Repayments of commercial paper (1,722) (345) 0
Repayments of finance leases 0 (4) 0
Purchase of noncontrolling Interests 0 0 (4)
Proceeds from credit facility and short-term loan 0 798 805
Repayments of debt and revolving credit facility 0 (1,413) (702)
Net cash used in financing activities (696) (717) (299)
Effect of exchange rate movements 3 2 2
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 43 59 (866)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year 1,447 1,388 2,254
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year 1,490 1,447 1,388
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]      
Income Taxes Payments, Net 211 361 159
Interest payments 76 71 80
Property, Plant and Equipment      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]      
Net change in property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities-increase (decrease) $ 27 $ (1) $ (21)
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
Total
Revision of Prior Period, Accounting Standards Update, Adjustment
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Revision of Prior Period, Accounting Standards Update, Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Revision of Prior Period, Accounting Standards Update, Adjustment
Total Stockholders Equity
Total Stockholders Equity
Revision of Prior Period, Accounting Standards Update, Adjustment
Non-controlling Interest
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2018     317,715                
Balance at Oct. 31, 2018 $ 4,571 $ 26 $ 3 $ 5,308 $ (336) $ 33 $ (408) $ (7) $ 4,567 $ 26 $ 4
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:                      
Net income 1,071       1,071       1,071    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (99)           (99)   (99)    
Total comprehensive income 972               972    
Cash dividends declared (206)       (206)       (206)    
Purchase of non-controlling interests (4)                   (4)
Shares-based awards issued, Net of tax (Shares)     1,792                
Share-based awards issued, Net of tax (Value) 40     40         40    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares     (10,436)                
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value (723)   $ 0 (143) (580)       (723)    
Share-based compensation 72     72         72    
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2019     309,071                
Balance at Oct. 31, 2019 4,748   $ 3 5,277 (18)   (514)   4,748   0
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:                      
Net income 719       719       719    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (8)           (8)   (8)    
Total comprehensive income 711               711    
Cash dividends declared (222)       (222)       (222)    
Shares-based awards issued, Net of tax (Shares)     2,354                
Share-based awards issued, Net of tax (Value) 22     22         22    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares     (5,227)                
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value (469)   $ 0 (71) (398)       (469)    
Share-based compensation 83     83         83    
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2020     306,198                
Balance at Oct. 31, 2020 4,873   $ 3 5,311 81   (522)   4,873   0
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:                      
Net income 1,210       1,210       1,210    
Other comprehensive income (loss) 240           240   240    
Total comprehensive income 1,450               1,450    
Cash dividends declared (236)       (236)       (236)    
Shares-based awards issued, Net of tax (Shares)     2,083                
Share-based awards issued, Net of tax (Value) (20)     (20)         (20)    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares     (6,073)                
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value (788)   $ 0 (81) (707)       (788)    
Share-based compensation 110     110         110    
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2021     302,208                
Balance at Oct. 31, 2021 $ 5,389   $ 3 $ 5,320 $ 348   $ (282)   $ 5,389   $ 0
v3.21.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share) $ 0.776 $ 0.720 $ 0.656
v3.21.2
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Overview.  Agilent Technologies, Inc. ("we", "Agilent" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware in May 1999, is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets, providing application focused solutions that include instruments, software, services and consumables for the entire laboratory workflow.

Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our fiscal year end is October 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.

Principles of Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

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 our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill and purchased intangible assets, inventory valuation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions and accounting for income taxes.

Risks and Uncertainties. We are subject to risks common to companies in the analytical instrument industry, such as global economic and financial market conditions, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in customer demand, among others.

Both our domestic and international operations have been and continue to be affected by the ongoing global pandemic of a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and the resulting volatility and uncertainty it has caused in the U.S. and international markets. The current supply chain disruptions being experienced globally have made it more challenging for companies to manage operations. We cannot provide any assurances that any prolonged material disruptions in the supply chain will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. As of October 31, 2021, our consolidated financial statements have not been materially impacted.

Revenue Recognition.  On November 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC 606’’) using the modified retrospective approach only to contracts not completed as of this date. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2019 are presented under ASC 606.

We enter into contracts to sell products, services or combinations of products and services. Products may include hardware or software and services may include one-time service events or services performed over time.

We derive revenue primarily from the sale of analytical and diagnostics products and services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product or service to a customer and is the unit of account under ASC 606. See also Note 4, "Revenue" for additional information on revenue recognition.

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised products or services is transferred to our customers and the performance obligation is fulfilled in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled in exchange for those products or services, the transaction price. For equipment, consumables, and most software licenses, control transfers to the customer at a point in time. We use present right to payment, legal title, physical possession of the asset, and risks and rewards of ownership as indicators to determine the transfer of control to the customer. Where acceptance is not a formality, the customer must have documented their acceptance of the product or service. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate performance obligation, product revenue is recognized when control has passed to the customer, and recognition of installation revenue occurs once completed. Product revenue, including sales to
resellers and distributors is reduced for provisions for warranties, returns, and other adjustments in the period the related sales are recorded.

Service revenue includes extended warranty, customer and software support including: Software as a Service, post contract support, consulting including companion diagnostics, and training and education. Instrument service contracts and software maintenance contracts are typically annual contracts, which are billed at the beginning of the contract or maintenance period. Revenue for these contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis to revenue over the service period, as a time-based measure of progress best reflects our performance in satisfying this obligation. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract, as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. Service calls not included in a support contract are recognized to revenue at the time a service is performed.

We have sales from standalone software. These arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts, both of which we have determined are distinct performance obligations. We determine the amount of the transaction price to allocate to the license and maintenance contract based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Software license revenue is recognized at the point in time when control has been transferred to the customer. The revenue allocated to the software maintenance contract is recognized on a straight-line basis over the maintenance period, which is the contractual term of the contract, as a time-based measure of progress best reflects our performance in satisfying this obligation. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis.

Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of instruments, installation or other start-up services, and/or software, and/or support or services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when control passes to the customer. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. Our arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.

For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the consideration to which we expect to be entitled to each performance obligation based on relative standalone selling prices and recognize the related revenue when or as control of each individual performance obligation is transferred to customers. We estimate the standalone selling price by calculating the average historical selling price of our products and services per country for each performance obligation. Standalone selling prices are determined for each distinct good or service in the contract, and then we allocate the transaction price in proportion to those standalone selling prices by performance obligations.

A portion of our revenue relates to lease arrangements. Standalone lease arrangements are outside the scope of ASC 606 and are therefore accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases beginning in 2020 and ASC 840, Leases for prior periods. Each of these contracts is evaluated as a lease arrangement, either as an operating lease or a sales-type finance lease using the current lease classification guidance.

Deferred Revenue.  Contract liabilities (deferred revenue) primarily relate to multiple element arrangements for which billing has occurred but transfer of control of all elements (performance obligations) to the customer has either partially or not occurred at the balance sheet date. This includes cash received from customers for products and related installation and services in advance of the transfer of control. Contract liabilities are classified as either in current liabilities in deferred revenue or long-term in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on the timing of when we expect to complete our performance obligation.

Sales Taxes.  Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenue.

Shipping and Handling Costs.  Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue, and the associated expense is recorded in cost of products for all periods presented.

Research and Development.  Costs related to research, design and development of our products are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.

Advertising.  Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred and amounted to $63 million in 2021, $48 million in 2020 and $36 million in 2019.
Taxes on Income.  Income tax expense or benefit is based on income or loss before taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized principally for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. See Note 6, "Income Taxes" for more information.

Net Income Per Share.  Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income - the numerator - by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding - the denominator - during the period excluding the dilutive effect of stock options and other employee stock plans. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potential common shares outstanding during the period unless the effect is anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. See Note 7, "Net Income Per Share".

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments.  We classify investments as cash equivalents if their original or remaining maturity is three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

As of October 31, 2021, approximately $1,049 million of our cash and cash equivalents is held outside of the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short-term deposits held at major global financial institutions, institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions and institutional money market funds in which we invest our funds.

We classify equity investments as short-term investments based on their nature and our intent and ability to exit within a year or less. As of October 31, 2021, we had short-term investments of $91 million.

Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheet follows:
October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,484 $1,441 $1,382 
Restricted cash included in other assets6 6 6 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$1,490 $1,447 $1,388 


Accounts Receivable, net.  Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Such accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on customer specific experience and the aging of such receivables, among other factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 was not material. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are also recorded net of estimated product returns which are not material.

Concentration of Credit Risk.  Financial instruments that potentially subject Agilent to significant concentration of credit risk include money market fund investments, equity investments with readily determinable fair value securities, time deposits and demand deposit balances. These investments are categorized as cash and cash equivalents or short-term investments. In addition, Agilent has credit risk from derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities and accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We have a comprehensive credit policy in place and credit exposure is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. Credit evaluations are performed on customers requiring credit over a certain amount, and we sell the majority of our products through our direct sales force. Credit risk is mitigated through collateral such as letter of credit, bank guarantees or payment terms like cash in advance. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of accounts receivable as of October 31, 2021, or 2020.
Inventory.  Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of market value. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based on estimates about future demand. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from our general ledger, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the remaining term of the lease and machinery and equipment over 3 years to 10 years. We use the straight-line method to depreciate assets.

Capitalized Software.  We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software. Capitalized software is included in property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over 3 years to 5 years once development is complete.

Leases.  We determine whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception. Prior to November 1, 2019, for leases where we are the lessee, we accounted for operating lease payments by charging them to expense as incurred. At the beginning of fiscal 2020, the company adopted new lease accounting guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The most significant change requires lessees to record the present value of operating lease payments as right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Where we are the lessee, ROU assets represent the company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Classification of operating lease liabilities as either current or non-current is based on the expected timing of payments due under our obligations. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term and at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. In order to determine the appropriate incremental borrowing rates, we have used a number of factors including the company's credit rating, the lease term and the currency swap rate. The ROU asset also consists of any lease incentives received. The lease terms used to calculate the ROU asset and related lease liability include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for operating leases with an initial term of more than twelve months is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense. We have lease agreements which require payments for lease and non-lease components. We have elected to account for these payments as a single lease component.

A portion of our revenue relates to lease arrangements where Agilent is the lessor. Standalone lease arrangements are outside the scope of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue Contracts with Customers, and are therefore accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases. Each of these contracts is evaluated as a lease arrangement, either as an operating lease or a sales-type finance lease using the current lease classification guidance. In a lease arrangement that is a multiple-element arrangement that contains equipment leases and the supply of consumables, the revenue associated with the instrument rental is treated under the lease accounting standard ASC 842, whereas the revenue associated with the consumables, the non-lease component, is recognized in accordance with the ASC 606 revenue standard.

   See also Note 10, "Leases" for additional information about our leases.

Acquisitions. Agilent accounts for the acquisition of a business using the acquisition method of accounting, and we allocate the fair value of the purchase price to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired, including in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), based on their estimated fair values. The excess value of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The fair value of IPR&D is initially capitalized as an intangible asset with an indefinite life. When an IPR&D project is completed, the IPR&D is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and amortized to costs of revenues over the asset’s estimated useful life.

Our determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Specifically, our determination of the fair value of the developed product technology and IPR&D acquired
involve significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rates. Our determination of the fair value of customer relationships acquired involved significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, discount rates, and customer attrition rates. Our determination of the fair value of the tradename acquired involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates. The company believes that the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates that marketplace participants would use. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets. We assess our goodwill and purchased intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under the authoritative guidance, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The accounting standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the quantitative test is necessary. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50% chance) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Otherwise, no further testing will be required.

The guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. These include macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity's operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit will be sold or a sustained decrease in the stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers.

If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test on goodwill to identify and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss, if any, is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. We aggregate components of an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units.

In fiscal year 2021, we assessed goodwill impairment for our three reporting units which consisted of three segments: life sciences and applied markets, diagnostics and genomics and Agilent CrossLab. We performed a qualitative test for goodwill impairment of the three reporting units, as of September 30, 2021, our annual impairment test date. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its respective carrying value. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the best estimate of the asset's useful life that reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or used up or a straight-line method ranging from 6 months to 15 years. 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, Agilent will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to Agilent's consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.

Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the issued impairment testing guidance for goodwill and allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50% chance) that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. We performed a qualitative test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2021. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets are greater than their respective carrying values. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets is indicated. During the year ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an impairment of in-process research and development of $90 million related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program in our diagnostics and genomics segment. During the year ended October 31, 2021 and 2019 there were no impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. During the year ended October 31, 2021 we recorded an impairment charge of long-lived assets of $2 million. During the year ended October 31, 2020 we recorded an impairment charge of long-lived assets including indefinite-lived in-process research and development of $98 million related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program in our diagnostics and genomics segment. During fiscal year 2019, there were no impairments of other assets or intangible assets.

Variable Interest Entities. We make a determination upon entering into an arrangement whether an entity in which we have made an investment is considered a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”).  We evaluate our investments in privately held companies on an ongoing basis. We have determined that as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no VIEs required to be consolidated in our consolidated financial statements because we do not have a controlling financial interest in any of the VIEs in which we have invested nor are we the primary beneficiary. We account for these investments under either the equity method or as equity investments without readily determinable fair value, depending on the circumstances. We periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs and vice-versa, based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes in contractual arrangements and capital structure.

As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the total carrying value of investments and loans in privately held companies considered as VIEs was $76 million and $67 million respectively. The maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value because we do not have future funding commitments. The investments are included on the long-term investments line and the loans on the other current assets and other assets lines (depending upon tenure of loan) on the consolidated balance sheet.

Investments.  Equity investments without readily determinable fair value consist of non-marketable equity securities (typically investments in privately-held companies). These investments are accounted for using the measurement alternative at cost, and we adjust for impairments and observable price changes (orderly transactions for the identical or a similar security from the same issuer) included in net income as and when it occurs. Equity investments with readily determinable fair value consist of marketable equity securities which were reclassified from non-marketable equity securities following the commencement of public market trading of the issuers and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income. Other investments with readily determinable fair value consist of shares we own in a special fund and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income. Trading securities, which are comprised of mutual funds, bonds and other similar instruments and deferred compensation liabilities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in net income. Equity method investments are reported at the amount of the company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividend paid. There are no equity method investments as of October 31, 2021 and 2020. The company assesses investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not be recoverable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of short-term and long-term equity investments which are readily determinable, and which are not accounted under the equity method are reported at fair value using quoted market prices for those securities when available with gains and losses included in net income. The fair value of long-term equity investments which are not readily determinable, and which are not accounted under the equity method are reported at cost with adjustments for observable changes in prices or impairments included in net income. As of October 31, 2021, the fair value of our senior notes was $2,806 million with a carrying value of $2,729 million. This compares to a fair value of $2,446 million with a carrying value of $2,284 million as of October 31, 2020. The fair value was calculated from quoted prices which are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance. The fair value of foreign currency contracts used for hedging purposes is estimated internally by using inputs tied to active markets. These inputs, for example, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. See also Note 13, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments.
Warranty.  Our standard warranty terms typically extend for one year from the date of delivery. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost over the period. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time products are sold. See Note 16, "Guarantees".

Employee Compensation and Benefits.  Amounts owed to employees, such as accrued salary, bonuses and vacation benefits are accounted for within employee compensation and benefits. The total amount of accrued vacation benefit was $129 million and $111 million as of October 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans. Substantially all of our employees are covered under various defined benefit and/or defined contribution retirement plans. Additionally, we sponsor post-retirement health care benefits for our eligible U.S. employees. Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and the expense for these plans are derived annually. See Note 15, “Retirement plans and post-retirement pension plans” for additional information.

Retirement of Treasury Shares. Upon the formal retirement of treasury shares, we deduct the par value of the retired treasury shares from common stock and allocate the excess of cost over par as a deduction to additional paid-in capital, based on the pro-rata portion of additional paid-in-capital, and the remaining excess as a deduction to retained earnings. All retired treasury shares revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares.

Share-Based Compensation.  For the years ended 2021, 2020 and 2019, we accounted for share-based awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and performance share awards under Agilent Technologies, Inc. Long-Term Performance Program ("LTPP") using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting. Under the fair value method, we recorded compensation expense for all share-based awards of $111 million in 2021, $84 million in 2020 and $72 million in 2019. See Note 5, "Share-based Compensation" for additional information.

Derivative Instruments.  Agilent is exposed to global foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks in the normal course of business. We enter into foreign exchange hedging contracts, primarily forward contracts and purchased options, interest rate swaps and interest rate locks to manage financial exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In the vast majority of cases, these contracts are designated at inception as hedges of the related foreign currency or interest exposures. Foreign currency exposures include committed and anticipated revenue and expense transactions and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. Interest rate exposures are associated with the company's fixed-rate debt. For option contracts, we exclude time value from the measurement of effectiveness. To qualify for hedge accounting, contracts must reduce the foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risk otherwise inherent in the amount and duration of the hedged exposures and comply with established risk management policies. Foreign exchange hedging contracts generally mature within twelve months, interest rate swaps mature at the same time as the maturity of the debt and interest rate locks mature at the same time as the issuance of debt. In order to manage foreign currency exposures in a few limited jurisdictions, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting. In such circumstances, the local foreign currency exposure is offset by contracts owned by the parent company. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders' equity. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)- translation adjustment. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified and recognized in income when either the forecasted transaction occurs or it becomes probable the forecasted transaction will not occur. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and changes in the fair values are recorded in the income statement in the current period. Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. The impact of the ineffectiveness measurement in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was not material. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged or economically hedged item, primarily in operating activities.

Foreign Currency Translation.  We translate and remeasure balance sheet and income statement items into U.S. dollars. For those subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using monthly exchange
rates which approximate to average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.For those subsidiaries that operate in a U.S. dollar functional environment, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are generally remeasured at monthly exchange rates which approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in consolidated net income. Net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including hedging gains and losses, are reported in other income (expense), net and were $4 million loss for 2021, $4 million loss for 2020 and $7 million loss for 2019.
v3.21.2
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]  
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance to require a financial asset measured at amortized cost basis, such as accounts receivable, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. During 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued additional guidance and clarification. On November 1, 2020, we adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the Step 2 requirement that an entity compute the implied fair value of goodwill based on the fair values of its assets and liabilities to measure impairment. Instead, goodwill impairment will be measured as the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the carrying value of the reporting unit. The standard also clarifies the treatment of the income tax effect of tax deductible goodwill when measuring goodwill impairment loss. On November 1, 2020, we adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued updates to improve the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement which eliminates certain disclosure requirements and modifies others. On November 1, 2020, we adopted these amendments which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. See Note 13, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued updates to improve the effectiveness of disclosures for defined benefit plans under Accounting Standard Codification Topic 715-20. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. On November 1, 2020, we adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes. This guidance eliminates certain exceptions to existing guidance related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The guidance also improves consistent application by clarifying and amending existing guidance related to aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step up in the tax basis of goodwill. On November 1, 2020, we early adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2020, the FASB issued an update for facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. This update provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments in the guidance provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. When elected, the optional expedients for contract modifications are applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions within the relevant Topic or Industry Subtopic in the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification. The guidance was effective upon issuance and may generally be applied through December 31, 2022 to any new or amended contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR. In
January 2021, the FASB issued an update that provides supplemental guidance and clarification of the reference rate reform. The update provides additional optional guidance on the transition from LIBOR to include derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting or contract price alignment. The standard will ease, if warranted, the requirements for accounting for the future effects of the rate reform. An entity may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. Currently, this guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures and we continue to monitor the impact that the discontinuance of LIBOR or another reference rate will have on our contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In January 2020, accounting guidance was issued that clarifies the accounting guidance for equity method investments, joint ventures, and derivatives and hedging. The guidance clarifies the interaction between different sections of the accounting guidance that could be applicable and helps clarify which guidance should be applied in certain situations which should increase relevance and comparability of financial statement information. This guidance is effective for us beginning November 1, 2021, and for interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2021, the FASB issued an update to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The amendments require an acquirer to use the guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, rather than using fair value, when recognizing and measuring contract assets and contract liabilities related to customer contracts assumed in a business combination. This guidance is effective for us beginning November 1, 2023, and for interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing of adoption and the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2021, the FASB issued updates to increase the transparency in the annual disclosure requirements relating to government assistance received by business entities in Topic 832, Government Assistance. The guidance requires certain disclosures about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution model. These amendments are effective for us beginning November 1, 2022, and for interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing of adoption and the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Other amendments to GAAP in the U.S. that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS (Notes)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Disclosure ACQUISITIONS
Acquisition of Resolution Bioscience, Inc.

On April 15, 2021 we completed the acquisition of privately-owned Resolution Bioscience, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of next-generation sequencing-based ("NGS") precision oncology solutions, for $561 million cash plus potential future contingent payments of up to $145 million upon the achievement of certain milestones which are based on certain revenue and technical targets. As of October 31, 2021, the expected maximum earn-out period for the contingent payments does not exceed 3.2 years. Resolution Bioscience complements and expands our capabilities in NGS-based cancer diagnostics within our diagnostics and genomics segment and provides us with innovative technology to further serve the needs of the fast-growing precision medicine market.

The results of operations of Resolution Bioscience have been included in the consolidated statements of operations since the acquisition date of April 15, 2021. Pro forma financial information is not presented as historical financial results of Resolution Bioscience are not significant when compared to our actual results of operations.

As a result of this acquisition, we recorded a contingent consideration liability of $110 million which reflected the fair value at acquisition date. See also Note 13, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information about the fair value of the contingent consideration. During the year ended October 31, 2021, we also recorded additions to goodwill of $365 million and additions to other intangible assets of $343 million with a weighted-average life of 11 years, a deferred tax liability of $59 million and net tangible assets of $22 million The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of the value of intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition such as workforce in place, and cash flows from future product technology and development services. For United States federal tax purposes, goodwill created as part of a stock acquisition such as Resolution Bioscience is not deductible.
Acquisition of BioTek and ACEA

On August 23, 2019 we completed the acquisition of privately-owned Lionheart Technologies LLC ("BioTek"), a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative life science instrumentation for $1.17 billion, under the merger agreement. As a result of the acquisition, BioTek became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agilent and is included within our life sciences and applied markets segment. Accordingly, the results of BioTek are included in Agilent's consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The acquisition of BioTek and its portfolio is another step to expand our position in the cell analysis market.

The consideration paid was $1.17 billion. Agilent funded the acquisition using existing cash of $470 million and debt of $700 million.

The BioTek acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by Agilent at their estimated fair values. Agilent determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by third party specialists, discounted cash flow analyses, and estimates made by management. We expect to realize revenue synergies, leverage and expand the existing sales channels and product development resources, and utilize the assembled workforce. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of BioTek’s net identifiable assets acquired (see summary of net assets below), and, as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
 
Goodwill acquired was allocated to our operating segments and reporting units as a part of the purchase price allocation. All goodwill was allocated to the life sciences and applied markets reporting unit.

Agilent’s acquisition of BioTek is treated as an asset purchase for tax purposes. The tax basis of the acquired assets equals the fair market value on acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of August 23, 2019 (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents$10 
Accounts receivable28 
Inventories21 
Other current assets2 
Property, plant and equipment8 
Intangible assets641 
Goodwill483 
Total assets acquired$1,193 
Accounts payable(4)
Deferred revenue(5)
Employee compensation and benefits(7)
Other accrued liabilities(2)
Long-term debt(4)
Net assets acquired$1,171 


The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities were generally determined using historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
 
The fair values for acquired intangible assets and deferred revenue were determined with the input from third party valuation specialists.
 
The fair values of certain other assets, inventory, property, plant and equipment, investments, long-term debt, and certain other long-term liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management.
 
Valuations of intangible assets acquired
 
The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the BioTek acquisition were as follows (in millions):

 Fair ValueEstimated
Useful Life
Developed product technology$387 
5-13 years
Customer relationships202 
3-8 years
Backlog5 2 months
Tradenames and trademarks43 10 years
Total intangible assets subject to amortization$637 
In-process research and development4  
Total intangible assets$641  

As noted above, the intangible assets, including in-process research and development, were valued with input from valuation specialists. Agilent used variations of the income approach in determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired in the BioTek acquisition. Specifically, the developed product technology and in-process research and development were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach by discounting forecasted cash flows directly related to the products expecting to result from the projects, net of returns on contributory assets. The company utilized the incremental cash flow method for determining the fair value of the customer relationships acquired, and the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of the tradename. Order backlog was valued on a direct cash flow basis.

The primary in-process research and development project acquired relates to a next version of a product which was subsequently released to customers in 2020. After release, the asset was moved to developed technology.

Acquisition and integration costs directly related to the BioTek acquisition totaled $25 million, $12 million and $4 million for the year ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were recorded in operating expenses and cost of sales. Such costs are expensed in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance.

On November 14, 2018, we acquired 100 percent of the stock of ACEA Biosciences (“ACEA”), a developer of cell analysis tools, for $250 million. The financial results of ACEA have been included in our financial results within our life sciences and applied markets segment from the acquisition date.
 
The following represents the unaudited proforma operating results as if BioTek and ACEA had been included in the company's consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2018 (in millions, except per share amounts):

2019
Net revenue$5,308 
Net income$1,012 
Net income per share — basic$3.22 
Net income per share — diluted$3.18 

The unaudited proforma financial information assumes that the companies were combined as of November 1, 2017 and include business combination accounting effects from the acquisition including amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, the impact on cost of sales due to the respective estimated fair value adjustments to inventory, changes to interest income for cash used in the acquisition, interest expense associated with debt paid in connection with the acquisition and acquisition related transaction costs and tax related effects. The proforma information as presented above is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2019.
 
The unaudited proforma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2019 combines the historical results of Agilent for the year ended October 31, 2019 (which includes BioTek and ACEA after the acquisition date) and for BioTek for the ten months ended August 23, 2019.
v3.21.2
REVENUE (Notes)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue from Contract with Customer REVENUE
The following table presents the company’s total revenue and segment revenue disaggregated by geographical region:

Life Sciences and Applied MarketsAgilent CrossLabDiagnostics and GenomicsTotal
(in millions)
Year Ended October 31, 2021:
Americas$951 $758 $695 $2,404 
Europe658 613 417 1,688 
Asia Pacific1,214 829 184 2,227 
Total$2,823 $2,200 $1,296 $6,319 
Year Ended October 31, 2020:
Americas$784 $667 $517 $1,968 
Europe540 532 371 1,443 
Asia Pacific1,068 701 159 1,928 
Total$2,392 $1,900 $1,047 $5,339 
Year Ended October 31, 2019:
Americas$692 $664 $505 $1,861 
Europe551 522 368 1,441 
Asia Pacific1,059 654 148 1,861 
Total$2,302 $1,840 $1,021 $5,163 

The following table presents the company’s total revenue disaggregated by end markets and by revenue type:
Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Revenue by End Markets
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical$2,224 1,754 $1,604 
Chemical and Energy1,328 1,154 1,199 
Diagnostics and Clinical938 787 785 
Food601 517 486 
Academia and Government576 526 474 
Environmental and Forensics652 601 615 
Total$6,319 $5,339 $5,163 
Revenue by Type
Instrumentation$2,657 2,249 $2,150 
Non-instrumentation and other3,662 3,090 3,013 
Total$6,319 $5,339 $5,163 

Revenue by region is based on the ship to location of the customer. Revenue by end market is determined by the market indicator of the customer and by customer type. Instrumentation revenue includes sales from instruments, remarketed instruments and third-party products. Non-instrumentation and other revenue include sales from contract and per incident services, our companion diagnostics and our nucleic acid solutions businesses as well as sales from spare parts, consumables, reagents, vacuum pumps, subscriptions, software licenses and associated services.
Contract Balances

Contract Assets

Contract assets (unbilled accounts receivable) primarily relate to the company's right to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date. The unbilled receivables are reclassified to trade receivables when billed to customers. Contract assets are generally classified as current assets and are included in "Accounts receivable, net" in the consolidated balance sheet. The balances of contract assets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, were $197 million and $153 million, respectively.

Contract Liabilities

The following table provides information about contract liabilities (deferred revenue) and the significant changes in the balances during the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2021:

Contract
Liabilities
(in millions)
Ending balance as of October 31, 2019$386 
Net revenue deferred in the period347 
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period(300)
Change in deferrals from customer cash advances, net of revenue recognized9 
Currency translation and other adjustments4 
Ending balance as of October 31, 2020$446 
Net revenue deferred in the period406 
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period(359)
Change in deferrals from customer cash advances, net of revenue recognized24 
Currency translation and other adjustments2 
Ending balance as of October 31,2021$519 

Contract liabilities primarily relate to multiple element arrangements for which billing has occurred but transfer of control of all elements to the customer has either partially or not occurred at the balance sheet date. This includes cash received from customers for products and related installation and services in advance of the transfer of control. Contract liabilities are classified as either current in deferred revenue or long-term in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on the timing of when we expect to complete our performance obligation.

Contract Costs

Incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer are recognized as an asset if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs meet the requirements to be capitalized. The changes in total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 and are included in other current and long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet. We have applied the practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs include the company's internal sales force compensation program, as we have determined that annual compensation is commensurate with annual sales activities.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

We have applied the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 and have not disclosed information about transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.
The estimated revenue expected to be recognized for remaining performance obligations that have an original term of more than one year, as of October 31, 2021, was $299 million, the majority of which is expected to be recognized over the next 12 months. Remaining performance obligations primarily include extended warranty, customer manufacturing contracts, and software maintenance contracts and revenue associated with lease arrangements.
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]  
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Agilent accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the accounting guidance which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors including restricted stock units, employee stock options, employee stock purchases made under our employee stock purchase plan and performance share awards granted to selected members of our senior management under the long-term performance plan ("LTPP") based on estimated fair values.

Description of Share-Based Plans

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.    Effective May 1, 2020, we adopted the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") which replaced our previous Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10 percent of their base compensation to purchase shares of our common stock at 85 percent of the closing market price at purchase date. There are 31 million shares authorized for issuance in connection with the ESPP.

Under our ESPP, employees purchased 462,237 shares for $46 million in 2021, 628,644 shares for $41 million in 2020 and 603,488 shares for $37 million in 2019. As of October 31, 2021, the number of shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP was 25,365,340. This excludes the number of shares of common stock to be issued to participants in consideration of the aggregate participant contributions totaling $26 million as of October 31, 2021.

Incentive Compensation Plans. On November 15, 2017 and March 21, 2018, the Board of Directors and the stockholders, respectively, approved the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2018 Stock Plan (the "2018 Plan") which amends, including renaming and extending the term of, the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009 Stock Plan (the "2009 Plan"). The 2018 Plan provides for the grant of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance shares and performance units with performance-based conditions on vesting or exercisability, and cash awards. The 2018 Plan has a term of ten years. As of October 31, 2021, 23,284,195 shares were available for future awards under the 2018 Plan.

Stock Options. In fiscal year 2021, we resumed granting stock options. Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan may be either "incentive stock options", as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-statutory. Options generally vest at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant with a maximum contractual term of ten years. The exercise price for stock options is generally not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock award is granted. We issue new shares of common stock when employee stock options are exercised.

Performance Shares. We have two LTPP performance stock award programs, which are administered under the 2018 Stock Plan, for our executive officers and other key employees. Participants in our LTPP Total Stockholders’ Return (“TSR”) and LTPP Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) programs are entitled to receive shares of the company's stock after the end of a three-year period, if specified performance targets for the programs are met. The LTPP-TSR awards are generally designed to meet the criteria of a performance award with the performance metrics and peer group comparison based on the TSR set at the beginning of the performance period. The LTPP-EPS awards are based on the company’s EPS performance over a three-year period. The performance targets for the LTPP-EPS for year 2 and year 3 of the performance period are set in the first quarter of year 2 and year 3, respectively. All LTPP awards are subject to a one-year post-vest holding period. Based on the performance metrics, the final LTPP award may vary from zero to 200 percent of the target award. The maximum contractual term for awards under the LTPP program is three years. We consider the dilutive impact of these programs in our diluted net income per share calculation only to the extent that the performance conditions are expected to be met.

Restricted Stock Units. We also issue restricted stock units under our share-based plans. The estimated fair value of the restricted stock unit awards granted under the Stock Plans is determined based on the market price of Agilent's common stock on the date of grant adjusted for expected dividend yield. Restricted stock units generally vest, with some exceptions, at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant. All restricted stock units granted to our executives after November 1, 2015, are subject to a one-year post-vest holding period.
Impact of Share-based Compensation Awards

We have recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method under the authoritative guidance. For all share-based awards we have recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method. As the guidance requires that share-based compensation expense be based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, estimated share-based compensation has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.

The impact on our results for share-based compensation was as follows:

Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Cost of products and services$26 $21 $18 
Research and development12 9 7 
Selling, general and administrative73 54 47 
Total share-based compensation expense$111 $84 $72 

At October 31, 2021 and 2020, no share-based compensation was capitalized within inventory.

Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of share-based awards for our employee stock option awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Shares granted under the LTPP (TSR) were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock at 85 percent of the price at purchase and uses the purchase date to establish the fair market value. Both the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation fair value models require the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the option's expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. For the volatility of our LTPP (TSR) grants, we used our own historical stock price volatility.

We use historical volatility to estimate the expected stock price volatility assumption for employee stock option awards. In reaching the conclusion, we have considered many factors including the extent to which our options are currently traded and our ability to find traded options in the current market with similar terms and prices to the options we are valuing. In estimating the expected life of our options granted we considered the historical option exercise behavior of our executives, which we believe is representative of future behavior.

The estimated fair value of restricted stock units and LTPP (EPS) awards is determined based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant adjusted for expected dividend yield. The compensation cost for LTPP (EPS) reflects the cost of awards that are probable to vest at the end of the performance period.

All LTPP awards granted to our senior management employees have a one-year post-vest holding restriction. The estimated discount associated with post-vest holding restrictions is calculated using the Finnerty model. The model calculates the potential lost value if the employees were able to sell the shares during the lack of marketability period, instead of being required to hold the shares. The model used the same historical stock price volatility and dividend yield assumption used for the Monte Carlo simulation model and an expected dividend yield to compute the discount.
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of awards granted.

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
Stock Option Plan:
Weighted average risk-free interest rate0.5%——
Dividend yield0.7%——
Weighted average volatility26%——
Expected life5.5 years——
LTPP:   
Volatility of Agilent shares30%23%22%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares
24%-57%
15%-44%
15%-66%
Pair-wise correlation with selected peers45%29%30%
Post-vest restriction discount for all executive awards6.8%5.3%5.0%


Share-Based Payment Award Activity

Employee Stock Options

The following table summarizes employee stock option award activity of our employees and directors for 2021.

Options
Outstanding 		Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 (in thousands) 
Outstanding at October 31, 2020870 $37 
Granted391 $113 
Exercised(312)$33 
Cancelled(6)$110 
Outstanding at October 31, 2021943 $69 

The options outstanding and exercisable for equity share-based payment awards at October 31, 2021 were as follows:

 Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices		Number
Outstanding		Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value		Number
Exercisable		Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (in thousands)(in years) (in thousands)(in thousands)(in years) (in thousands)
$25.01 - $30.00
42 1.1$26 $5,582 42 1.1$26 $5,582 
$30.01 - $40.00
105 2.1$39 12,270 105 2.1$39 12,270 
$40.01- $50.00
412 3.0$41 48,075 412 3.0$41 48,075 
$100.00 - $110.00
338 9.0$110 16,115 — — $— — 
$110.01 & over
46 9.6$133 1,115 — — $— — 
943 5.3$69 $83,157 559 2.7$40 $65,927 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the company's closing stock price of $157.49 at October 31, 2021, which would have been received by award holders had all award holders exercised their awards that were in-the-money as of that date. The total number of in-the-money awards exercisable at October 31, 2021 was approximately 0.6 million.
The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2021, 2020 and 2019 and the fair value of options granted in 2021:

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Per Share Value Using Black-Scholes Model
 (in thousands) 
Options exercised in fiscal 2019$24,409 $33 
Options exercised in fiscal 2020$30,481 $34 
Options exercised in fiscal 2021$34,305 $33 
Black Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2021$26 

As of October 31, 2021, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost for outstanding stock option awards, net of expected forfeitures, was $5 million. The amount of cash received from the exercise of share-based awards granted was $55 million in 2021, $60 million in 2020 and $54 million in 2019.

Non-Vested Awards

The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2021 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards.
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Price
 (in thousands) 
Non-vested at October 31, 20202,818 $70 
Granted871 $118 
Vested(1,252)$67 
Forfeited(90)$83 
Change in LTPP shares in the year due to exceeding performance targets172 $67 
Non-vested at October 31, 20212,519 $88 

As of October 31, 2021, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost for non-vested restricted stock awards net of expected forfeitures was approximately $106 million which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $84 million for 2021, $85 million for 2020 and $69 million for 2019.
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
U.S. operations$876 $54 $189 
Non-U.S. operations484 788 730 
Total income before taxes$1,360 $842 $919 
The provision for income taxes is comprised of:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
U.S. federal taxes:   
Current$122 $5 $(191)
Deferred(1)4 — 
Non-U.S. taxes:   
Current(3)84 290 
Deferred14 24 (267)
State taxes, net of federal benefit:   
Current17 5 4 
Deferred1 1 12 
Total provision (benefit)$150 $123 $(152)


The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Profit before tax times statutory rate$286 $177 $193 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit18 6 16 
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates5 (37)(10)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits(84)(8)(11)
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction(35)(9)— 
Extension of the tax incentive in Singapore— — (299)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation(29)(18)(10)
Other, net(11)12 (31)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$150 $123 $(152)
Effective tax rate11.0 %14.6 %(16.5)%

For 2021, our income tax expense was $150 million with an effective tax rate of 11 percent. For the year ended October 31, 2021, our effective tax rate and the resulting provision for income taxes were impacted by the discrete benefit of $93 million related to the release of tax reserves in various jurisdictions due to audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations. The income taxes for the year ended October 31, 2021 also include the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $29 million.

For 2020, our income tax expense was $123 million with an effective tax rate of 14.6 percent. For the year ended October 31, 2020, our effective tax rate and the resulting provision for income taxes were impacted by foreign income taxed at lower rates.

For 2019, our income tax benefit was $152 million with an effective tax rate of (16.5) percent. For the year ended October 31, 2019, our effective tax rate and the resulting provision for income taxes were significantly impacted by the discrete benefit of $299 million related to the extension of the company’s tax incentive in Singapore.

As part of the business integration of some of our prior acquisitions, we undertook corporate restructurings in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 that involved onshoring certain intangible properties held by our foreign subsidiaries to the United States. These restructurings resulted in a cash tax liability of $231 million. These taxes generate tax attributes that will offset our transition tax liability which is included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. 

We have negotiated a tax holiday in Singapore. The tax holiday provides a lower rate of taxation on certain classes of income and requires various thresholds of investments and employment or specific types of income. In December 2018, the tax holiday in Singapore was renegotiated and extended through 2027. As a result of the incentive, the impact of the tax holiday decreased income taxes by $35 million, $71 million, and $368 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The benefit of the
tax holiday on net income per share (diluted) was approximately $0.11, $0.23, and $1.16 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Of the $1.16 benefit of the tax incentives on net income per share (diluted) in 2019, $0.94 of the benefit relates to one-time items from the extension of the company’s tax incentive in Singapore.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Deferred Tax Assets
Intangibles$72 $153 
Pension benefits and retiree medical benefits— 65 
Employee benefits, other than retirement43 31 
Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards191 182 
Share-based compensation22 27 
Lease obligations30 35 
Other42 63 
Deferred tax assets$400 $556 
Tax valuation allowance(120)(132)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance$280 $424 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Property, plant and equipment$(11)$(19)
Pension benefits and retiree medical benefits(8)— 
Right-of-use asset(29)(35)
Other(26)(14)
Deferred tax liabilities$(74)$(68)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$206 $356 

Valuation allowances require an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. Such assessment is required on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. As of October 31, 2021, we continued to maintain a valuation allowance of $120 million until sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal. The valuation allowance is primarily related to deferred tax assets for the states of California and Colorado, along with the net operating losses in the Netherlands and capital losses in Australia.

At October 31, 2021, we had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $46 million, $461 million and $484 million, respectively. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are subject to various limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state tax laws. If not utilized, the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2022. If not utilized, $15 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2022. The remaining $469 million of the foreign net operating losses carry forward indefinitely. At October 31, 2021, we had federal and foreign capital loss carryforwards of $22 million and $127 million, respectively. If not utilized, the federal capital loss carryforwards will expire in 2022. The foreign capital losses carry forward indefinitely. At October 31, 2021, we had state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $82 million. The state tax credits carry forward indefinitely.

The breakdown between long-term deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities was as follows:

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)$309 $380 
Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)(103)(24)
Total$206 $356 
The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows:
October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)$66 $89 
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)6 6 
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)(47)(63)
Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)(241)(323)
Total$(216)$(291)

Uncertain Tax Positions

The aggregate changes in the balances of our gross unrecognized tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:

202120202019
 (in millions)
Balance, beginning of year$195 $206 $214 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year6 6 7 
Additions for tax positions from prior years4 — 12 
Reductions for tax positions from prior years— — (2)
Settlements with taxing authorities(30)— — 
Statute of limitations expirations(42)(17)(25)
Balance, end of year$133 $195 $206 

As of October 31, 2021, we had $159 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties of which $136 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. However, approximately $23 million of the unrecognized tax benefits were related to state income tax positions that, if recognized, would be in the form of a deferred tax asset that would likely not affect our effective tax rate due to a valuation allowance.

We recognized tax benefit of $19 million in 2021, tax expense of $8 million and $9 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. Interest and penalties accrued as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 were $26 million and $45 million, respectively.

In the U.S., tax years remain open back to the year 2018 for federal income tax purposes and for significant states. In other major jurisdictions where we conduct business, the tax years generally remain open back to the year 2011.

With these jurisdictions and the U.S., it is reasonably possible that there could be significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months due to either the expiration of a statute of limitation or a tax audit settlement which will be partially offset by an anticipated tax liability related to unremitted foreign earnings, where applicable. Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, management is unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.
v3.21.2
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE NET INCOME PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below.
 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Numerator:   
Net income$1,210 $719 $1,071 
Denominators:   
Basic weighted average shares304 309 314 
Potential common shares — stock options and other employee stock plans3 3 4 
Diluted weighted average shares307 312 318 

The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense collectively are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. An increase in the fair market value of the company's common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive awards.

We exclude stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common stock from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, we exclude from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, stock options, ESPP, LTPP and restricted stock awards whose combined exercise price and unamortized fair value collectively were greater than the average market price of our common stock because their effect would also be anti-dilutive.

In 2021, 2020 and 2019, we issued share-based awards of approximately 2.1 million, 2.4 million and 1.8 million, respectively.  For the years ended 2021, 2020 and 2019, the impacts of the anti-dilutive potential common shares that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share were not material.
v3.21.2
INVENTORY
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
INVENTORY INVENTORY
Inventory as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Finished goods$463 $417 
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies367 303 
Inventory$830 $720 

Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges of $29 million were recorded in cost of products in 2021, $28 million in 2020 and $19 million in 2019. We record excess and obsolete inventory charges for both inventory on our site as well as inventory at our contract manufacturers and suppliers where we have non-cancelable purchase commitments.
v3.21.2
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of the following:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Land$61 $58 
Buildings and leasehold improvements1,147 1,055 
Machinery and equipment638 579 
Software221 182 
Total property, plant and equipment2,067 1,874 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,122)(1,029)
Property, plant and equipment, net$945 $845 

During 2021 and 2020 we recorded $2 million and $6 million, respectively, in asset impairments. In 2020 asset impairments related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program. There were no asset impairments in 2019. Depreciation expenses were $122 million in 2021, $119 million in 2020 and $111 million in 2019. In 2021 and 2020 we retired approximately $35 million and $29 million, respectively, of assets, the majority of which were fully depreciated and no longer in use.
v3.21.2
LEASES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Lessee, Operating Leases LEASES
As a lessee, we have various non-cancelable operating lease agreements for office space, warehouses, distribution centers, research and development facilities, manufacturing and production locations as well as vehicles, personal computers and other equipment. Our real estate leases have remaining lease terms of one to thirty years, which represent the non-cancelable periods of the leases and include extension options that we determined are reasonably certain to be exercised. We exclude options that are not reasonably certain to be exercised from our lease terms, ranging from six months to twenty years. Our lease payments consist primarily of fixed rental payments for the right to use the underlying leased assets over the lease terms. We often receive incentives from our landlords, such as rent abatement periods, which effectively reduce the total lease payments owed for these leases. Vehicle, personal computer and other equipment operating leases have terms between three and five years.


The components of lease cost for operating leases were as follows:
Year Ended October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Operating lease cost$59 $60 
Short-term lease cost2 1 
Variable lease cost (a)
14 14 
Sublease income(13)(14)
Total lease cost$62 61 
(a) Variable lease cost includes cancelable leases, non-fixed maintenance costs and non-recoverable transaction taxes.

Total rent expense was $75 million in 2019.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases$57 $59 
Non-cash right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations$53 $37 
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
October 31,
Financial Statement Line Item20212020
(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)
Assets:
Operating lease:
Right of use assetOther assets$178 $175 
Liabilities:
Current
Operating lease liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities$52 $51 
Long-term
Operating lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities$130 $127 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases7.6 years7.9 years
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases1.9 %2.1 %

Future minimum rents payable as of October 31, 2021 under non-cancelable leases with initial terms exceeding one year reconcile to lease liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
Operating Leases
(in millions)
2022$55 
202344 
202427 
202515 
202610 
Thereafter48 
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments$199 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(17)
Present value of future minimum lease payments$182 
Less: current liabilities(52)
Long-term lease liabilities$130 

As of October 31, 2021, we had no additional significant operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced.

As a lessor, we have contracts for equipment leased to customers primarily in connection with our diagnostics business which include both operating-type lease and sales-type finance lease arrangements. We account for the non-lease component under the revenue recognition ASC 606 guidance and the lease component under the leasing ASC 842 guidance. Equipment lease revenue for operating lease agreements is recognized as visualization kits and reagents are shipped over the life of the lease. The cost of customer leased equipment is recorded within property, plant and equipment, and is netted in the consolidated balance sheet with depreciation over the equipment’s estimated useful life. For an arrangement that has been classified as a sales-type lease, revenue is recognized when the transfer of control of the underlying leased asset has occurred and the net investment lease recorded which is calculated at the present value of the remaining lease payments due from the lessee.

Revenue allocated to the lease income for both sales-type finance lease and operating lease rental arrangements represents less than one percent of total net revenue in the year ended October 31, 2021.

As of October 31, 2021, the original cost and net book value of operating leased assets were $38 million and $7 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2021, lease receivables related to sales-type leases were $48 million. As of October 31, 2020,
the original cost and net book value of operating leased assets was $43 million and $12 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2020, lease receivables related to sales-type leases were $44 million.
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table presents goodwill balances and the movements for each of our reportable segments during the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2021:
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
 (in millions)
Goodwill as of October 31, 2019$1,438 $1,594 $561 $3,593 
Foreign currency translation impact3 5 1 9 
Goodwill as of October 31, 2020$1,441 $1,599 $562 $3,602 
Foreign currency translation impact5 — 3 8 
Goodwill arising from acquisitions and adjustments— 365 — 365 
Goodwill as of October 31, 2021$1,446 $1,964 $565 $3,975 

As of September 30, 2021, our annual impairment test date, we assessed goodwill for triggering events and circumstances, including impacts due to COVID-19, and determined no impairment of goodwill was indicated for our reporting units.

The component parts of other intangible assets at October 31, 2020 and 2021 are shown in the table below:
 Other Intangible Assets
 Gross
Carrying
Amount		Accumulated
Amortization		Net Book
Value
 (in millions)
As of October 31, 2020:   
Purchased technology$1,429 $863 $566 
Trademark/Tradename196 117 79 
Customer relationships330 158 172 
Third-party technology and licenses11 7 4 
Total amortizable intangible assets$1,966 $1,145 $821 
In-Process R&D10 — 10 
Total$1,976 $1,145 $831 
As of October 31, 2021:   
Purchased technology$1,742 $972 $770 
Backlog8 3 5 
Trademark/Tradename196 133 63 
Customer relationships357 228 129 
Third-party technology and licenses11 8 3 
Total amortizable intangible assets$2,314 $1,344 $970 
In-Process R&D11 — 11 
Total$2,325 $1,344 $981 

During fiscal year 2021, we recorded additions to goodwill of $365 million and additions to other intangible assets of $343 million with a weighted average life of 11 years related to the purchase of Resolution Bioscience. During the year other intangible assets increased $2 million due to the impact of foreign currency translation.


During fiscal year 2020, we recorded no additions to goodwill or to intangible assets. During the year ended October 31, 2020 we moved $15 million of in-process research and development intangible assets to purchased technology on the completion of three projects. The increase in other intangible assets due to foreign currency translation was not material in 2020.
In general, for United States federal tax purposes, goodwill from asset purchases is amortizable; however, any goodwill created as part of a stock acquisition is not deductible.

There were no impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets during fiscal years 2021 and 2019. During fiscal year 2020, we recorded an impairment of in-process research and development of $90 million in research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of operations which was related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program in our diagnostics and genomics segment. During fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, there were no impairments of finite-lived intangible assets recorded. During 2020, we also wrote-off the gross carrying amount of $17 million and the related accumulated amortization of fully amortized intangible assets which were no longer being used

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $195 million in 2021, $186 million in 2020, and $128 million in 2019.

Future amortization expense related to existing finite-lived purchased intangible assets associated with business combinations for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is estimated below:
Estimated future amortization expense:
(in millions)
2022$191 
2023$143 
2024$121 
2025$96 
2026$66 
Thereafter$353 
v3.21.2
INVESTMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]  
Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 (net book value):

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Short-Term
Equity investments - with readily determinable fair value$91 — 
Long-Term  
Equity investments - without readily determinable fair value$120 $103 
Equity investments - with readily determinable fair value31 25 
Trading securities34 30 
Total long-term investments$185 $158 

Equity investments without readily determinable fair value (RDFV) consist of non-marketable equity securities issued by private companies. These investments are accounted for using the measurement alternative at cost adjusting for impairments and observable price changes (orderly transactions for the identical or a similar security from the same issuer). The adjustments are included in net income in the period in which they occur. Equity investments with RDFV consist of marketable equity securities which are publicly traded and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income. Other investments with RDFV consist of shares we own in a special fund and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income.

Trading securities, which are comprised of mutual funds, bonds and other similar instruments, other investments and deferred compensation liability are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in net income.

Our investments without RDFV and marketable equity securities with RDFV are subject to periodic impairment review. The impairment analysis requires significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future value of the investment.
Gains and losses reflected in other income (expense), net for our equity investments with RDFV and equity investments without RDFV are summarized below:
Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
( in millions)
Net gain recognized during the period on equity securities$98 $27 $4 
Less: Net gain on equity securities sold during the period(6)— — 
Unrealized gain on equity securities held as of the end of the period$92 $27 $4 

Net unrealized gains on our equity securities without RDFV were $17 million, $27 million and $1 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Upon adoption of new accounting guidance relating to financial instruments beginning fiscal year 2019, the gains and losses on such securities are recognized in other income (expense) and therefore not applicable in prior periods. As of November 1, 2019, total impact of adoption of this accounting guidance to our consolidated balance sheet was an increase of $7 million to equity securities with RDFV (included within long-term investments) and a net increase of $5 million to beginning retained earnings.

Net unrealized gains on our trading securities portfolio were $8 million in 2021, $2 million in 2020 and $3 million in 2019.
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the asset or liability such as: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; or other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Level 3 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2021 were as follows:
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in millions)
Assets:    
Short-term    
Cash equivalents (money market funds)$919 $919 $— $— 
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)9 — 9 — 
Short-term investments - Equity securities with RDFV91 83 $8 $— 
Long-term    
Trading securities34 34 — — 
Other investments31 — 31 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$1,084 $1,036 $48 $— 
Liabilities:    
Short-term    
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)$5 $— $5 $— 
Contingent consideration62 — — 62 
Long-term    
Deferred compensation liability34 — 34 — 
Contingent consideration27 — — 27 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$128 $— $39 $89 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2020 were as follows:
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in millions)
Assets:    
Short-term    
Cash equivalents (money market funds)$740 $740 $— $— 
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)2 — 2 — 
Short-term investments - Equity securities with RDFV— — — — 
Long-term    
Trading securities30 30 — — 
Other investments25 — 25 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$797 $770 $27 $— 
Liabilities:   
Short-term    
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)$17 $— $17 $— 
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Long-term    
Deferred compensation liability30 — 30 — 
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$47 $— $47 $— 
Our money market funds and trading securities are generally valued using quoted market prices and therefore are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Our derivative financial instruments are classified within level 2, as there is not an active market for each hedge contract, but the inputs used to calculate the value of the instruments are tied to active markets. Our deferred compensation liability is classified as level 2 because, although the values are not directly based on quoted market prices, the inputs used in the calculations are observable. Short-term investments - equity securities with readily determinable fair value are shares in marketable equity securities which are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy as they are measured based on quotes in active markets. Equity securities with RDFV also includes potential shares received from an equity investment in a company that went public and can vest under certain stock performance circumstances. These have been classified as Level 2 because the fair value was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method in which quoted market price and other observable inputs are used. Other investments represent shares we own in a special fund that targets underlying investments of approximately 40 percent in debt securities and 60 percent in equity securities. It has been classified as level 2 because, although the shares of the fund are not traded on any active stock exchange, each of the individual underlying securities are or can be derived from and hence we have a readily determinable value for the underlying securities, from which we are able to determine the fair market value for the special fund itself.

Certain derivative instruments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from the sale of these instruments are recorded in net income.

Contingent Consideration. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability relates to milestone payments in connection with the April 2021 acquisition of Resolution Bioscience. The fair value of the potential future milestone payments, which are set to certain revenue and technical targets, was based on (i) the probability of achieving the relevant revenue targets and technical milestones and (ii) the timing of achieving such milestones, which are significant unobservable inputs, and has been classified as Level 3. We used the Monte Carlo simulation approach to estimate the fair value of the revenue component with an asset volatility of 55.8 percent and revenue volatilities ranging from 12.1 to 14.3 percent. The probability-weighted expected return method was used to estimate the fair value of the technical target component. Assumptions used in the calculations include probability of success, duration of the earn-out and discount rate. A change in any of these unobservable inputs can significantly change the fair value of the contingent consideration.

As of October 31, 2021, the expected maximum earn-out period for the contingent payments does not exceed 3.2 years and potential future payments will not exceed $145 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability as of October 31, 2021 was estimated to be $89 million of which $62 million was recorded in other accrued liabilities and $27 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration was primarily driven by a change in the probability of achieving the relevant revenue targets.

The contingent consideration liability is our only Level 3 asset or liability. A summary of the Level 3 activity follows:

Contingent Consideration
(in millions)
Balance at October 31, 2020$— 
Additions to contingent consideration (including measurement period adjustment)110 
Change in fair value (included within selling, general and administrative expenses)(21)
Balance at October 31, 2021$89 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

Long-Lived Assets

For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the following table summarizes the impairments included in net income for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

 Years Ended
October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Long-lived assets held and used$2 $98 $— 
Long-lived assets held for sale$— $— $— 

For the year ended October 31, 2021, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $2 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment of $2 million. For the year ended October 31, 2020, long-lived assets held and used, including indefinite lived in-process research and development intangible assets, with a carrying amount of $98 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $98 million related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program and other assets in our diagnostics and genomics segment. There were no impairments of long-lived assets held and used in 2019.

There were no impairments of long-lived assets held for sale in 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Fair values for the impaired long-lived assets during 2020 were measured using level 3 inputs. To determine the fair value of long-lived assets in 2020, we used the income approach based on projected discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the long-lived assets over the remaining useful life.

For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 , there were no impairments in non-marketable securities without readily determinable fair value. For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, net unrealized gains of $17 million, $27 million and $1 million, respectively, were included in net income as an adjustment to the carrying value of non-marketable equity securities without readily determinable fair value based on an observable market transaction. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the carrying amount of non-marketable equity securities without readily determinable fair values was $120 million and $103 million, respectively.

Fair values for the non-marketable securities included in long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet were measured using Level 3 inputs because they are primarily equity stock issued by private companies without quoted market prices. To estimate the fair value of our non-marketable securities, we use the measurement alternative to record these investments at cost and adjust for impairments and observable price changes (orderly transactions for the identical or a similar security from the same issuer) as and when they occur.
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVES DERIVATIVES
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of our business. As part of our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts and purchased options to hedge economic and/or accounting exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge our forecasted operational cash flow exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts, carried at fair value, have maturities between one and twelve months. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in the authoritative guidance and are assessed for effectiveness against the underlying exposure every reporting period. For open contracts as of October 31, 2021, changes in the time value of the foreign exchange contract are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are recognized in cost of sales over the life of the foreign exchange contract. The changes in fair value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified to cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the hedge relationship will
be de-designated and amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified to other income (expense), net in the current period. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations in the current period. We record the premium paid (time value) of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. For options designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are recognized in cost of sales over the life of the option contract. For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, ineffectiveness and gains and losses recognized in other income (expense), net due to de-designation of cash flow hedge contracts were not significant.

In July 2012, Agilent executed treasury lock agreements for $400 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2022 senior notes issued on September 13, 2012. We designated the treasury lock as a cash flow hedge. The treasury lock contracts were terminated on September 10, 2012, and we recognized a deferred gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2022 senior notes. On January 21, 2021 we redeemed $100 million of the $400 million aggregate principal amount of our 2022 senior notes. On April 5, 2021, we redeemed the remaining outstanding $300 million of our 2022 senior notes. We also recognized the remaining deferred gain on the terminated treasury lock related to the 2022 senior notes to other income (expense), net. For more information see Note 19, "Long-Term Debt".

In February 2016, Agilent executed three forward-starting pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps for the notional amount of $300 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2026 senior notes issued on September 15, 2016. These derivative instruments were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in the authoritative guidance. The swap arrangements were terminated on September 15, 2016 with a payment of $10 million, and we recognized this as a deferred loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2026 senior notes. The remaining loss to be amortized related to the interest rate swap agreements at October 31, 2021 was $5 million.

In August 2019, Agilent executed treasury lock agreements for $250 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2029 senior notes issued on September 16, 2019. We designated the treasury lock as a cash flow hedge. The treasury lock contracts were terminated on September 6, 2019 and we recognized a deferred loss of $6 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2029 senior notes. The remaining loss to be amortized related to the treasury lock agreements at October 31, 2021 was $5 million.

Net Investment Hedges

We enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge net investments in foreign operations to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value and are designated and qualify as net investment hedges under the criteria prescribed in the authoritative guidance. Changes in fair value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are assessed for effectiveness against the underlying exposure every reporting period. If the company’s net investment changes during the year, the hedge relationship will be assessed and de-designated if the hedge notional amount is outside of prescribed tolerance with a gain/loss reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to other income (expense) in the current period. For the year ended October 31, 2021, ineffectiveness and the resultant effect of any gains or losses recognized in other income (expense) due to de-designation of the hedge contracts were not significant.

Other Hedges

Additionally, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in value of the derivative instruments are recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations, in the current period, along with the offsetting foreign currency gain or loss on the underlying assets or liabilities.

Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. We do, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions which are selected based on their credit ratings and other factors. We have established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk that include establishing counterparty credit limits, monitoring credit exposures, and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
A number of our derivative agreements contain threshold limits to the net liability position with counterparties and are dependent on our corporate credit rating determined by the major credit rating agencies. The counterparties to the derivative instruments may request collateralization, in accordance with derivative agreements, on derivative instruments in net liability positions.

The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position as of October 31, 2021, was $3 million. The credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had not been triggered as of October 31, 2021.

There were 264 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2021 and designated as cash flow hedges. There were 181 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2021 not designated as hedging instruments. There were 9 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2021 and designated as a net investment hedge.

The aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2021 were as follows:
 Derivatives Designated as
Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives Designated as
Net Investment Hedges		Derivatives
Not
Designated
as Hedging
Instruments
 Forward
Contracts USD		Forward
Contracts USD		Forward
Contracts USD
CurrencyBuy/(Sell)Buy/(Sell)Buy/(Sell)
 (in millions)
Euro$(86)$(93)$65 
British Pound(66)— (3)
Canadian Dollar(53)— (2)
Japanese Yen(87)— (43)
Danish Krone— — 36 
Korean Won(60)— (18)
Singapore Dollar16 — 26 
Swiss Franc— — (10)
Chinese Yuan Renminbi(87)— (37)
Taiwan Dollar— — (17)
Brazilian Real— — (14)
Other4 — (9)
$(419)$(93)$(26)

Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the balance sheet in accordance with the authoritative guidance.
The gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
 Fair Value Fair Value
Balance Sheet LocationOctober 31,
2021		October 31,
2020		Balance Sheet LocationOctober 31,
2021		October 31,
2020
(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:     
Cash flow hedges     
Foreign exchange contracts     
Other current assets$6 $— Other accrued liabilities$2 $12 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:     
Foreign exchange contracts     
Other current assets$3 $2 Other accrued liabilities$3 $5 
Total derivatives$9 $2  $5 $17 

The effects of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated statement of operations were as follows:

Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
 (in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
Cash flow hedges   
Foreign exchange contracts:
Loss on interest rate swaps recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)$— $— $(6)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense$(1)$(1)$(1)
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$2 $(12)$— 
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales$(16)$(1)$9 
Gain on time value of forward contracts recorded in cost of sales$— $2 $2 
Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange contracts:
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - translation adjustment$1 $(5)$— 
Gain on time value of forward contracts recorded in other income (expense)1— — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net $— $(1)$2 

At October 31, 2021 the total amount of existing net gain that is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is $2 million. Within the next twelve months it is estimated that $5 million of gain included within the net amount of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified to cost of sales in respect of cash flow hedges.
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]  
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS
General.  Substantially all of our employees are covered under various defined benefit and/or defined contribution retirement plans. Additionally, we sponsor post-retirement health care benefits for our eligible U.S. employees.

Agilent provides defined benefits to U.S. employees who meet eligibility criteria under the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan (the "RP").

For eligible service through October 31, 1993, the benefit payable under the Agilent Retirement Plan is reduced by any amounts due to the eligible employee under the Agilent defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan (the "DPSP"), which was closed to new participants as of November 1993.

As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of plan assets of the DPSP was $136 million and $123 million, respectively. Note that the projected benefit obligation for the DPSP equals the fair value of plan assets.

Effective November 1, 2014, Agilent’s U.S. defined benefit retirement plan was closed to new entrants including new employees, new transfers to the U.S. payroll and rehires. As of April 30, 2016, benefits under the RP were frozen. Any pension benefit earned in the U.S. Plans through April 30, 2016 remained fully vested, and there are no additional benefit accruals after April 30, 2016.

Agilent also maintains a Supplemental Benefits Retirement Plan ("SBRP") in the U.S., which is a supplemental unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plan to provide benefits that would be provided under the RP but for limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The RP and the SBRP comprise the "U.S. Plans" in the tables below.

Eligible employees outside the U.S. generally receive retirement benefits under various retirement plans based upon factors such as years of service and/or employee compensation levels. Eligibility is generally determined in accordance with local statutory requirements.

Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Plans. In addition to receiving retirement benefits, Agilent U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements as of their termination date may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Health Plan for Retirees. As of January 1, 2020, the Health Plan for Retirees is comprised solely of insured pre-65 HMOs as the self-funded Pre-Medicare Medical Plan was eliminated effective December 31, 2019. The Health Plan for Retirees was closed to new retiree entrants after December 31, 2020.

If eligible, a retiree may receive a fixed amount (different fixed amounts for different groups) under the Retiree Medical Account (“RMA”) or a fixed monthly amount under the Agilent Reimbursement Arrangement (“ARA”).

Any new employee hired on or after November 1, 2014, will not be eligible to participate in the post-retirement medical benefit plans upon retiring.

401(k) Defined Contribution Plan.  Eligible Agilent U.S. employees may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan. We match contributions to employees up to a maximum of 6 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation. Effective May 1, 2016 until April 30, 2022, we will provide an additional transitional company contribution for certain eligible employees equal to 3 percent, 4 percent or 5 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation due to the RP benefits being frozen. The maximum contribution to the 401(k) Plan is 50 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation, subject to regulatory limitations. The 401(k) Plan employer expense included in income from operations was $43 million in 2021, $41 million in 2020 and $39 million in 2019.
Components of Net periodic cost.  The service cost component is recorded in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. All other cost components are recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The company uses alternate methods of amortization as allowed by the authoritative guidance which amortizes the actuarial gains and losses on a consistent basis for the years presented. For U.S. Plans, gains and losses are amortized over the average future lifetime of participants using the corridor method. For most Non-U.S. Plans and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, gains and losses are amortized using a separate layer for each year's gains and losses.

For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were comprised of:
 PensionsU.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
 U.S. PlansNon-U.S. Plans
 202120202019202120202019202120202019
 (in millions)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)         
Service cost — benefits earned during the period$— $— $— $22 $24 $20 $1 $1 $— 
Interest cost on benefit obligation14 15 18 8 8 14 2 3 4 
Expected return on plan assets(29)(28)(27)(49)(47)(43)(6)(7)(7)
Amortization of net actuarial loss4 3 1 53 49 34 4 4 4 
Amortization of prior service benefit— — — — — — (1)(7)(8)
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)$(11)$(10)$(8)$34 $34 $25 $— $(6)$(7)
Settlement loss$1 $4 $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss         
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(92)$26 $51 $(114)$20 $104 $(30)$5 $5 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(4)(3)(1)(53)(49)(34)(4)(4)(4)
Amortization of prior service benefit— — — — — — 1 7 8 
Loss due to settlement(1)(4)— — — — — — — 
Foreign currency— — — 5 10 (3)— — — 
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss$(97)$19 $50 $(162)$(19)$67 $(33)$8 $9 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss$(107)$13 $42 $(128)$15 $92 $(33)$2 $2 
Funded Status.    As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was:

 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		U.S.
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 202120202021202020212020
 (in millions)
Change in fair value of plan assets:      
Fair value — beginning of year$439 $432 $945 $911 $93 $95 
Actual return on plan assets138 30 160 (2)28 6 
Employer contributions— — 19 32 — — 
Participants' contributions— — 1 1 — — 
Benefits paid(8)(8)(31)(31)(5)(8)
Settlements(18)(15)— — — — 
Currency impact— — (1)34 — — 
Fair value — end of year$551 $439 $1,093 $945 $116 $93 
Change in benefit obligation:      
Benefit obligation — beginning of year$510 $491 $1,094 $1,067 $94 $94 
Service cost— — 22 24 1 1 
Interest cost14 15 8 8 2 3 
Participants' contributions— — 1 1 — — 
Actuarial (gain) loss15 28 2 (19)(8)4 
Benefits paid(8)(9)(31)(31)(5)(8)
Settlements(19)(15)— — — — 
Currency impact— — 4 44 — — 
Benefit obligation — end of year$512 $510 $1,100 $1,094 $84 $94 
Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO$39 $(71)$(7)$(149)$32 $(1)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:      
Other assets$46 $— $160 $123 $32 $— 
Employee compensation and benefits(1)(1)— — — — 
Retirement and post-retirement benefits(6)(70)(167)(272)— (1)
Total net asset (liability)$39 $(71)$(7)$(149)$32 $(1)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarial (gains) losses$36 $134 $149 $311 $(23)$11 
Prior service costs (benefits)— — — — (4)(5)
Total$36 $134 $149 $311 $(27)$6 


The actuarial gains and losses related to the change in plan obligations were a total of $9 million net loss and $13 million net loss for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The actuarial net loss that arose in 2021 was primarily due to changes in financial and demographic assumptions, losses due to plan experience offset by increases in discount rates. The actuarial net loss that arose during 2020 was largely driven by a decline in discount rates and losses due to plan experience partially offset by financial and demographic assumption changes.
Investment Policies and Strategies as of October 31, 2021 and 2020. In the U.S., target asset allocations for our retirement and post-retirement benefit plans are approximately 80 percent to equities and approximately 20 percent to fixed income investments as of October 31, 2020 and were changed to approximately 50 percent to equities and approximately 50 percent to fixed income investments as of October 31, 2021. Our DPSP target asset allocation is approximately 60 percent to equities and approximately 40 percent to fixed income investments. Approximately 1 percent of the retirement and post-retirement plans consist of limited partnerships. The general investment objective for all our plan assets is to obtain the optimum rate of investment return on the total investment portfolio consistent with the assumption of a reasonable level of risk. Specific investment objectives for the plans' portfolios are to: maintain and enhance the purchasing power of the plans' assets; achieve investment returns consistent with the level of risk being taken; and earn performance rates of return in accordance with the benchmarks adopted for each asset class. Outside the U.S., our target asset allocation ranges from 15 percent to 60 percent to equities, from 38 percent to 85 percent to fixed income investments, and from zero to 25 percent to real estate, depending on the plan. All plans' assets are broadly diversified. Due to fluctuations in equity markets, our actual allocations of plan assets at October 31, 2021 and 2020 differ from the target allocation. Our policy is to bring the actual allocation in line with the target allocation.

Equity securities include exchange-traded common stock and preferred stock of companies from broadly diversified industries. Fixed income securities include a global portfolio of corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, government securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, derivative instruments and other. Other investments include a group trust consisting primarily of private equity partnerships. Portions of the cash and cash equivalent, equity, and fixed income investments are held in commingled funds that are valued using Net Asset Value (“NAV”) as the practical expedient. In addition, some of the investments valued using NAV as the practical expedient may have limits on their redemption to weekly or monthly and/or may require prior written notice specified by each fund.

Fair Value. The measurement of the fair value of pension and post-retirement plan assets uses the valuation methodologies and the inputs as described in Note 13, "Fair Value Measurements".

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term investment funds. The funds also invest in short-term domestic fixed income securities and other securities with debt-like characteristics emphasizing short-term maturities and quality. Some of our cash and cash equivalents are held in commingled funds. Other cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 investments.

Equity - Some equity securities consisting of common and preferred stock that are not traded on an active market are valued at quoted prices reported by investment dealers based on the underlying terms of the security and comparison to similar securities traded on an active market; these are classified as Level 2 investments. Securities which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.

Fixed Income - Some of the fixed income securities are not actively traded and are valued at quoted prices based on the terms of the security and comparison to similar securities traded on an active market; these are classified as Level 2 investments. Securities which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.

Other Investments - Other investments also include partnership investments where, due to their private nature, pricing inputs are not readily observable. Asset valuations are developed by the general partners that manage the partnerships. These valuations are based on proprietary appraisals, application of public market multiples to private company cash flows, utilization of market transactions that provide valuation information for comparable companies and other methods. Holdings of limited partnerships are classified as Level 3.

Agilent has adopted the accounting guidance related to the presentation of certain investments using the NAV practical expedient. The accounting guidance exempts investments using this practical expedient from categorization within the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$2 $— $— $— $2 
Equity276 62 — — 214 
Fixed Income271 2 — — 269 
Other Investments2 — — 2 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$551 $64 $— $2 $485 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1 $— $— $— $1 
Equity357 77 — — 280 
Fixed Income79 39 — — 40 
Other Investments2 — — 2 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$439 $116 $— $2 $321 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

For U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2021 and 2020:
 Years Ended
October 31.
 20212020
Balance, beginning of year$2 $4 
Realized gains/(losses)1 (3)
Unrealized gains/(losses)— 2 
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements(1)(1)
Transfers in (out)— — 
Balance, end of year$2 $2 
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$3 $— $— $— $3 
Equity55 13 — — 42 
Fixed Income57 — — — 57 
Other Investments1 — — 1 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$116 $13 $— $1 $102 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$4 $— $— $— $4 
Equity70 17 — — 53 
Fixed Income18 9 — — 9 
Other Investments1 — — 1 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$93 $26 $— $1 $66 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.


For U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2021 and 2020:
 Years Ended
October 31,
 20212020
Balance, beginning of year$1 $2 
Realized gains/(losses)1 (1)
Unrealized gains/(losses)— 1 
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements(1)(1)
Transfers in (out)— — 
Balance, end of year$1 $1 
The following tables present the fair value of non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020:

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$25 $— $24 $— $1 
Equity557 380 12 — 165 
Fixed Income511 151 242 — 118 
Other Investments— — — — — 
Total assets measured at fair value$1,093 $531 $278 $— $284 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$7 $— $6 $— $1 
Equity504 315 48 — 141 
Fixed Income434 102 238 — 94 
Other Investments— — — — — 
Total assets measured at fair value$945 $417 $292 $— $236 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The table below presents the combined projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of plan assets, grouping plans using comparisons of the PBO and ABO relative to the plan assets as of October 31, 2021 or 2020.
 20212020
 Benefit
Obligation		 Benefit
Obligation		 
 Fair Value of
Plan Assets		Fair Value of
Plan Assets
 PBOPBO
 (in millions)
U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets $7 $— $510 $439 
U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO 505 551 — — 
Total$512 $551 $510 $439 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets $691 $524 $697 $425 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO 409 569 397 520 
Total$1,100 $1,093 $1,094 $945 
 ABO ABO 
U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets$7 $— $510 $439 
U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO505 551 — — 
Total$512 $551 $510 $439 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets $668 $524 $675 $425 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO400 569 387 520 
Total$1,068 $1,093 $1,062 $945 

Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments.  During fiscal year 2022, we expect to make no contributions to the U.S. defined benefit plans and the Post-Retirement Medical Plans. We expect to contribute $19 million to plans outside the U.S. The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years:

U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		U.S. Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 (in millions)
2022$34 $34 $6 
2023$33 $35 $6 
2024$37 $35 $7 
2025$35 $37 $7 
2026$34 $37 $7 
2027 - 2031$154 $199 $35 

Assumptions.  The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and expense for our defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans are presented in the tables below. The expected long-term return on assets below represents an estimate of long-term returns on investment portfolios consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments in proportion to the asset allocations of each of our plans. We consider long-term rates of return, which are weighted based on the asset classes (both historical and forecasted) in which we expect our pension and post-retirement funds to be invested. Discount rates reflect the current rate at which pension and post-retirement obligations could be settled based on the measurement dates of the plans - October 31. The U.S. discount rates at October 31, 2021 and 2020, were determined based on the results of
matching expected plan benefit payments with cash flows from a hypothetically constructed bond portfolio. The non-U.S. rates were generally based on published rates for high-quality corporate bonds. The range of assumptions that were used for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans reflects the different economic environments within various countries.

Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost in each year were as follows:

 For years ended October 31,
 202120202019
U.S. defined benefit plans:   
Discount rate2.75%3.25%4.50%
Expected long-term return on assets7.00%7.00%7.00%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:   
Discount rate
0.07-1.54%
0.22-1.81%
0.83-2.68%
Average increase in compensation levels
2.00-3.00%
2.25-3.00%
2.25-3.25%
Expected long-term return on assets
4.00-5.50%
4.00-5.75%
4.00-5.75%
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plans
0.10-0.50%
0.00-0.75%
0.75-0.90%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:   
Discount rate2.50%3.00%4.25%
Expected long-term return on assets7.00%7.00%7.00%
Current medical cost trend rate6.25%6.25%6.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate4.50%4.50%3.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year202920292029

Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:

 As of the Years Ending October 31,
 20212020
U.S. defined benefit plans:  
Discount rate2.75%2.75%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:  
Discount rate
0.29-1.76%
0.07-1.54%
Average increase in compensation levels
2.00-3.50%
2.00-3.00%
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plans
0.30-0.50%
0.10-0.50%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:  
Discount rate2.75%2.50%
Current medical cost trend rate6.00%6.25%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate4.50%4.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year20272029
v3.21.2
GUARANTEES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Guarantees [Abstract]  
GUARANTEES GUARANTEES
Standard Warranty

We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in actual warranty charges over the past 12 months. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost over the period. The standard warranty accrual balances are held in other accrued and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Our standard warranty terms typically extend to one year from the date of delivery, depending on the product.
A summary of the standard warranty accrual activity is shown in the table below.

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Standard warranty accrual, beginning balance$32 $32 
Accruals for warranties including change in estimates52 49 
Settlements made during the period(54)(49)
Standard warranty accrual, ending balance$30 $32 
Accruals for warranties due within one year$29 $30 
Accruals for warranties due after one year1 2 
Standard warranty accrual, ending balance$30 $32 

Bank Guarantees

Guarantees consist primarily of outstanding standby letters of credit and bank guarantees and were approximately $46 million and $43 million as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. A standby letter of credit is a guarantee of payment issued by a bank on behalf of us that is used as payment of last resort should we fail to fulfill a contractual commitment with a third party. A bank guarantee is a promise from a bank or other lending institution that if we default on a loan, the bank will cover the loss.

Indemnifications in Connection with Transactions

In connection with various divestitures, acquisitions, spin-offs and other transactions, we have agreed to indemnify certain parties, their affiliates and/or other related parties against certain damages and expenses that might occur in the future. These indemnifications may cover a variety of liabilities, including, but not limited to, employee, tax, environmental, intellectual property, litigation and other liabilities related to the business conducted prior to the date of the transaction. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2021.

Indemnifications to Officers and Directors

Our corporate bylaws require that we indemnify our officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at our request, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings arising out of their services to Agilent and such other entities, including service with respect to employee benefit plans. In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each director and each board-appointed officer of Agilent which provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under similar circumstances and under additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in the bylaws and the indemnification agreements. We purchase standard insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against our directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in our bylaws or in our indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not made payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2021.

Other Indemnifications

As is customary in our industry and as provided for in local law in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, many of our standard contracts provide remedies to our customers and others with whom we enter into contracts, such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of our products. From time to time, we indemnify customers, as well as our suppliers, contractors, lessors, lessees, companies that purchase our businesses or assets and others with whom we enter into contracts, against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events related to the sale and the use of our products and services, the use of their goods and services, the use of facilities and state of our owned facilities, the state of the assets and businesses that we sell and other matters covered by such contracts, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, from time to time we also provide protection to these parties against claims related to
undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability or environmental obligations. In our experience, claims made under such indemnifications are rare and the associated estimated fair value of the liability was not material as of October 31, 2021.

In connection with the sale of several of our businesses, we have agreed to indemnify the buyers of such businesses, their respective affiliates and other related parties against certain damages that they might incur in the future. The continuing indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent retained and did not transfer to the buyers, as well as other specified items. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2021.
v3.21.2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
17.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Other Purchase Commitments.  Typically, we can cancel contracts with professional services suppliers without penalties. For those contracts that are not cancelable without penalties, there are termination fees and costs or commitments for continued spending that we are obligated to pay to a supplier under each contact's termination period before such contract can be cancelled. Our contractual obligations with these suppliers under "other purchase commitments" were approximately $83 million. Approximately $22 million of the penalties for the new contracts will reduce over the next 12 years.

Contingencies: We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including, but not limited to, intellectual property, commercial, real estate, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we currently believe are reasonably possible of having a material impact to our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
v3.21.2
SHORT-TERM DEBT
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Short-term Debt [Abstract]  
SHORT-TERM DEBT SHORT-TERM DEBT
Credit Facilities

On March 13, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement with a group of financial institutions which, as amended, provides for a $1 billion five-year unsecured credit facility that will expire on March 13, 2024 and incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to $500 million. On April 21, 2021, we entered into an incremental assumption agreement, pursuant to which the aggregate amount available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility was increased to $1.35 billion and the aggregate amount available for incremental facilities was refreshed to remain at $500 million.

As of both October 31, 2021 and 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and we had no borrowings outstanding under the incremental facilities. We were in compliance with the covenants for the credit facility during the year ended October 31, 2021.

Commercial Paper

In May 2020, we established a U.S. commercial paper program, under which the company may issue and sell unsecured, short-term promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.0 billion with up to 397-day maturities. On June 18, 2021, we increased the authorized maximum amount of notes that may be outstanding to $1.35 billion. At any point in time, the company intends to maintain available commitments under its revolving credit facility in an amount at least equal to the amount of the commercial paper notes outstanding. Amounts available under the program may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed from time to time. The proceeds from issuances under the program may be used for general corporate purposes. As of October 31, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding under our U.S. commercial paper program. We had borrowings of $75 million outstanding under the U.S. commercial paper program as of October 31, 2020.


2020 Senior Notes

On July 13, 2010, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2020 senior notes"). The 2020 senior notes were issued at 99.54% of their principal amount. The notes were scheduled to mature on July 15, 2020, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.00% per annum.

On August 9, 2011, we terminated our interest rate swap contracts related to our 2020 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $500 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination for these contracts was approximately $34 million. The gain was deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the 2020 senior notes.
On September 17, 2019, we repaid the $500 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 2020 senior notes due July 15, 2020 that were called for redemption on August 16, 2019. The redemption price of approximately $512 million included a $12 million prepayment penalty. The redemption price was computed in accordance with the terms of the 2020 senior notes as the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and unpaid interest related to the redemption.  The prepayment penalty plus amortization of the previously deferred interest swap gain of $4 million and amortization of previously deferred debt issuance costs and discount of $1 million were recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. We also paid accrued and unpaid interest of $4 million on the 2020 senior notes up to but not including the redemption date.
v3.21.2
LONG-TERM DEBT
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT
Senior Notes

The following table summarizes the company's long-term senior notes:

 October 31, 2021October 31, 2020
 Amortized
Principal		Amortized
Principal
 (in millions)
2022 Senior Notes$— $400 
2023 Senior Notes599 598 
2026 Senior Notes298 298 
2029 Senior Notes494 493 
2030 Senior Notes496 495 
2031 Senior Notes842 — 
Total$2,729 $2,284 


2022 Senior Notes

On September 13, 2012, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $400 million in senior notes ("2022 senior notes"). The 2022 senior notes were issued at 99.80% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 1, 2022, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.20% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 1st and October 1st of each year and payments commenced on April 1, 2013.

On January 21, 2021, we redeemed $100 million of the $400 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 2022 senior notes due October 1, 2022. On April 5, 2021, we redeemed the remaining outstanding $300 million of our 2022 senior notes. The total redemption price of approximately $417 million was computed in accordance with the terms of the 2022 senior notes as the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and unpaid interest on the notes being redeemed. During the year ended October 31, 2021, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $17 million in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. In addition, $1 million of accrued interest, up to but not including the applicable redemption date, was paid. The make-whole premium less partial amortization of previously deferred interest rate swap gain together with the amortization of debt issuance costs and discount was recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

2023 Senior Notes

On June 21, 2013, the company issued aggregate principal amount of $600 million in senior notes ("2023 senior notes"). The 2023 senior notes were issued at 99.544% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on July 15, 2023 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.875% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on January 15th and July 15th of each year and payments commenced January 15, 2014.

2026 Senior Notes

On September 22, 2016, the company issued aggregate principal amount of $300 million in senior notes ("2026 senior notes"). The 2026 senior notes were issued at 99.624% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on September 22, 2026
and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.05% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on March 22nd and September 22nd of each year and payments commenced March 22, 2017.

In February 2016, Agilent executed three forward-starting pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps for the notional amount of $300 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2026 senior notes issued on September 15, 2016. The swap arrangements were terminated on September 15, 2016 with a payment of $10 million, and we recognized this as a deferred loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2026 senior notes. The remaining loss to be amortized related to the interest rate swap agreements at October 31, 2021 was $5 million.

2029 Senior Notes

On September 16, 2019, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2029 senior notes"). The 2029 senior notes were issued at 99.316% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on September 15, 2029, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.75% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on March 15th and September 15th of each year and payments commenced on March 15, 2020.

In August 2019, Agilent executed treasury lock agreements for $250 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2029 senior notes issued on September 16, 2019. We designated the treasury lock as a cash flow hedge. The treasury lock contracts were terminated on September 6, 2019 and we recognized a deferred loss of $6 million in accumulated other comprehensive income which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2029 senior notes. The remaining loss to be amortized related to the treasury lock agreements at October 31, 2021 was $5 million.

2030 Senior Notes

On June 4, 2020, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2030 senior notes"). The 2030 senior notes were issued at 99.812% of their principal amount. The 2030 senior notes will mature on June 4, 2030, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.10% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on June 4th and December 4th of each year and payments commenced on December 4, 2020.

2031 Senior Notes

On March 12, 2021, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $850 million in senior notes ("2031 senior notes"). The 2031 senior notes were issued at 99.822% of their principal amount. The 2031 senior notes will mature on March 12, 2031, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.30% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on March 12th and September 12th of each year and payments commenced on September 12, 2021.

All outstanding notes listed above are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of Agilent's other senior unsecured indebtedness.
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock Repurchase Program

On November 19, 2018 we announced that our board of directors had approved a new share repurchase program (the "2019 repurchase program") designed, among other things, to reduce or eliminate dilution resulting from issuance of stock under the company's employee equity incentive programs. The 2019 share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of up to $1.75 billion of our common stock at the company's discretion and has no fixed termination date. The 2019 repurchase program does not require the company to acquire a specific number of shares and may be suspended, amended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended October 31, 2019, we repurchased and retired 10.4 million shares for $723 million under this authorization. During the year ended October 31, 2020, we repurchased and retired 5.2 million shares for $469 million under this authorization. During the year ended October 31, 2021, we repurchased and retired approximately 3.1 million shares for $365 million under this authorization. Effective February 18, 2021, the 2019 repurchase program was terminated and replaced by the new share repurchase program. The remaining authorization under the 2019 repurchase plan of $193 million expired on February 18, 2021.

On February 16, 2021 we announced that our board of directors had approved a new share repurchase program (the "2021 repurchase program") designed, among other things, to reduce or eliminate dilution resulting from issuance of stock under the
company's employee equity incentive programs. The 2021 repurchase program authorizes the purchase of up to $2.0 billion of our common stock at the company's discretion and has no fixed termination date. The 2021 repurchase program which became effective on February 18, 2021, replaced and terminated the 2019 repurchase program on that date. The 2021 repurchase program does not require the company to acquire a specific number of shares and may be suspended, amended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended October 31, 2021, we repurchased and retired 3.0 million shares for $423 million under this authorization. As of October 31, 2021, we had remaining authorization to repurchase up to approximately $1.577 billion of our common stock under the 2021 repurchase program.

Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock

During the year ended October 31, 2021, cash dividends of 0.776 per share, or $236 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding common stock. During the year ended October 31, 2020, cash dividends of 0.720 per share, or $222 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding common stock. During the year ended October 31, 2019, cash dividends of 0.656 per share, or $206 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding common stock.

On November 17, 2021 we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share of common stock, or approximately $63 million which will be paid on January 26, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 4, 2022. The timing and amounts of any future dividends are subject to determination and approval by our board of directors.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, net of tax effect:

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax expense of $(8) and $(6) for 2021 and 2020, respectively
$(185)(194)
Unrealized losses (including prior service benefit) on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $80 and $154 for 2021 and 2020, respectively
(100)(317)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $1 and $6 for 2021 and 2020, respectively
3 (11)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(282)$(522)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component and related tax effects for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs
Foreign currency translationPrior service creditsActuarial LossesUnrealized gains (losses) on derivativesTotal
(in millions)
As of October 31, 2019$(204)$131 $(437)$(4)$(514)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications11 — (66)(12)(67)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (7)61 2 56 
Tax (expense) benefit(1)1 — 3 3 
Other comprehensive income (loss)10 (6)(5)(7)(8)
As of October 31, 2020$(194)$125 $(442)$(11)$(522)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications11 — 228 2 241 
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (1)64 17 80 
Tax expense(2)— (74)(5)(81)
Other comprehensive income (loss)9 (1)218 14 240 
As of October 31, 2021$(185)$124 $(224)$3 $(282)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions):
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income components		Amounts Reclassified
from Other Comprehensive Income		Affected line item in
statement of operations
20212020
Unrealized losses on derivatives$(17)$(2)Cost of products and interest expense
(17)(2)Total before income tax
4 — Benefit for income tax
(13)(2)Total net of income tax
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:
Actuarial net loss(64)(61)Other (income) expense
Prior service benefit1 7 Other (income) expense
(63)(54)Total before income tax
15 16 Benefit for income tax
(48)(38)Total net of income tax
Total reclassifications for the period$(61)$(40)

Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to income and increases to other comprehensive income.

Reclassifications of prior service benefit and actuarial net loss in respect of retirement plans and post retirement pension plans are included in the computation of net periodic cost (see Note 15, "Retirement Plans and Post Retirement Pension Plans").
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT INFORMATION SEGMENT INFORMATION
Description of Segments. We are a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets, providing application focused solutions that include instruments, software, services and consumables for the entire laboratory workflow.
Agilent has three business segments comprised of the life sciences and applied markets business, diagnostics and genomics business and the Agilent CrossLab business each of which comprises a reportable segment. The three operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Other factors, including market separation and customer specific applications, go-to-market channels, products and services and manufacturing are considered in determining the formation of these operating segments.
A description of our three reportable segments is as follows:

Our life sciences and applied markets business provides application-focused solutions that include instruments and software that enable customers to identify, quantify and analyze the physical and biological properties of substances and products, as well as enable customers in the clinical and life sciences research areas to interrogate samples at the molecular and cellular level. Key product categories include: liquid chromatography ("LC") systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry ("LCMS") systems; gas chromatography ("GC") systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry ("GCMS") systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ("ICP-MS") instruments; atomic absorption ("AA") instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry ("MP-AES") instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry ("ICP-OES") instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software for sample tracking; information
management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; vacuum pumps and measurement technologies.

Our diagnostics and genomics business is comprised of six areas of activity providing active pharmaceutical ingredients ("APIs") for oligo-based therapeutics as well as solutions that include reagents, instruments, software and consumables, which enable customers in the clinical and life sciences research areas to interrogate samples at the cellular and molecular level. First, our genomics business includes arrays for DNA mutation detection, genotyping, gene copy number determination, identification of gene rearrangements, DNA methylation profiling, gene expression profiling, as well as next generation sequencing ("NGS") target enrichment and genetic data management and interpretation support software. This business also includes solutions that enable clinical labs to identify DNA variants associated with genetic disease and help direct cancer therapy. Second, our nucleic acid solutions business provides equipment and expertise focused on production of synthesized oligonucleotides under pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices ("GMP") conditions for use as API in an emerging class of drugs that utilize nucleic acid molecules for disease therapy. Third, our pathology solutions business is focused on product offerings for cancer diagnostics and anatomic pathology workflows. The broad portfolio of offerings includes immunohistochemistry ("IHC"), in situ hybridization ("ISH"), hematoxylin and eosin ("H&E") staining and special staining. Fourth, we also collaborate with a number of major pharmaceutical companies to develop new potential tissue and liquid-based pharmacodiagnostics, also known as companion diagnostics, which may be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from a specific targeted therapy. Fifth, the reagent partnership business is a provider of reagents used for turbidimetry and flow cytometry. Finally, our biomolecular analysis business provides complete workflow solutions, including instruments, consumables and software, for quality control analysis of nucleic acid samples.  Samples are analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure accuracy in further genomics analysis techniques utilized in clinical and life science research applications.

The Agilent CrossLab business spans the entire lab with its extensive consumables and services portfolio, which is designed to improve customer outcomes. Most of the portfolio is vendor neutral, meaning Agilent can serve and supply customers regardless of their instrument purchase choices. Solutions range from chemistries and supplies to services and software helping to connect the entire lab. Key product categories in consumables include GC and LC columns, sample preparation products, custom chemistries, and a large selection of laboratory instrument supplies. Services include startup, operational, training and compliance support, software as a service, as well as asset management and consultative services that help increase customer productivity. Custom service and consumable bundles are tailored to meet the specific application needs of various industries and to keep instruments fully operational and compliant with the respective industry requirements.

A significant portion of the segments' expenses arise from shared services and infrastructure that we have historically provided to the segments in order to realize economies of scale and to efficiently use resources. These expenses, collectively called corporate charges, include legal, accounting, tax, real estate, insurance services, information technology services, treasury, order administration, other corporate infrastructure expenses and costs of centralized research and development. Charges are allocated to the segments, and the allocations have been determined on a basis that we consider to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or benefits received by the segments. In addition, we do not allocate asset impairments, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, change in the fair value of acquisition-related contingent considerations, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring and transformational initiatives expenses, acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction, business exit and divestiture costs, special compliance costs, some nucleic acid solutions division ("NASD") site costs and certain other charges to the operating margin for each segment because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. Transformational initiatives include expenses associated with targeted cost reduction activities such as manufacturing transfers, site consolidations, legal entity and other business reorganizations, in-sourcing or outsourcing of activities.

The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments under our management reporting system. The performance of each segment is measured based on several metrics, including segment income from operations. These results are used, in part, by the chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments.
The profitability of each of the segments is measured after excluding items such as asset impairment charges, transformational initiatives, acquisition and integration costs, non-cash amortization of intangible assets related to business combinations, interest income, interest expense, and other items as noted in the reconciliations below.
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
Segments
 (in millions)
Year Ended October 31, 2021:    
Total net revenue$2,823 $1,296 $2,200 $6,319 
Income from operations$722 $273 $618 $1,613 
Depreciation expense$44 $39 $39 $122 
Share-based compensation expense(1)
$45 $22 $39 $106 
Year Ended October 31, 2020:   
Total net revenue$2,392 $1,047 $1,900 $5,339 
Income from operations$548 $192 $516 $1,256 
Depreciation expense$43 $39 $37 $119 
Share-based compensation expense (1)
$35 $17 $29 $81 
Year Ended October 31, 2019:   
Total net revenue$2,302 $1,021 $1,840 $5,163 
Income from operations$542 $185 $475 $1,202 
Depreciation expense$41 $35 $35 $111 
Share-based compensation expense$33 $14 $25 $72 
(1) Share-based compensation expense in 2020 and 2021 excludes amounts not allocated to the segments related to accelerated share-based compensation expense from workforce reduction and from our acquisition of BioTek and Resolution Bioscience.

The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to Agilent's total enterprise income before taxes:
 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Total reportable segments' income from operations$1,613 $1,256 $1,202 
Amortization of intangible assets related to business combinations(194)(184)(125)
Acquisition and integration costs(41)(41)(48)
Transformational initiatives(37)(53)(44)
Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction(1)(2)— 
Asset impairments(2)(99)— 
Business exit and divestiture costs (5)(2)— 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration21 — — 
NASD site costs— — (12)
Special compliance costs(1)— (2)
Other (1)
(6)(29)(30)
Interest Income2 8 36 
Interest Expense(81)(78)(74)
Other income (expense), net (2)
92 66 16 
Income before taxes, as reported$1,360 $842 $919 

(1) For the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, the other category primarily includes legal costs related to a claim we pursued against Twist Bioscience Corporation in addition to other miscellaneous adjustments.
(2) For the year ended October 31, 2021, other income (expense), net includes net gains on the fair value of equity securities. For the year ended October 31, 2020, other income (expense), net includes the settlement of a legal claim against Twist Bioscience Corporation.
Major Customers.    No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
The following table reflects segment assets and capital expenditures under our management reporting system. Segment assets include allocations of corporate assets, goodwill, net other intangibles and other assets. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, deferred tax assets, right-of use assets and other assets.
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
Segments
 (in millions)
As of and for the Year Ended October 31, 2021:    
Assets$3,078 $3,320 $1,502 $7,900 
Capital expenditures$45 $100 $43 $188 
As of and for the Year Ended October 31, 2020:    
Assets$3,143 $2,515 $1,375 $7,033 
Capital expenditures$44 $34 $41 $119 


The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Total reportable segments' assets$7,900 $7,033 
Cash and cash equivalents1,484 1,441 
Short-term investments91 — 
Prepaid expenses91 106 
Long-term investments185 158 
Long-term and other receivables126 114 
Deferred tax assets309 380 
Right of use assets178 175 
Other341 220 
Total assets$10,705 $9,627 

The other category primarily includes overfunded pension plans which are not allocated to the segments.

The following table presents summarized information for net revenue by geographic region. Revenues from external customers are generally attributed to countries based upon the customers' location.

United
States
China(1)
Rest of the
World		Total
 (in millions)
Net revenue:    
Year Ended October 31, 2021$2,159 $1,273 $2,887 $6,319 
Year Ended October 31, 2020$1,752 $1,087 $2,500 $5,339 
Year Ended October 31, 2019$1,619 $1,019 $2,525 $5,163 
1.China also includes Hong Kong net revenue.


The following table presents summarized information for long-lived assets by geographic region. Long lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, right-of-use assets, long-term receivables and other long-term assets excluding intangible assets. The rest of the world primarily consists of Asia and the rest of Europe.
United
States		GermanyRest of the
World		Total
 (in millions)
Long-lived assets:   
October 31, 2021$912 $134 $587 $1,633 
October 31, 2020$727 $126 $538 $1,391 
v3.21.2
Subsequent Events
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events SUBSEQUENT EVENTSegment Reporting Changes. To enable our growth strategies and strengthen our focus on customers, we announced subsequent to year end that we will move our chemistries and supplies business as well as our remarketed instruments business from our Agilent CrossLab business segment to our life sciences and applied markets business segment. In addition we will move our service revenue and cost of sales related to the acquisition of BioTek from our life sciences and applied markets business segment to our Agilent CrossLab business segment. Following this reorganization, Agilent will continue to have three business segments (life sciences and applied markets, diagnostics and genomics and Agilent CrossLab), each of which will continue to comprise a reportable segment. All historical segment numbers for our life sciences and applied markets and Agilent CrossLab segments will be recast to conform to this new reporting structure in our financial statements, beginning with our Form 10-Q filing for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.
v3.21.2
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Column AColumn BColumn CColumn DColumn E
DescriptionBalance at
Beginning
of Period		Additions Charged to
Expenses or
Other Accounts*		Deductions Credited to Expenses or Other Accounts**Balance at
End of
Period
 (in millions)
2021    
Tax valuation allowance$132 $5 $(17)$120 
2020    
Tax valuation allowance$134 $6 $(8)$132 
2019    
Tax valuation allowance$135 $9 $(10)$134 

* Additions include current year additions charged to expenses and current year build due to increases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and other comprehensive income impact to deferred taxes.
** Deductions include current year releases credited to expenses and current year reductions due to decreases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and other comprehensive income impact to deferred taxes.
v3.21.2
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Business Description and Basis of Presentation
Overview.  Agilent Technologies, Inc. ("we", "Agilent" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware in May 1999, is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets, providing application focused solutions that include instruments, software, services and consumables for the entire laboratory workflow.

Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our fiscal year end is October 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.
Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates 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 our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill and purchased intangible assets, inventory valuation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions and accounting for income taxes.
Risk and Uncertainties Risks and Uncertainties. We are subject to risks common to companies in the analytical instrument industry, such as global economic and financial market conditions, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in customer demand, among others.Both our domestic and international operations have been and continue to be affected by the ongoing global pandemic of a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and the resulting volatility and uncertainty it has caused in the U.S. and international markets. The current supply chain disruptions being experienced globally have made it more challenging for companies to manage operations. We cannot provide any assurances that any prolonged material disruptions in the supply chain will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. As of October 31, 2021, our consolidated financial statements have not been materially impacted.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition.  On November 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC 606’’) using the modified retrospective approach only to contracts not completed as of this date. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2019 are presented under ASC 606.

We enter into contracts to sell products, services or combinations of products and services. Products may include hardware or software and services may include one-time service events or services performed over time.

We derive revenue primarily from the sale of analytical and diagnostics products and services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product or service to a customer and is the unit of account under ASC 606. See also Note 4, "Revenue" for additional information on revenue recognition.

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised products or services is transferred to our customers and the performance obligation is fulfilled in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled in exchange for those products or services, the transaction price. For equipment, consumables, and most software licenses, control transfers to the customer at a point in time. We use present right to payment, legal title, physical possession of the asset, and risks and rewards of ownership as indicators to determine the transfer of control to the customer. Where acceptance is not a formality, the customer must have documented their acceptance of the product or service. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate performance obligation, product revenue is recognized when control has passed to the customer, and recognition of installation revenue occurs once completed. Product revenue, including sales to
resellers and distributors is reduced for provisions for warranties, returns, and other adjustments in the period the related sales are recorded.

Service revenue includes extended warranty, customer and software support including: Software as a Service, post contract support, consulting including companion diagnostics, and training and education. Instrument service contracts and software maintenance contracts are typically annual contracts, which are billed at the beginning of the contract or maintenance period. Revenue for these contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis to revenue over the service period, as a time-based measure of progress best reflects our performance in satisfying this obligation. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract, as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. Service calls not included in a support contract are recognized to revenue at the time a service is performed.

We have sales from standalone software. These arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts, both of which we have determined are distinct performance obligations. We determine the amount of the transaction price to allocate to the license and maintenance contract based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Software license revenue is recognized at the point in time when control has been transferred to the customer. The revenue allocated to the software maintenance contract is recognized on a straight-line basis over the maintenance period, which is the contractual term of the contract, as a time-based measure of progress best reflects our performance in satisfying this obligation. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis.

Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of instruments, installation or other start-up services, and/or software, and/or support or services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when control passes to the customer. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. Our arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.

For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the consideration to which we expect to be entitled to each performance obligation based on relative standalone selling prices and recognize the related revenue when or as control of each individual performance obligation is transferred to customers. We estimate the standalone selling price by calculating the average historical selling price of our products and services per country for each performance obligation. Standalone selling prices are determined for each distinct good or service in the contract, and then we allocate the transaction price in proportion to those standalone selling prices by performance obligations.

A portion of our revenue relates to lease arrangements. Standalone lease arrangements are outside the scope of ASC 606 and are therefore accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases beginning in 2020 and ASC 840, Leases for prior periods. Each of these contracts is evaluated as a lease arrangement, either as an operating lease or a sales-type finance lease using the current lease classification guidance.

Deferred Revenue.  Contract liabilities (deferred revenue) primarily relate to multiple element arrangements for which billing has occurred but transfer of control of all elements (performance obligations) to the customer has either partially or not occurred at the balance sheet date. This includes cash received from customers for products and related installation and services in advance of the transfer of control. Contract liabilities are classified as either in current liabilities in deferred revenue or long-term in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on the timing of when we expect to complete our performance obligation.

Sales Taxes.  Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenue.

Shipping and Handling Costs.  Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue, and the associated expense is recorded in cost of products for all periods presented.
Research and Development Research and Development.  Costs related to research, design and development of our products are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.
Advertising Advertising.  Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred and amounted to $63 million in 2021, $48 million in 2020 and $36 million in 2019.
Taxes on Income Taxes on Income.  Income tax expense or benefit is based on income or loss before taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized principally for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. See Note 6, "Income Taxes" for more information.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share Net Income Per Share.  Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income - the numerator - by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding - the denominator - during the period excluding the dilutive effect of stock options and other employee stock plans. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potential common shares outstanding during the period unless the effect is anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. See Note 7, "Net Income Per Share".
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments and Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments.  We classify investments as cash equivalents if their original or remaining maturity is three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

As of October 31, 2021, approximately $1,049 million of our cash and cash equivalents is held outside of the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short-term deposits held at major global financial institutions, institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions and institutional money market funds in which we invest our funds.

We classify equity investments as short-term investments based on their nature and our intent and ability to exit within a year or less. As of October 31, 2021, we had short-term investments of $91 million.

Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheet follows:
October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,484 $1,441 $1,382 
Restricted cash included in other assets6 6 6 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$1,490 $1,447 $1,388 
Accounts Receivable, net Accounts Receivable, net.  Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Such accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on customer specific experience and the aging of such receivables, among other factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 was not material. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are also recorded net of estimated product returns which are not material.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk.  Financial instruments that potentially subject Agilent to significant concentration of credit risk include money market fund investments, equity investments with readily determinable fair value securities, time deposits and demand deposit balances. These investments are categorized as cash and cash equivalents or short-term investments. In addition, Agilent has credit risk from derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities and accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We have a comprehensive credit policy in place and credit exposure is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. Credit evaluations are performed on customers requiring credit over a certain amount, and we sell the majority of our products through our direct sales force. Credit risk is mitigated through collateral such as letter of credit, bank guarantees or payment terms like cash in advance. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of accounts receivable as of October 31, 2021, or 2020.
Inventory Inventory.  Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of market value. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based on estimates about future demand. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from our general ledger, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the remaining term of the lease and machinery and equipment over 3 years to 10 years. We use the straight-line method to depreciate assets.
Capitalized Software Capitalized Software.  We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software. Capitalized software is included in property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over 3 years to 5 years once development is complete.
Leases
Leases.  We determine whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception. Prior to November 1, 2019, for leases where we are the lessee, we accounted for operating lease payments by charging them to expense as incurred. At the beginning of fiscal 2020, the company adopted new lease accounting guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The most significant change requires lessees to record the present value of operating lease payments as right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Where we are the lessee, ROU assets represent the company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Classification of operating lease liabilities as either current or non-current is based on the expected timing of payments due under our obligations. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term and at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. In order to determine the appropriate incremental borrowing rates, we have used a number of factors including the company's credit rating, the lease term and the currency swap rate. The ROU asset also consists of any lease incentives received. The lease terms used to calculate the ROU asset and related lease liability include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for operating leases with an initial term of more than twelve months is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense. We have lease agreements which require payments for lease and non-lease components. We have elected to account for these payments as a single lease component.

A portion of our revenue relates to lease arrangements where Agilent is the lessor. Standalone lease arrangements are outside the scope of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue Contracts with Customers, and are therefore accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases. Each of these contracts is evaluated as a lease arrangement, either as an operating lease or a sales-type finance lease using the current lease classification guidance. In a lease arrangement that is a multiple-element arrangement that contains equipment leases and the supply of consumables, the revenue associated with the instrument rental is treated under the lease accounting standard ASC 842, whereas the revenue associated with the consumables, the non-lease component, is recognized in accordance with the ASC 606 revenue standard.
   See also Note 10, "Leases" for additional information about our leases.
Acquisitions
Acquisitions. Agilent accounts for the acquisition of a business using the acquisition method of accounting, and we allocate the fair value of the purchase price to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired, including in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), based on their estimated fair values. The excess value of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The fair value of IPR&D is initially capitalized as an intangible asset with an indefinite life. When an IPR&D project is completed, the IPR&D is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and amortized to costs of revenues over the asset’s estimated useful life.

Our determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Specifically, our determination of the fair value of the developed product technology and IPR&D acquired
involve significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rates. Our determination of the fair value of customer relationships acquired involved significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, discount rates, and customer attrition rates. Our determination of the fair value of the tradename acquired involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates. The company believes that the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates that marketplace participants would use. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets. We assess our goodwill and purchased intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under the authoritative guidance, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The accounting standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the quantitative test is necessary. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50% chance) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Otherwise, no further testing will be required.

The guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. These include macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity's operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit will be sold or a sustained decrease in the stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers.

If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test on goodwill to identify and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss, if any, is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. We aggregate components of an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units.

In fiscal year 2021, we assessed goodwill impairment for our three reporting units which consisted of three segments: life sciences and applied markets, diagnostics and genomics and Agilent CrossLab. We performed a qualitative test for goodwill impairment of the three reporting units, as of September 30, 2021, our annual impairment test date. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its respective carrying value. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the best estimate of the asset's useful life that reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or used up or a straight-line method ranging from 6 months to 15 years. 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, Agilent will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to Agilent's consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the issued impairment testing guidance for goodwill and allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50% chance) that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. We performed a qualitative test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2021. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets are greater than their respective carrying values. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets is indicated. During the year ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an impairment of in-process research and development of $90 million related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program in our diagnostics and genomics segment. During the year ended October 31, 2021 and 2019 there were no impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. During the year ended October 31, 2021 we recorded an impairment charge of long-lived assets of $2 million. During the year ended October 31, 2020 we recorded an impairment charge of long-lived assets including indefinite-lived in-process research and development of $98 million related to the shutdown of our sequencer development program in our diagnostics and genomics segment. During fiscal year 2019, there were no impairments of other assets or intangible assets.
Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities. We make a determination upon entering into an arrangement whether an entity in which we have made an investment is considered a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”).  We evaluate our investments in privately held companies on an ongoing basis. We have determined that as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no VIEs required to be consolidated in our consolidated financial statements because we do not have a controlling financial interest in any of the VIEs in which we have invested nor are we the primary beneficiary. We account for these investments under either the equity method or as equity investments without readily determinable fair value, depending on the circumstances. We periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs and vice-versa, based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes in contractual arrangements and capital structure.

As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the total carrying value of investments and loans in privately held companies considered as VIEs was $76 million and $67 million respectively. The maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value because we do not have future funding commitments. The investments are included on the long-term investments line and the loans on the other current assets and other assets lines (depending upon tenure of loan) on the consolidated balance sheet.
Investments Investments.  Equity investments without readily determinable fair value consist of non-marketable equity securities (typically investments in privately-held companies). These investments are accounted for using the measurement alternative at cost, and we adjust for impairments and observable price changes (orderly transactions for the identical or a similar security from the same issuer) included in net income as and when it occurs. Equity investments with readily determinable fair value consist of marketable equity securities which were reclassified from non-marketable equity securities following the commencement of public market trading of the issuers and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income. Other investments with readily determinable fair value consist of shares we own in a special fund and are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value included in net income. Trading securities, which are comprised of mutual funds, bonds and other similar instruments and deferred compensation liabilities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in net income. Equity method investments are reported at the amount of the company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividend paid. There are no equity method investments as of October 31, 2021 and 2020. The company assesses investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not be recoverable.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of short-term and long-term equity investments which are readily determinable, and which are not accounted under the equity method are reported at fair value using quoted market prices for those securities when available with gains and losses included in net income. The fair value of long-term equity investments which are not readily determinable, and which are not accounted under the equity method are reported at cost with adjustments for observable changes in prices or impairments included in net income. As of October 31, 2021, the fair value of our senior notes was $2,806 million with a carrying value of $2,729 million. This compares to a fair value of $2,446 million with a carrying value of $2,284 million as of October 31, 2020. The fair value was calculated from quoted prices which are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance. The fair value of foreign currency contracts used for hedging purposes is estimated internally by using inputs tied to active markets. These inputs, for example, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. See also Note 13, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments.
Warranty Warranty.  Our standard warranty terms typically extend for one year from the date of delivery. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost over the period. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time products are sold. See Note 16, "Guarantees".
Employee Compensation and Benefits Employee Compensation and Benefits.  Amounts owed to employees, such as accrued salary, bonuses and vacation benefits are accounted for within employee compensation and benefits. The total amount of accrued vacation benefit was $129 million and $111 million as of October 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans. Substantially all of our employees are covered under various defined benefit and/or defined contribution retirement plans. Additionally, we sponsor post-retirement health care benefits for our eligible U.S. employees. Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and the expense for these plans are derived annually. See Note 15, “Retirement plans and post-retirement pension plans” for additional information.
Retirement of Treasury Shares Retirement of Treasury Shares. Upon the formal retirement of treasury shares, we deduct the par value of the retired treasury shares from common stock and allocate the excess of cost over par as a deduction to additional paid-in capital, based on the pro-rata portion of additional paid-in-capital, and the remaining excess as a deduction to retained earnings. All retired treasury shares revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares.
Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation.  For the years ended 2021, 2020 and 2019, we accounted for share-based awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and performance share awards under Agilent Technologies, Inc. Long-Term Performance Program ("LTPP") using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting. Under the fair value method, we recorded compensation expense for all share-based awards of $111 million in 2021, $84 million in 2020 and $72 million in 2019. See Note 5, "Share-based Compensation" for additional information.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments.  Agilent is exposed to global foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks in the normal course of business. We enter into foreign exchange hedging contracts, primarily forward contracts and purchased options, interest rate swaps and interest rate locks to manage financial exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In the vast majority of cases, these contracts are designated at inception as hedges of the related foreign currency or interest exposures. Foreign currency exposures include committed and anticipated revenue and expense transactions and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. Interest rate exposures are associated with the company's fixed-rate debt. For option contracts, we exclude time value from the measurement of effectiveness. To qualify for hedge accounting, contracts must reduce the foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risk otherwise inherent in the amount and duration of the hedged exposures and comply with established risk management policies. Foreign exchange hedging contracts generally mature within twelve months, interest rate swaps mature at the same time as the maturity of the debt and interest rate locks mature at the same time as the issuance of debt. In order to manage foreign currency exposures in a few limited jurisdictions, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting. In such circumstances, the local foreign currency exposure is offset by contracts owned by the parent company. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders' equity. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)- translation adjustment. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified and recognized in income when either the forecasted transaction occurs or it becomes probable the forecasted transaction will not occur. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and changes in the fair values are recorded in the income statement in the current period. Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. The impact of the ineffectiveness measurement in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was not material. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged or economically hedged item, primarily in operating activities.
Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Translation.  We translate and remeasure balance sheet and income statement items into U.S. dollars. For those subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using monthly exchange rates which approximate to average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.For those subsidiaries that operate in a U.S. dollar functional environment, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are generally remeasured at monthly exchange rates which approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in consolidated net income. Net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including hedging gains and losses, are reported in other income (expense), net and were $4 million loss for 2021, $4 million loss for 2020 and $7 million loss for 2019.
v3.21.2
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheet follows:
October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,484 $1,441 $1,382 
Restricted cash included in other assets6 6 6 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$1,490 $1,447 $1,388 
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of August 23, 2019 (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents$10 
Accounts receivable28 
Inventories21 
Other current assets2 
Property, plant and equipment8 
Intangible assets641 
Goodwill483 
Total assets acquired$1,193 
Accounts payable(4)
Deferred revenue(5)
Employee compensation and benefits(7)
Other accrued liabilities(2)
Long-term debt(4)
Net assets acquired$1,171 
Components of intangible assets acquired
The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the BioTek acquisition were as follows (in millions):

 Fair ValueEstimated
Useful Life
Developed product technology$387 
5-13 years
Customer relationships202 
3-8 years
Backlog5 2 months
Tradenames and trademarks43 10 years
Total intangible assets subject to amortization$637 
In-process research and development4  
Total intangible assets$641  
Proforma operating results
The following represents the unaudited proforma operating results as if BioTek and ACEA had been included in the company's consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2018 (in millions, except per share amounts):

2019
Net revenue$5,308 
Net income$1,012 
Net income per share — basic$3.22 
Net income per share — diluted$3.18 
v3.21.2
REVENUE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents the company’s total revenue and segment revenue disaggregated by geographical region:

Life Sciences and Applied MarketsAgilent CrossLabDiagnostics and GenomicsTotal
(in millions)
Year Ended October 31, 2021:
Americas$951 $758 $695 $2,404 
Europe658 613 417 1,688 
Asia Pacific1,214 829 184 2,227 
Total$2,823 $2,200 $1,296 $6,319 
Year Ended October 31, 2020:
Americas$784 $667 $517 $1,968 
Europe540 532 371 1,443 
Asia Pacific1,068 701 159 1,928 
Total$2,392 $1,900 $1,047 $5,339 
Year Ended October 31, 2019:
Americas$692 $664 $505 $1,861 
Europe551 522 368 1,441 
Asia Pacific1,059 654 148 1,861 
Total$2,302 $1,840 $1,021 $5,163 

The following table presents the company’s total revenue disaggregated by end markets and by revenue type:
Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Revenue by End Markets
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical$2,224 1,754 $1,604 
Chemical and Energy1,328 1,154 1,199 
Diagnostics and Clinical938 787 785 
Food601 517 486 
Academia and Government576 526 474 
Environmental and Forensics652 601 615 
Total$6,319 $5,339 $5,163 
Revenue by Type
Instrumentation$2,657 2,249 $2,150 
Non-instrumentation and other3,662 3,090 3,013 
Total$6,319 $5,339 $5,163 
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability
The following table provides information about contract liabilities (deferred revenue) and the significant changes in the balances during the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2021:

Contract
Liabilities
(in millions)
Ending balance as of October 31, 2019$386 
Net revenue deferred in the period347 
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period(300)
Change in deferrals from customer cash advances, net of revenue recognized9 
Currency translation and other adjustments4 
Ending balance as of October 31, 2020$446 
Net revenue deferred in the period406 
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period(359)
Change in deferrals from customer cash advances, net of revenue recognized24 
Currency translation and other adjustments2 
Ending balance as of October 31,2021$519 
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]  
Allocated Share-based compensation expense disclosure
The impact on our results for share-based compensation was as follows:

Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
(in millions)
Cost of products and services$26 $21 $18 
Research and development12 9 7 
Selling, general and administrative73 54 47 
Total share-based compensation expense$111 $84 $72 
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award fair value assumptions and methodology schedule
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of awards granted.

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
Stock Option Plan:
Weighted average risk-free interest rate0.5%——
Dividend yield0.7%——
Weighted average volatility26%——
Expected life5.5 years——
LTPP:   
Volatility of Agilent shares30%23%22%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares
24%-57%
15%-44%
15%-66%
Pair-wise correlation with selected peers45%29%30%
Post-vest restriction discount for all executive awards6.8%5.3%5.0%
Summary of stock option award activity
The following table summarizes employee stock option award activity of our employees and directors for 2021.

Options
Outstanding 		Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 (in thousands) 
Outstanding at October 31, 2020870 $37 
Granted391 $113 
Exercised(312)$33 
Cancelled(6)$110 
Outstanding at October 31, 2021943 $69 
Schedule of share-based compensation, shares authorized under stock option plans, by exercise price range
The options outstanding and exercisable for equity share-based payment awards at October 31, 2021 were as follows:

 Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices		Number
Outstanding		Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value		Number
Exercisable		Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (in thousands)(in years) (in thousands)(in thousands)(in years) (in thousands)
$25.01 - $30.00
42 1.1$26 $5,582 42 1.1$26 $5,582 
$30.01 - $40.00
105 2.1$39 12,270 105 2.1$39 12,270 
$40.01- $50.00
412 3.0$41 48,075 412 3.0$41 48,075 
$100.00 - $110.00
338 9.0$110 16,115 — — $— — 
$110.01 & over
46 9.6$133 1,115 — — $— — 
943 5.3$69 $83,157 559 2.7$40 $65,927 
Schedule of intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of options granted
The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2021, 2020 and 2019 and the fair value of options granted in 2021:

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value		Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price		Per Share Value Using Black-Scholes Model
 (in thousands) 
Options exercised in fiscal 2019$24,409 $33 
Options exercised in fiscal 2020$30,481 $34 
Options exercised in fiscal 2021$34,305 $33 
Black Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2021$26 
Non-vested award activity disclosure
The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2021 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards.
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Price
 (in thousands) 
Non-vested at October 31, 20202,818 $70 
Granted871 $118 
Vested(1,252)$67 
Forfeited(90)$83 
Change in LTPP shares in the year due to exceeding performance targets172 $67 
Non-vested at October 31, 20212,519 $88 
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Domestic and Foreign Components of Income before Taxes
The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
U.S. operations$876 $54 $189 
Non-U.S. operations484 788 730 
Total income before taxes$1,360 $842 $919 
Provision for income taxes
The provision for income taxes is comprised of:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
U.S. federal taxes:   
Current$122 $5 $(191)
Deferred(1)4 — 
Non-U.S. taxes:   
Current(3)84 290 
Deferred14 24 (267)
State taxes, net of federal benefit:   
Current17 5 4 
Deferred1 1 12 
Total provision (benefit)$150 $123 $(152)
Tax rate reconciliation, U.S. federal statutory rate to effective tax rate from operations
The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Profit before tax times statutory rate$286 $177 $193 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit18 6 16 
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates5 (37)(10)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits(84)(8)(11)
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction(35)(9)— 
Extension of the tax incentive in Singapore— — (299)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation(29)(18)(10)
Other, net(11)12 (31)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$150 $123 $(152)
Effective tax rate11.0 %14.6 %(16.5)%
Significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet are:

 Years Ended October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Deferred Tax Assets
Intangibles$72 $153 
Pension benefits and retiree medical benefits— 65 
Employee benefits, other than retirement43 31 
Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards191 182 
Share-based compensation22 27 
Lease obligations30 35 
Other42 63 
Deferred tax assets$400 $556 
Tax valuation allowance(120)(132)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance$280 $424 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Property, plant and equipment$(11)$(19)
Pension benefits and retiree medical benefits(8)— 
Right-of-use asset(29)(35)
Other(26)(14)
Deferred tax liabilities$(74)$(68)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$206 $356 
The breakdown between long-term deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities was as follows:

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)$309 $380 
Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)(103)(24)
Total$206 $356 
Current and Long Term Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows:
October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)$66 $89 
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)6 6 
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)(47)(63)
Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)(241)(323)
Total$(216)$(291)
Aggregate Changes in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The aggregate changes in the balances of our gross unrecognized tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:

202120202019
 (in millions)
Balance, beginning of year$195 $206 $214 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year6 6 7 
Additions for tax positions from prior years4 — 12 
Reductions for tax positions from prior years— — (2)
Settlements with taxing authorities(30)— — 
Statute of limitations expirations(42)(17)(25)
Balance, end of year$133 $195 $206 
v3.21.2
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below.
 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Numerator:   
Net income$1,210 $719 $1,071 
Denominators:   
Basic weighted average shares304 309 314 
Potential common shares — stock options and other employee stock plans3 3 4 
Diluted weighted average shares307 312 318 
v3.21.2
INVENTORY (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventory
Inventory as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Finished goods$463 $417 
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies367 303 
Inventory$830 $720 
v3.21.2
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of the following:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Land$61 $58 
Buildings and leasehold improvements1,147 1,055 
Machinery and equipment638 579 
Software221 182 
Total property, plant and equipment2,067 1,874 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,122)(1,029)
Property, plant and equipment, net$945 $845 
v3.21.2
LEASES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Lease, Cost
The components of lease cost for operating leases were as follows:
Year Ended October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Operating lease cost$59 $60 
Short-term lease cost2 1 
Variable lease cost (a)
14 14 
Sublease income(13)(14)
Total lease cost$62 61 
(a) Variable lease cost includes cancelable leases, non-fixed maintenance costs and non-recoverable transaction taxes.

Total rent expense was $75 million in 2019.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended October 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases$57 $59 
Non-cash right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations$53 $37 
Lessee Assets and Liabilities
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
October 31,
Financial Statement Line Item20212020
(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)
Assets:
Operating lease:
Right of use assetOther assets$178 $175 
Liabilities:
Current
Operating lease liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities$52 $51 
Long-term
Operating lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities$130 $127 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases7.6 years7.9 years
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases1.9 %2.1 %
Schedule of Future Minimum Rent Payments
Future minimum rents payable as of October 31, 2021 under non-cancelable leases with initial terms exceeding one year reconcile to lease liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
Operating Leases
(in millions)
2022$55 
202344 
202427 
202515 
202610 
Thereafter48 
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments$199 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(17)
Present value of future minimum lease payments$182 
Less: current liabilities(52)
Long-term lease liabilities$130 
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill balances and movements for each reportable segments during the period
The following table presents goodwill balances and the movements for each of our reportable segments during the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2021:
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
 (in millions)
Goodwill as of October 31, 2019$1,438 $1,594 $561 $3,593 
Foreign currency translation impact3 5 1 9 
Goodwill as of October 31, 2020$1,441 $1,599 $562 $3,602 
Foreign currency translation impact5 — 3 8 
Goodwill arising from acquisitions and adjustments— 365 — 365 
Goodwill as of October 31, 2021$1,446 $1,964 $565 $3,975 
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class
The component parts of other intangible assets at October 31, 2020 and 2021 are shown in the table below:
 Other Intangible Assets
 Gross
Carrying
Amount		Accumulated
Amortization		Net Book
Value
 (in millions)
As of October 31, 2020:   
Purchased technology$1,429 $863 $566 
Trademark/Tradename196 117 79 
Customer relationships330 158 172 
Third-party technology and licenses11 7 4 
Total amortizable intangible assets$1,966 $1,145 $821 
In-Process R&D10 — 10 
Total$1,976 $1,145 $831 
As of October 31, 2021:   
Purchased technology$1,742 $972 $770 
Backlog8 3 5 
Trademark/Tradename196 133 63 
Customer relationships357 228 129 
Third-party technology and licenses11 8 3 
Total amortizable intangible assets$2,314 $1,344 $970 
In-Process R&D11 — 11 
Total$2,325 $1,344 $981 
Future Amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter
Future amortization expense related to existing finite-lived purchased intangible assets associated with business combinations for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is estimated below:
Estimated future amortization expense:
(in millions)
2022$191 
2023$143 
2024$121 
2025$96 
2026$66 
Thereafter$353 
v3.21.2
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]  
Investment
The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 (net book value):

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Short-Term
Equity investments - with readily determinable fair value$91 — 
Long-Term  
Equity investments - without readily determinable fair value$120 $103 
Equity investments - with readily determinable fair value31 25 
Trading securities34 30 
Total long-term investments$185 $158 
Gain (Loss) on Securities
Gains and losses reflected in other income (expense), net for our equity investments with RDFV and equity investments without RDFV are summarized below:
Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
( in millions)
Net gain recognized during the period on equity securities$98 $27 $4 
Less: Net gain on equity securities sold during the period(6)— — 
Unrealized gain on equity securities held as of the end of the period$92 $27 $4 
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2021 were as follows:
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in millions)
Assets:    
Short-term    
Cash equivalents (money market funds)$919 $919 $— $— 
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)9 — 9 — 
Short-term investments - Equity securities with RDFV91 83 $8 $— 
Long-term    
Trading securities34 34 — — 
Other investments31 — 31 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$1,084 $1,036 $48 $— 
Liabilities:    
Short-term    
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)$5 $— $5 $— 
Contingent consideration62 — — 62 
Long-term    
Deferred compensation liability34 — 34 — 
Contingent consideration27 — — 27 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$128 $— $39 $89 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2020 were as follows:
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in millions)
Assets:    
Short-term    
Cash equivalents (money market funds)$740 $740 $— $— 
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)2 — 2 — 
Short-term investments - Equity securities with RDFV— — — — 
Long-term    
Trading securities30 30 — — 
Other investments25 — 25 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$797 $770 $27 $— 
Liabilities:   
Short-term    
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)$17 $— $17 $— 
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Long-term    
Deferred compensation liability30 — 30 — 
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$47 $— $47 $— 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
The contingent consideration liability is our only Level 3 asset or liability. A summary of the Level 3 activity follows:

Contingent Consideration
(in millions)
Balance at October 31, 2020$— 
Additions to contingent consideration (including measurement period adjustment)110 
Change in fair value (included within selling, general and administrative expenses)(21)
Balance at October 31, 2021$89 
Impairment of Long-lived assets included in net income
For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the following table summarizes the impairments included in net income for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

 Years Ended
October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Long-lived assets held and used$2 $98 $— 
Long-lived assets held for sale$— $— $— 
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation The aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2021 were as follows:
 Derivatives Designated as
Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives Designated as
Net Investment Hedges		Derivatives
Not
Designated
as Hedging
Instruments
 Forward
Contracts USD		Forward
Contracts USD		Forward
Contracts USD
CurrencyBuy/(Sell)Buy/(Sell)Buy/(Sell)
 (in millions)
Euro$(86)$(93)$65 
British Pound(66)— (3)
Canadian Dollar(53)— (2)
Japanese Yen(87)— (43)
Danish Krone— — 36 
Korean Won(60)— (18)
Singapore Dollar16 — 26 
Swiss Franc— — (10)
Chinese Yuan Renminbi(87)— (37)
Taiwan Dollar— — (17)
Brazilian Real— — (14)
Other4 — (9)
$(419)$(93)$(26)
Gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet The gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
 Fair Value Fair Value
Balance Sheet LocationOctober 31,
2021		October 31,
2020		Balance Sheet LocationOctober 31,
2021		October 31,
2020
(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:     
Cash flow hedges     
Foreign exchange contracts     
Other current assets$6 $— Other accrued liabilities$2 $12 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:     
Foreign exchange contracts     
Other current assets$3 $2 Other accrued liabilities$3 $5 
Total derivatives$9 $2  $5 $17 
Effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts in the consolidated statement of operations
The effects of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated statement of operations were as follows:

Years Ended October 31,
202120202019
 (in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
Cash flow hedges   
Foreign exchange contracts:
Loss on interest rate swaps recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)$— $— $(6)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense$(1)$(1)$(1)
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$2 $(12)$— 
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales$(16)$(1)$9 
Gain on time value of forward contracts recorded in cost of sales$— $2 $2 
Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange contracts:
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - translation adjustment$1 $(5)$— 
Gain on time value of forward contracts recorded in other income (expense)1— — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net $— $(1)$2 
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were comprised of:
 PensionsU.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
 U.S. PlansNon-U.S. Plans
 202120202019202120202019202120202019
 (in millions)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)         
Service cost — benefits earned during the period$— $— $— $22 $24 $20 $1 $1 $— 
Interest cost on benefit obligation14 15 18 8 8 14 2 3 4 
Expected return on plan assets(29)(28)(27)(49)(47)(43)(6)(7)(7)
Amortization of net actuarial loss4 3 1 53 49 34 4 4 4 
Amortization of prior service benefit— — — — — — (1)(7)(8)
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)$(11)$(10)$(8)$34 $34 $25 $— $(6)$(7)
Settlement loss$1 $4 $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss         
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(92)$26 $51 $(114)$20 $104 $(30)$5 $5 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(4)(3)(1)(53)(49)(34)(4)(4)(4)
Amortization of prior service benefit— — — — — — 1 7 8 
Loss due to settlement(1)(4)— — — — — — — 
Foreign currency— — — 5 10 (3)— — — 
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss$(97)$19 $50 $(162)$(19)$67 $(33)$8 $9 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss$(107)$13 $42 $(128)$15 $92 $(33)$2 $2 
Schedule of Funded status of Defined Benefit and Post-Retirement Benefit plans
Funded Status.    As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was:

 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		U.S.
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 202120202021202020212020
 (in millions)
Change in fair value of plan assets:      
Fair value — beginning of year$439 $432 $945 $911 $93 $95 
Actual return on plan assets138 30 160 (2)28 6 
Employer contributions— — 19 32 — — 
Participants' contributions— — 1 1 — — 
Benefits paid(8)(8)(31)(31)(5)(8)
Settlements(18)(15)— — — — 
Currency impact— — (1)34 — — 
Fair value — end of year$551 $439 $1,093 $945 $116 $93 
Change in benefit obligation:      
Benefit obligation — beginning of year$510 $491 $1,094 $1,067 $94 $94 
Service cost— — 22 24 1 1 
Interest cost14 15 8 8 2 3 
Participants' contributions— — 1 1 — — 
Actuarial (gain) loss15 28 2 (19)(8)4 
Benefits paid(8)(9)(31)(31)(5)(8)
Settlements(19)(15)— — — — 
Currency impact— — 4 44 — — 
Benefit obligation — end of year$512 $510 $1,100 $1,094 $84 $94 
Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO$39 $(71)$(7)$(149)$32 $(1)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:      
Other assets$46 $— $160 $123 $32 $— 
Employee compensation and benefits(1)(1)— — — — 
Retirement and post-retirement benefits(6)(70)(167)(272)— (1)
Total net asset (liability)$39 $(71)$(7)$(149)$32 $(1)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarial (gains) losses$36 $134 $149 $311 $(23)$11 
Prior service costs (benefits)— — — — (4)(5)
Total$36 $134 $149 $311 $(27)$6 
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$2 $— $— $— $2 
Equity276 62 — — 214 
Fixed Income271 2 — — 269 
Other Investments2 — — 2 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$551 $64 $— $2 $485 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1 $— $— $— $1 
Equity357 77 — — 280 
Fixed Income79 39 — — 40 
Other Investments2 — — 2 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$439 $116 $— $2 $321 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020.
  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$3 $— $— $— $3 
Equity55 13 — — 42 
Fixed Income57 — — — 57 
Other Investments1 — — 1 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$116 $13 $— $1 $102 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$4 $— $— $— $4 
Equity70 17 — — 53 
Fixed Income18 9 — — 9 
Other Investments1 — — 1 — 
Total assets measured at fair value$93 $26 $— $1 $66 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables present the fair value of non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2021 and 2020:

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2021 Using
 October 31,
2021		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$25 $— $24 $— $1 
Equity557 380 12 — 165 
Fixed Income511 151 242 — 118 
Other Investments— — — — — 
Total assets measured at fair value$1,093 $531 $278 $— $284 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

  Fair Value Measurement
at October 31, 2020 Using
 October 31,
2020		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not Subject to Leveling (1)
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$7 $— $6 $— $1 
Equity504 315 48 — 141 
Fixed Income434 102 238 — 94 
Other Investments— — — — — 
Total assets measured at fair value$945 $417 $292 $— $236 
(1) Investments measured at the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
Defined benefit plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
For U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2021 and 2020:
 Years Ended
October 31.
 20212020
Balance, beginning of year$2 $4 
Realized gains/(losses)1 (3)
Unrealized gains/(losses)— 2 
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements(1)(1)
Transfers in (out)— — 
Balance, end of year$2 $2 
For U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2021 and 2020:
 Years Ended
October 31,
 20212020
Balance, beginning of year$1 $2 
Realized gains/(losses)1 (1)
Unrealized gains/(losses)— 1 
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements(1)(1)
Transfers in (out)— — 
Balance, end of year$1 $1 
Combined projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets
The table below presents the combined projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of plan assets, grouping plans using comparisons of the PBO and ABO relative to the plan assets as of October 31, 2021 or 2020.
 20212020
 Benefit
Obligation		 Benefit
Obligation		 
 Fair Value of
Plan Assets		Fair Value of
Plan Assets
 PBOPBO
 (in millions)
U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets $7 $— $510 $439 
U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO 505 551 — — 
Total$512 $551 $510 $439 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets $691 $524 $697 $425 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO 409 569 397 520 
Total$1,100 $1,093 $1,094 $945 
 ABO ABO 
U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets$7 $— $510 $439 
U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO505 551 — — 
Total$512 $551 $510 $439 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets $668 $524 $675 $425 
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO400 569 387 520 
Total$1,068 $1,093 $1,062 $945 
Schedule of expected benefit payments The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years:
U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		U.S. Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 (in millions)
2022$34 $34 $6 
2023$33 $35 $6 
2024$37 $35 $7 
2025$35 $37 $7 
2026$34 $37 $7 
2027 - 2031$154 $199 $35 
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost and benefit obligation
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost in each year were as follows:

 For years ended October 31,
 202120202019
U.S. defined benefit plans:   
Discount rate2.75%3.25%4.50%
Expected long-term return on assets7.00%7.00%7.00%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:   
Discount rate
0.07-1.54%
0.22-1.81%
0.83-2.68%
Average increase in compensation levels
2.00-3.00%
2.25-3.00%
2.25-3.25%
Expected long-term return on assets
4.00-5.50%
4.00-5.75%
4.00-5.75%
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plans
0.10-0.50%
0.00-0.75%
0.75-0.90%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:   
Discount rate2.50%3.00%4.25%
Expected long-term return on assets7.00%7.00%7.00%
Current medical cost trend rate6.25%6.25%6.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate4.50%4.50%3.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year202920292029

Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:

 As of the Years Ending October 31,
 20212020
U.S. defined benefit plans:  
Discount rate2.75%2.75%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:  
Discount rate
0.29-1.76%
0.07-1.54%
Average increase in compensation levels
2.00-3.50%
2.00-3.00%
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plans
0.30-0.50%
0.10-0.50%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:  
Discount rate2.75%2.50%
Current medical cost trend rate6.00%6.25%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate4.50%4.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year20272029
v3.21.2
GUARANTEES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Guarantees [Abstract]  
Standard Warranty
A summary of the standard warranty accrual activity is shown in the table below.

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Standard warranty accrual, beginning balance$32 $32 
Accruals for warranties including change in estimates52 49 
Settlements made during the period(54)(49)
Standard warranty accrual, ending balance$30 $32 
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability classification
Accruals for warranties due within one year$29 $30 
Accruals for warranties due after one year1 2 
Standard warranty accrual, ending balance$30 $32 
v3.21.2
LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-term debt - Senior Notes
The following table summarizes the company's long-term senior notes:

 October 31, 2021October 31, 2020
 Amortized
Principal		Amortized
Principal
 (in millions)
2022 Senior Notes$— $400 
2023 Senior Notes599 598 
2026 Senior Notes298 298 
2029 Senior Notes494 493 
2030 Senior Notes496 495 
2031 Senior Notes842 — 
Total$2,729 $2,284 
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, net of tax effect:

 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax expense of $(8) and $(6) for 2021 and 2020, respectively
$(185)(194)
Unrealized losses (including prior service benefit) on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $80 and $154 for 2021 and 2020, respectively
(100)(317)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $1 and $6 for 2021 and 2020, respectively
3 (11)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(282)$(522)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component and related tax effects for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs
Foreign currency translationPrior service creditsActuarial LossesUnrealized gains (losses) on derivativesTotal
(in millions)
As of October 31, 2019$(204)$131 $(437)$(4)$(514)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications11 — (66)(12)(67)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (7)61 2 56 
Tax (expense) benefit(1)1 — 3 3 
Other comprehensive income (loss)10 (6)(5)(7)(8)
As of October 31, 2020$(194)$125 $(442)$(11)$(522)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications11 — 228 2 241 
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (1)64 17 80 
Tax expense(2)— (74)(5)(81)
Other comprehensive income (loss)9 (1)218 14 240 
As of October 31, 2021$(185)$124 $(224)$3 $(282)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions):
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income components		Amounts Reclassified
from Other Comprehensive Income		Affected line item in
statement of operations
20212020
Unrealized losses on derivatives$(17)$(2)Cost of products and interest expense
(17)(2)Total before income tax
4 — Benefit for income tax
(13)(2)Total net of income tax
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:
Actuarial net loss(64)(61)Other (income) expense
Prior service benefit1 7 Other (income) expense
(63)(54)Total before income tax
15 16 Benefit for income tax
(48)(38)Total net of income tax
Total reclassifications for the period$(61)$(40)
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]  
Segment profitability
The profitability of each of the segments is measured after excluding items such as asset impairment charges, transformational initiatives, acquisition and integration costs, non-cash amortization of intangible assets related to business combinations, interest income, interest expense, and other items as noted in the reconciliations below.
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
Segments
 (in millions)
Year Ended October 31, 2021:    
Total net revenue$2,823 $1,296 $2,200 $6,319 
Income from operations$722 $273 $618 $1,613 
Depreciation expense$44 $39 $39 $122 
Share-based compensation expense(1)
$45 $22 $39 $106 
Year Ended October 31, 2020:   
Total net revenue$2,392 $1,047 $1,900 $5,339 
Income from operations$548 $192 $516 $1,256 
Depreciation expense$43 $39 $37 $119 
Share-based compensation expense (1)
$35 $17 $29 $81 
Year Ended October 31, 2019:   
Total net revenue$2,302 $1,021 $1,840 $5,163 
Income from operations$542 $185 $475 $1,202 
Depreciation expense$41 $35 $35 $111 
Share-based compensation expense$33 $14 $25 $72 
(1) Share-based compensation expense in 2020 and 2021 excludes amounts not allocated to the segments related to accelerated share-based compensation expense from workforce reduction and from our acquisition of BioTek and Resolution Bioscience.
Reconciliation of segment results to total enterprise results
The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to Agilent's total enterprise income before taxes:
 Years Ended October 31,
 202120202019
 (in millions)
Total reportable segments' income from operations$1,613 $1,256 $1,202 
Amortization of intangible assets related to business combinations(194)(184)(125)
Acquisition and integration costs(41)(41)(48)
Transformational initiatives(37)(53)(44)
Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction(1)(2)— 
Asset impairments(2)(99)— 
Business exit and divestiture costs (5)(2)— 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration21 — — 
NASD site costs— — (12)
Special compliance costs(1)— (2)
Other (1)
(6)(29)(30)
Interest Income2 8 36 
Interest Expense(81)(78)(74)
Other income (expense), net (2)
92 66 16 
Income before taxes, as reported$1,360 $842 $919 

(1) For the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, the other category primarily includes legal costs related to a claim we pursued against Twist Bioscience Corporation in addition to other miscellaneous adjustments.
(2) For the year ended October 31, 2021, other income (expense), net includes net gains on the fair value of equity securities. For the year ended October 31, 2020, other income (expense), net includes the settlement of a legal claim against Twist Bioscience Corporation.
Assets and capital expenditures directly managed by each segment
The following table reflects segment assets and capital expenditures under our management reporting system. Segment assets include allocations of corporate assets, goodwill, net other intangibles and other assets. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, deferred tax assets, right-of use assets and other assets.
Life Sciences and Applied MarketsDiagnostics and GenomicsAgilent CrossLabTotal
Segments
 (in millions)
As of and for the Year Ended October 31, 2021:    
Assets$3,078 $3,320 $1,502 $7,900 
Capital expenditures$45 $100 $43 $188 
As of and for the Year Ended October 31, 2020:    
Assets$3,143 $2,515 $1,375 $7,033 
Capital expenditures$44 $34 $41 $119 


The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
 October 31,
 20212020
 (in millions)
Total reportable segments' assets$7,900 $7,033 
Cash and cash equivalents1,484 1,441 
Short-term investments91 — 
Prepaid expenses91 106 
Long-term investments185 158 
Long-term and other receivables126 114 
Deferred tax assets309 380 
Right of use assets178 175 
Other341 220 
Total assets$10,705 $9,627 

The other category primarily includes overfunded pension plans which are not allocated to the segments.
Revenue and assets by geographic areas
The following table presents summarized information for net revenue by geographic region. Revenues from external customers are generally attributed to countries based upon the customers' location.

United
States
China(1)
Rest of the
World		Total
 (in millions)
Net revenue:    
Year Ended October 31, 2021$2,159 $1,273 $2,887 $6,319 
Year Ended October 31, 2020$1,752 $1,087 $2,500 $5,339 
Year Ended October 31, 2019$1,619 $1,019 $2,525 $5,163 
1.China also includes Hong Kong net revenue.


The following table presents summarized information for long-lived assets by geographic region. Long lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, right-of-use assets, long-term receivables and other long-term assets excluding intangible assets. The rest of the world primarily consists of Asia and the rest of Europe.
United
States		GermanyRest of the
World		Total
 (in millions)
Long-lived assets:   
October 31, 2021$912 $134 $587 $1,633 
October 31, 2020$727 $126 $538 $1,391 
v3.21.2
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
numberOfCustomers
Oct. 31, 2020
USD ($)
numberOfCustomers
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
numberOfCustomers
Oct. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Advertising Expense        
Advertising costs expensed as incurred $ 63 $ 48 $ 36  
Cash and Cash Equivalents        
Cash and cash equivalents 1,484 1,441 1,382  
Restricted Cash 6 6 6  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,490 $ 1,447 $ 1,388 $ 2,254
Accounts Receivable        
Number of customers representing 10 percent or more of accounts receivable. | numberOfCustomers 0 0 0  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets        
Goodwill impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets 0 90 0  
Impairment of finite-lived intangible assets 0 0 0  
Long -Lived Assets        
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 2 98 0  
Variable Interest Entity        
Assets 10,705 9,627    
Fair Value Disclosures        
Equity Method Investments 0 0    
Employee Compensation and Benefits        
Employee compensation and benefits accrued 129 111    
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]        
Share-based compensation expense $ 111 84 72  
Derivative Instruments        
Hedging contracts general maturity 12 months      
Foreign Currency Translation        
Foreign currency translation net gain (Ioss) $ (4) (4) $ (7)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Parent 14 (7)    
Short-term Investments 91 0    
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)        
Foreign Currency Translation        
Long-term Debt, Fair Value $ 2,806 2,446    
Accounts Receivable        
Accounts Receivable        
Number of customers representing 10 percent or more of accounts receivable. | numberOfCustomers 0      
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary        
Variable Interest Entity        
Assets $ 76 $ 67    
Non-US        
Cash and Cash Equivalents        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,049      
Minimum        
Goodwill and Intangible Assets        
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life 6 months      
Minimum | Machinery and Equipment        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 3 years      
Minimum | Software Development        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 3 years      
Maximum        
Goodwill and Intangible Assets        
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life 15 years      
Maximum | Machinery and Equipment        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 10 years      
Maximum | Software Development        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years      
v3.21.2
AQUISITIONS - Resolution Bioscience Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Apr. 15, 2021
Aug. 23, 2019
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration     $ 89 $ 0
Goodwill arising from acquisitions     365 0
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles       $ 0
Diagnostics and Genomics        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill arising from acquisitions     365  
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Recurring        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration $ 110   $ 89  
Resolution Bioscience, Inc.        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Purchase price for acquisition 561      
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High $ 145      
Contingent consideration arrangements does not exceed     3 years 2 months 12 days  
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles     $ 343  
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life     11 years  
Deferred Tax Liability     $ 59  
Net Tangible assets acquired     $ 22  
BioTek        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Purchase price for acquisition   $ 1,170    
Goodwill arising from acquisitions   $ 483    
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS - Text (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Aug. 23, 2019
Nov. 14, 2018
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
ACEA Biosciences, Inc.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Purchase price for acquisition   $ 250      
BioTek          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Purchase price for acquisition $ 1,170        
Cash payment to acquire business 470        
Liability incurred to pay for acquisition $ 700        
Acquisition transaction costs     $ 25 $ 12 $ 4
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS - Assets and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 23, 2019
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Goodwill Additions   $ 365 $ 0
BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10    
Accounts receivables 28    
Inventories 21    
Other current assets 2    
Property, plant, and equipment 8    
Intangible assets 641    
Goodwill Additions 483    
Total assets acquired 1,193    
Accounts payable 4    
Deferred revenue 5    
Employee compensation and benefits 7    
Other accrued liabilities 2    
Long-term debt 4    
Net assets acquired $ 1,171    
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Aug. 23, 2019
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired   $ 2,314 $ 1,966
In-Process R&D   11 10
Total intangible assets acquired - excluding goodwill   2,325 1,976
BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 637    
In-Process R&D 4    
Total intangible assets acquired - excluding goodwill 641    
Developed product technology      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired   1,742 1,429
Developed product technology | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired 387    
Customer relationships      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired   357 $ 330
Customer relationships | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired 202    
Backlog      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired   $ 8  
Backlog | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 5    
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 2 months    
Tradenames and trademarks | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 43    
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 10 years    
Minimum | Developed product technology | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 5 years    
Minimum | Customer relationships | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 3 years    
Maximum | Developed product technology | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 13 years    
Maximum | Customer relationships | BioTek      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 8 years    
v3.21.2
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS - Proforma Operating Results (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Proforma net revenue | $ $ 5,308
Proforma net income | $ $ 1,012
Proforma net income per share - basic | $ / shares $ 3.22
Proforma net income per share - diluted | $ / shares $ 3.18
v3.21.2
REVENUE - Revenue by Region (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,404 1,968 1,861
Europe      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 1,688 1,443 1,441
Asia Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,227 1,928 1,861
Life Sciences and Applied Markets      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,823 2,392 2,302
Life Sciences and Applied Markets | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 951 784 692
Life Sciences and Applied Markets | Europe      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 658 540 551
Life Sciences and Applied Markets | Asia Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 1,214 1,068 1,059
Diagnostics and Genomics      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 1,296 1,047 1,021
Diagnostics and Genomics | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 695 517 505
Diagnostics and Genomics | Europe      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 417 371 368
Diagnostics and Genomics | Asia Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 184 159 148
Agilent CrossLab      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,200 1,900 1,840
Agilent CrossLab | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 758 667 664
Agilent CrossLab | Europe      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 613 532 522
Agilent CrossLab | Asia Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 829 $ 701 $ 654
v3.21.2
REVENUE - Revenue by End Markets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,224 1,754 1,604
Chemical and Energy Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 1,328 1,154 1,199
Diagnostics and Clinical Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 938 787 785
Food Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 601 517 486
Academia and Government Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 576 526 474
Environmental and Forensics Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 652 $ 601 $ 615
v3.21.2
REVENUE - Revenue by Type (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,224 1,754 1,604
Chemical and Energy Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 1,328 1,154 1,199
Diagnostics and Clinical Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 938 787 785
Food Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 601 517 486
Academia and Government Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 576 526 474
Environmental and Forensics Market      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 652 601 615
Instrumentation      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 2,657 2,249 2,150
Non-Instrumentation and Other      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 3,662 $ 3,090 $ 3,013
v3.21.2
REVENUE - Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss $ 197 $ 153
Contract Liability ending balance 446 386
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability 406 347
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized (359) (300)
Contract with Customer, Refund Liability 24 9
Translation Adjustment Functional to Reporting Currency, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) 2 4
Contract Liability ending balance 519 $ 446
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount $ 299  
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION General Disclosures (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Employee stock purchase plan [Abstract]      
Compensation percentage maximum eligible contribution to purchase shares of common stock 10.00%    
ESPP eligible employee common stock purchase price ratio 85.00%    
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the ESPP (in shares) 31,000,000    
Number of shares purchased under ESPP (in shares) 462,237 628,644 603,488
Aggregate Value stock issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan $ 46 $ 41 $ 37
Aggregate participants contributions to ESPP $ 26    
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Common stock available for future awards under the 2018 Stock Plan (in shares) 23,284,195    
Percentage market value of the common stock option exercise price is generally not less than (in hundredths) 100.00%    
Employee Stock Purchase Plan      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Common stock available for future awards under the 2018 Stock Plan (in shares) 25,365,340    
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Percentage which rate options generally vest per year (in hundredths) 25.00%    
Number of years from the date of grant generally vest (in years) 4 years    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period 10 years    
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Percentage which rate options generally vest per year (in hundredths) 25.00%    
Number of years from the date of grant generally vest (in years) 4 years    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period 10 years    
Long-Term Performance Plan      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Number of years from the date of grant generally vest (in years) 3 years    
Long-Term Performance Plan | Minimum      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Percentage which rate options generally vest per year (in hundredths) 0.00%    
Long-Term Performance Plan | Maximum      
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Percentage which rate options generally vest per year (in hundredths) 200.00%    
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Allocated Share-based compensation expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Share-based compensation disclosures      
Share-based compensation expense $ 111 $ 84 $ 72
Cost of Product and Services      
Share-based compensation disclosures      
Share-based compensation expense 26 21 18
Research and Development      
Share-based compensation disclosures      
Share-based compensation expense 12 9 7
Selling, General and Administrative      
Share-based compensation disclosures      
Share-based compensation expense 73 54 $ 47
Inventories      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount      
Share-based compensation expense $ 0 $ 0  
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION-Fair Value Assumptions (Details)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
ESPP eligible employee common stock purchase price ratio   85.00%    
Stock Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate 0.70%      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate 26.00%      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term 5 years 6 months      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate   0.50%    
Long-Term Performance Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Volatility of Agilent shares (in hundreths)   30.00% 23.00% 22.00%
Volatility of peer-company shares -Minimum   24.00% 15.00% 15.00%
Volatility of peer-company shares -Maximum   57.00% 44.00% 66.00%
Pair-wise correlation with selected peers (in hundredths)   45.00% 29.00% 30.00%
LTPP & RSU        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Post-vest restriction discount for all executive awards   6.80% 5.30% 5.00%
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]      
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) 870    
Granted (in shares) 391    
Exercised (in shares) (312)    
Cancelled (in shares) (6)    
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) 943 870  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 69 $ 37  
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 113    
Weighted-average exercise price per share, exercised (in dollars per share) 33 $ 34 $ 33
Weighted-average exercise price per share, cancelled, expired and forfeited (in dollars per shares) $ 110    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value $ 34,305 $ 30,481 $ 24,409
Black Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2021 $ 26    
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Shares Authorized by Exercise Price Range (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Number Outstanding (in shares) 943    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 5 years 3 months 18 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 69    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 83,157,000    
Number Exercisable (in shares) 559    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 2 years 8 months 12 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 40    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options Exercisable $ 65,927,000    
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]      
Closing stock price basis for aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars per share) $ 157.49    
In-the-money awards exercisable (in shares) 600    
Aggregate instrinsic value of options [Abstract]      
Amount of cash received from the exercise of share-based awards granted $ 55,000,000 $ 60,000,000 $ 54,000,000
Range of Exercise Prices - $25.01 - $30.00      
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Minimum price of options outstanding in the period (in dollars per share) $ 25.01    
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share) $ 30.00    
Number Outstanding (in shares) 42    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 1 year 1 month 6 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 26    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 5,582,000    
Number Exercisable (in shares) 42    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 1 year 1 month 6 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 26    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options Exercisable $ 5,582,000    
Range of Exercise Prices - $30.00 - $40.00      
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Minimum price of options outstanding in the period (in dollars per share) $ 30.01    
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share) $ 40.00    
Number Outstanding (in shares) 105    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 2 years 1 month 6 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 39    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 12,270,000    
Number Exercisable (in shares) 105    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 2 years 1 month 6 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 39    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options Exercisable $ 12,270,000    
Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 - $50.00      
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Minimum price of options outstanding in the period (in dollars per share) $ 40.01    
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share) $ 50.00    
Number Outstanding (in shares) 412    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 3 years    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 41    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 48,075,000    
Number Exercisable (in shares) 412    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 3 years    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 41    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options Exercisable $ 48,075,000    
Range of Exercise Prices - $100.00 - $110.00      
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Minimum price of options outstanding in the period (in dollars per share) $ 100.00    
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share) $ 110,000.00    
Number Outstanding (in shares) 338    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 9 years    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 110    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 16,115,000    
Range of Exercise Prices - $110.01 & over      
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]      
Minimum price of options outstanding in the period (in dollars per share) $ 110.01    
Number Outstanding (in shares) 46    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 9 years 7 months 6 days    
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 133    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options outstanding $ 1,115,000    
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option      
Aggregate instrinsic value of options [Abstract]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount $ 5,000,000    
v3.21.2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Non-vested award activity disclosure (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
yr
$ / shares
shares
Oct. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Non-vested beginning (in shares) | shares 2,818    
Granted (in shares) | shares 871    
Vested (in shares) | shares (1,252)    
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (90)    
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions | shares 172    
Non-vested ending (in shares) | shares 2,519 2,818  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]      
Non-vested at October 31, 2019 -Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 70    
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 118    
Vested- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 67    
Foreited- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 83    
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year- Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares 67    
Non-vested at October 31, 2020 -Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 88    
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for non-vested restricted stock awards, net of expected forfeitures | $ $ 106    
Weighted-average period non-vested restricted stock awards are expected to be amortized over (in years) | yr 2.2    
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested | $ $ 84 $ 85 $ 69
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES- Provision (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Income before income tax      
U.S. operations $ 876 $ 54 $ 189
Non-U.S. operations 484 788 730
Income before taxes 1,360 842 919
Provision (benefit) for income taxes      
U.S. federal taxes - current 122 5 (191)
U.S. federal taxes - deferred (1) 4 0
Non-U.S. taxes - current (3) 84 290
Non-U.S. taxes - deferred 14 24 (267)
State taxes, net of federal benefit - current 17 5 4
State taxes, net of federal benefit - deferred 1 1 12
Income tax expense (benefit) 150 123 (152)
Statute of limitations expirations 42 $ 17 $ 25
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount $ 93    
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES Effective tax rate and tax holidays (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation      
Profit before tax times statutory rate $ 286 $ 177 $ 193
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 18 6 16
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates 5 (37) (10)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) (84) (8) (11)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (35) (9) 0
Extension of the tax incentive in Singapore 0 0 (299)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (29) (18) (10)
Adjustments to earnings of foreign subsidiaries (11) 12 (31)
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 150 $ 123 $ (152)
Effective tax rate (in hundredths) 11.00% 14.60% (16.50%)
Deferred Tax Liability, Intra-entity Transfer, Asset Other than Inventory     $ 231
Tax Holidays [Abstract]      
Impact of the income tax holidays $ 35 $ 71 $ 368
Benefit of income tax holidays on net income per share $ 0.11 $ 0.23 $ 1.16
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount $ 93    
Foreign      
Tax Holidays [Abstract]      
Benefit of income tax holidays on net income per share     $ 0.94
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes and other (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Components of Deferred Tax Assets    
Intangibles $ 72 $ 153
Pension benefits and retiree medical benefits 0 65
Employee benefits, other than retirement 43 31
Net operating loss, capital loss and credit carryforwards 191 182
Share-based compensation 22 27
Deferred tax assets - lease obligations 30 35
Other 42 63
Subtotal 400 556
Tax valuation allowance (120) (132)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance 280 424
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities    
Property, plant and equipment (11) (19)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals (8) 0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements (29) (35)
Other (26) (14)
Subtotal (74) (68)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net 206 356
Long Term Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]    
Long-term deferred tax assets ( included within other assets) 280 424
Deferred Tax Assets, Net 206 356
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]    
Components of Deferred Tax Assets    
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance 309 380
Long Term Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]    
Long-term deferred tax assets ( included within other assets) 309 380
Other Noncurrent Liabilities    
Long Term Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]    
Long-term deferred tax liabilities ( included within other long-term liabilities) $ 103 $ 24
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES - Carryforwards (Details)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Net Operating loss carryforwards  
Federal net operating loss carryforwards $ 46
State net operating loss carryforwards 461
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 484
Foreign  
Net Operating loss carryforwards  
Net operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration 15
Net operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration 469
Capital Loss Carryforward  
Capital loss carryforwards 127
Domestic  
Capital Loss Carryforward  
Capital loss carryforwards 22
State  
Tax Credit Carryforwards  
Tax credit carryforwards $ 82
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES - Current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets) $ 66 $ 89
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets) 6 6
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities) 47 63
Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities) 241 323
Total $ 216 $ 291
v3.21.2
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES - Uncertain Tax Positions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward      
Balance, beginning of year $ 195 $ 206 $ 214
Additions for tax positions related to the current year 6 6 7
Additions for tax positions from prior years 4 0 12
Reductions for tax positions from prior years 0 0 2
Settlements with taxing authorities (30) 0 0
Statute of limitations expirations 42 17 25
Balance, end of year 133 195 206
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract]      
Unrecognized tax benefit including interest and penalties 159    
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 136    
Unrecognized tax benefits that would not impact the effective tax rate 23    
Interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued and reported 26 45  
Tax Interest and Penalties      
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract]      
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense $ (19) $ 8 $ 9
v3.21.2
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Numerator:      
Net income $ 1,210 $ 719 $ 1,071
Denominator:      
Basic weighted average shares 304.0 309.0 314.0
Potential common shares - stock options and other employeee stock plans 3.0 3.0 4.0
Diluted weighted average shares 307.0 312.0 318.0
Share-based awards issued      
Total number of share-based awards issued (in shares) 2.1 2.4 1.8
v3.21.2
INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Inventory [Line Items]      
Finished goods $ 463 $ 417  
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies 367 303  
Inventory 830 720  
Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges $ 29 $ 28 $ 19
v3.21.2
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Land $ 61 $ 58  
Buildings and leasehold improvements 1,147 1,055  
Machinery and equipment 638 579  
Software 221 182  
Total property, plant and equipment 2,067 1,874  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,122) (1,029)  
Property, plant and equipment, net 945 845  
Asset impairment charges 2 6 $ 0
Depreciation expense 122 119 $ 111
Fully depreciated assets no longer in use retired $ 35 $ 29  
v3.21.2
LEASES - Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating Lease, Cost $ 59 $ 60  
Short-term Lease, Cost 2 1  
Variable Lease, Cost 14 14  
Sublease Income (13) (14)  
Total Lease, Cost $ 62 $ 61  
Total rent expense     $ 75
v3.21.2
LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating cash flow from operating leases $ 57 $ 59
Non-cash right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations $ 53 $ 37
v3.21.2
LEASES - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Right-of-use asset $ 178 $ 175
Operating lease liabilities - Current 52 51
Operating lease liabilities - Long-term $ 130 $ 127
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term 7 years 7 months 6 days 7 years 10 months 24 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent 1.90% 2.10%
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Assets Other Assets
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
v3.21.2
LEASES - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Future Minimum Lease Payment Due    
2022 $ 55  
2023 44  
2024 27  
2025 15  
2026 10  
Thereafter 48  
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments 199  
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest (17)  
Less: Current liabilities (52) $ (51)
Long-term lease liabilities 130 $ 127
Other accrued and long-term liabilities [Member]    
Future Minimum Lease Payment Due    
Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 182  
v3.21.2
LEASES - Textual (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]    
operating leased assets - original cost $ 38 $ 43
Operating leased assets net book value 7 12
Sales-type Lease, Lease Receivable $ 48 $ 44
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Roll forward (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Goodwill - Rollforward    
Beginning Balance $ 3,602 $ 3,593
Foreign currency translation impact 8 9
Goodwill arising from acquisitions 365 0
Ending Balance 3,975 3,602
Life Sciences and Applied Markets    
Goodwill - Rollforward    
Beginning Balance 1,441 1,438
Foreign currency translation impact 5 3
Goodwill arising from acquisitions 0  
Ending Balance 1,446 1,441
Diagnostics and Genomics    
Goodwill - Rollforward    
Beginning Balance 1,599 1,594
Foreign currency translation impact 0 5
Goodwill arising from acquisitions 365  
Ending Balance 1,964 1,599
Agilent CrossLab    
Goodwill - Rollforward    
Beginning Balance 562 561
Foreign currency translation impact 3 1
Goodwill arising from acquisitions 0  
Ending Balance $ 565 $ 562
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Disclosures and Components of Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 2,314 $ 1,966
Accumulated Amortization 1,344 1,145
Other intangible assets, net 981 831
Total amortizable intangible assets 970 821
Gross Book Value 2,325 1,976
In-Process R&D 11 10
Purchased technology    
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 1,742 1,429
Accumulated Amortization 972 863
Other intangible assets, net 770 566
Backlog    
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 8  
Accumulated Amortization 3  
Other intangible assets, net 5  
Trademark/Tradename    
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 196 196
Accumulated Amortization 133 117
Other intangible assets, net 63 79
Customer Relationships    
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 357 330
Accumulated Amortization 228 158
Other intangible assets, net 129 172
Third-Party Technology and Licenses [Member]    
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 11 11
Accumulated Amortization 8 7
Other intangible assets, net $ 3 $ 4
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Text (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill)      
Goodwill Additions $ 365 $ 0  
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles   0  
Foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets 2    
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract]      
Goodwill impairment 0 0 $ 0
Impairment of finite-lived intangible assets 0 0 0
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets 0 90 $ 0
Business Acquisition      
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets   17  
Diagnostics and Genomics      
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill)      
Goodwill Additions 365    
Life Sciences and Applied Markets      
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill)      
Goodwill Additions 0    
Purchased technology      
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill)      
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles   $ 15  
Resolution Bioscience, Inc.      
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill)      
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles $ 343    
Business Acquisition      
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 11 years    
v3.21.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Amortization Expense and Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Future Amortization Expense Schedule      
2022 $ 191    
2023 143    
2024 121    
2025 96    
2026 66    
Thereafter 353    
Amortization Expense      
Amortization of intangible assets during the period $ 195 $ 186 $ 128
v3.21.2
INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Nov. 01, 2018
Long-Term [Abstract]        
Short-term Investments $ 91 $ 0    
Equity investments - without readily determinable fair value 120 103    
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Noncurrent 31 25    
Trading securities 34 30    
Long-term investments 185 158    
Amounts included in other income (expense), net [Abstract]        
Net unrealized gains on our equity securities with RDFV 92 27 $ 4  
Retained earnings 348 81    
Net gain on equity securities 98 27 4  
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss) (6) 0 0  
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Upward Price Adjustment, Annual Amount 17 27 1  
Trading, Unrealized Gain (Loss) $ 8 $ 2 $ 3  
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01        
Long-Term [Abstract]        
Long-term investments       $ 7
Amounts included in other income (expense), net [Abstract]        
Retained earnings       $ 5
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Contingent Consideration (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Apr. 15, 2021
USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value $ 89 $ 0    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 110      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease) (21) 0 $ 0  
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Current Liabilities        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 62 0    
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Noncurrent Liabilities        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 27 0    
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Recurring        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 89     $ 110
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Recurring | Other Current Liabilities        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 62 0    
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Recurring | Other Noncurrent Liabilities        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value $ 27 $ 0    
Resolution Bioscience, Inc.        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration arrangements does not exceed 3 years 2 months 12 days      
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High       $ 145
Measurement Input, Asset Volatility        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input 0.558      
Maximum | Measurement Input, Revenue Volatility        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input 0.143      
Minimum | Measurement Input, Revenue Volatility        
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]        
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input 0.121      
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Apr. 15, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]      
Short-term Investments $ 91   $ 0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Trading securities 34   30
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 0   0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 89   0
Fair Value, Recurring      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 1,084   797
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure 128   47
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Current Liabilities      
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]      
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 5   17
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 62   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Noncurrent Liabilities      
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Deferred compensation liability 34   30
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 27   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Current Assets [Member]      
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]      
Cash equivalents (money market funds) 919   740
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 9   2
Short-term Investments 91   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Trading securities 34   30
Other investments 31   25
Fair Value, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 1,036   770
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Current Liabilities      
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]      
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 0   0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Noncurrent Liabilities      
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Deferred compensation liability 0   0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Current Assets [Member]      
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]      
Cash equivalents (money market funds) 919   740
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 0   0
Short-term Investments 83   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Trading securities 34   30
Other investments 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 48   27
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure 39   47
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Current Liabilities      
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]      
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 5   17
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Noncurrent Liabilities      
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Deferred compensation liability 34   30
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Current Assets [Member]      
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]      
Cash equivalents (money market funds) 0   0
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 9   2
Short-term Investments 8   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Trading securities 0   0
Other investments 31   25
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 0   0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 89 $ 110  
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure     0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Current Liabilities      
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]      
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 0   0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 62   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Noncurrent Liabilities      
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]      
Deferred compensation liability 0   0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 27   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Current Assets [Member]      
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]      
Cash equivalents (money market funds) 0   0
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 0   0
Short-term Investments 0   0
Fair Value, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]      
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]      
Trading securities 0   0
Other investments $ 0   $ 0
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS - Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on non recurring (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Carrying value of long-lived asset $ 2 $ 98  
Long-lived assets held for use impairment 2 98 $ 0
Fair value of assets, nonrecurring 0 0  
Long lived assets held for sale Impairment 0 0 0
Impairments in non-marketable securities without readily determinable fair value 0 0  
Carrying amount of non-marketable equity securities without readily determinable fair values 120 103  
Net unrealized gains on our equity securities with RDFV $ 92 $ 27 $ 4
v3.21.2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Non marketable securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]      
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Upward Price Adjustment, Annual Amount $ 17 $ 27 $ 1
Equity investments - without readily determinable fair value 120 103  
Impairments in non-marketable securities without readily determinable fair value $ 0 $ 0  
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Apr. 05, 2021
Jan. 21, 2021
Sep. 06, 2019
Sep. 15, 2016
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Aug. 01, 2019
Feb. 01, 2016
Jul. 01, 2012
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]                    
Interest rate swap payments         $ 0 $ 0 $ 6      
Aggregate fair value , net liability position         3          
Senior Notes 2022 | Treasury Lock                    
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]                    
Derivative, Notional Amount                   $ 400
Senior Notes 2026 | Treasury Lock | Cash Flow Hedges                    
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]                    
Derivative, Notional Amount                 $ 300  
Interest rate swap payments       $ 10            
Remaining gain loss to be amortized on derivative         5          
Senior Notes 2029 | Treasury Lock                    
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]                    
Derivative, Notional Amount               $ 250    
Interest rate swap payments     $ 6              
Remaining gain loss to be amortized on derivative         $ 5          
Senior Notes 2022                    
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]                    
Repayments of senior debt $ 300 $ 100                
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES, Disclosures and derivative instrument aggregated notional amounts by currency and designations (Details) - Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell)
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
contracts
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held | contracts 264
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Buy | Singapore, Dollars  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (16,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Buy | Other Currency  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (4,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (419,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | Euro  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (86,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | British Pounds  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (66,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | Canadian Dollars  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (53,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | Japanese Yen  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (87,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | Korean Won  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (60,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Sell | China, Yuan Renminbi  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (87,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedging  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held 9
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedging | Sell  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (93,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedging | Sell | Euro  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (93,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held | contracts 181
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Euro  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (65,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Danish Krone  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (36,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Singapore, Dollars  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (26,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (26,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | British Pounds  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (3,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Canadian Dollars  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (2,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Japanese Yen  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (43,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Korean Won  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (18,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Swiss Franc  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (10,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | China, Yuan Renminbi  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (37,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Taiwan, New Dollars  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (17,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Other Currency  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount (9,000,000)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Brazil, Brazil Real  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, Notional Amount $ (14,000,000)
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES, Fair value of derivative instruments and Consolidated Balance Sheet location (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value $ 9 $ 2
Derivative Liability, Fair Value 5 17
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Assets [Member]    
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value 3 2
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accrued Liabilities [Member]    
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value 3 5
Cash Flow Hedges | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Assets [Member]    
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value 6 0
Cash Flow Hedges | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accrued Liabilities [Member]    
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value $ 2 $ 12
v3.21.2
DERIVATIVES, Effect of derivative instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]      
Gain(loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales $ 17 $ 2  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 2 (12)  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other income (expense) [Member]      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net within continuing operations 0 (1) $ 2
Cash Flow Hedges      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months 2    
Cash Flow Hedges | Cost of Sales [Member]      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months 5    
Cash Flow Hedges | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 0 0 (6)
Cash Flow Hedges | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net (1) (1) (1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 2 (12) 0
Cash Flow Hedges | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Cost of Sales [Member]      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Gain(loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales (16) (1) 9
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net within continuing operations 0 2 2
Net Investment Hedging | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 1 (5) 0
Net Investment Hedging | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Operating Income (Expense)      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net within continuing operations $ 1 $ 0 $ 0
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIEMENT PENSION PLANS - Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (Details) - Deferred Profit Sharing - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Plan Assets $ 136 $ 123
Projected Benefit Obligation $ 136 $ 123
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS Defined Contribution (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Maximum employer matching contribution in the 401(k) plan (in hundredths) 6.00%    
Maximum employee contribution to 401(k) 50.00%    
401(k) Plan employer expense $ 43 $ 41 $ 39
401(k) Additional company contribution      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Transitional company contribution to employee 401(k) 4.00%    
401(k) Additional company contribution | 3 Percent      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Transitional company contribution to employee 401(k) 3.00%    
401(k) Additional company contribution | 5 Percent      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Transitional company contribution to employee 401(k) 5.00%    
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Components of Net Periodic Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]      
Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (228) $ 66  
Amortization of net actuarial loss (64) (61)  
Prior service cost (benefit) 0 0  
Amortization of prior service benefit 1 (7)  
Foreign currency (11)    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan      
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period 0 0 $ 0
Interest cost on benefit obligation 14 15 18
Expected return on plan assets (29) (28) (27)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 4 3 1
Amortization of prior service benefit 0 0 0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) (11) (10) (8)
Curtaliment and settlement (1) (4) 0
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]      
Net actuarial (gain) loss (92) 26 51
Amortization of net actuarial loss (4) (3) (1)
Amortization of prior service benefit 0 0 0
Loss due to settlement 1 4 0
Foreign currency 0 0 0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (97) 19 50
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss (107) 13 42
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans      
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period 22 24 20
Interest cost on benefit obligation 8 8 14
Expected return on plan assets (49) (47) (43)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 53 49 34
Amortization of prior service benefit 0 0 0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) 34 34 25
Curtaliment and settlement 0 0 0
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]      
Net actuarial (gain) loss (114) 20 104
Amortization of net actuarial loss (53) (49) (34)
Amortization of prior service benefit 0 0 0
Loss due to settlement 0 0 0
Foreign currency 5 10 (3)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (162) (19) 67
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss (128) 15 92
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan      
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period 1 1 0
Interest cost on benefit obligation 2 3 4
Expected return on plan assets (6) (7) (7)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 4 4 4
Amortization of prior service benefit (1) (7) (8)
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) 0 (6) (7)
Curtaliment and settlement 0 0 0
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]      
Net actuarial (gain) loss (30) 5 5
Amortization of net actuarial loss (4) (4) (4)
Amortization of prior service benefit (1) (7) (8)
Loss due to settlement 0 0 0
Foreign currency 0 0 0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (33) 8 9
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss $ (33) $ 2 $ 2
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]      
Actuarial gain (loss) $ (9) $ (13)  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan      
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value Balance, beginning of year 945 911  
Actual return on plan assets 160 (2)  
Employer contributions 19 32  
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant 1 1  
Benefits paid 31 31  
Settlements 0 0  
Currency impact (1) 34  
Fair Value Balance, end of year 1,093 945 $ 911
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]      
Benefit Obligation Balance, Beginning of year 1,094 1,067  
Service cost 22 24 20
Interest cost 8 8 14
Participant's contributions 1 1  
Actuarial gain (loss) 2 (19)  
Benefits paid 31 31  
Settlement 0 0  
Currency impact 4 44  
Benefit Obligation Balance, end of year 1,100 1,094 1,067
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan (7) (149)  
Actuarial (gains) losses 149 311  
Prior service costs (benefits) 0 0  
Total 149 311  
U.S. Plan | Pension Plan      
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value Balance, beginning of year 439 432  
Actual return on plan assets 138 30  
Employer contributions 0 0  
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant 0 0  
Benefits paid 8 8  
Settlements (18) (15)  
Currency impact 0 0  
Fair Value Balance, end of year 551 439 432
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]      
Benefit Obligation Balance, Beginning of year 510 491  
Service cost 0 0 0
Interest cost 14 15 18
Participant's contributions 0 0  
Actuarial gain (loss) 15 28  
Benefits paid 8 9  
Settlement (19) (15)  
Currency impact 0 0  
Benefit Obligation Balance, end of year 512 510 491
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 39 (71)  
Actuarial (gains) losses 36 134  
Prior service costs (benefits) 0 0  
Total 36 134  
U.S. Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plan      
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value Balance, beginning of year 93 95  
Actual return on plan assets 28 6  
Employer contributions 0 0  
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant 0 0  
Benefits paid 5 8  
Settlements 0 0  
Currency impact 0 0  
Fair Value Balance, end of year 116 93 95
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]      
Benefit Obligation Balance, Beginning of year 94 94  
Service cost 1 1 0
Interest cost 2 3 4
Participant's contributions 0 0  
Actuarial gain (loss) (8) 4  
Benefits paid 5 8  
Settlement 0 0  
Currency impact 0 0  
Benefit Obligation Balance, end of year 84 94 $ 94
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 32 (1)  
Actuarial (gains) losses (23) 11  
Prior service costs (benefits) (4) (5)  
Total (27) 6  
Other Assets | Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 160 123  
Other Assets | U.S. Plan | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 46 0  
Other Assets | U.S. Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 32 0  
Employee compensation and benefits [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 0 0  
Employee compensation and benefits [Member] | U.S. Plan | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan (1) (1)  
Employee compensation and benefits [Member] | U.S. Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan 0 0  
Retirement and post-retirement benefits | Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan (167) (272)  
Retirement and post-retirement benefits | U.S. Plan | Pension Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan (6) (70)  
Retirement and post-retirement benefits | U.S. Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plan      
Funded status of plan [Abstract]      
Funded status of plan $ 0 $ (1)  
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Financial Statement Location (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]    
Actuarial gain (loss) $ (9) $ (13)
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan (7) (149)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]    
Actuarial (gains) losses 149 311
Prior service costs (benefits) 0 0
Total 149 311
Actuarial gain (loss) 2 (19)
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Other Assets    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 160 123
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Employee compensation and benefits [Member]    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 0 0
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Retirement and post-retirement benefits    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan (167) (272)
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 39 (71)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]    
Actuarial (gains) losses 36 134
Prior service costs (benefits) 0 0
Total 36 134
Actuarial gain (loss) 15 28
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Other Assets    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 46 0
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Employee compensation and benefits [Member]    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan (1) (1)
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Retirement and post-retirement benefits    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan (6) (70)
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 32 (1)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]    
Actuarial (gains) losses (23) 11
Prior service costs (benefits) (4) (5)
Total (27) 6
Actuarial gain (loss) (8) 4
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Other Assets    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 32 0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Employee compensation and benefits [Member]    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan 0 0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Retirement and post-retirement benefits    
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet    
Funded status of plan $ 0 $ (1)
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS , Target Allocations (Details)
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
U.S. Plan | Deferred Profit Sharing | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 60.00% 60.00%
U.S. Plan | Deferred Profit Sharing | Fixed Income Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 40.00% 40.00%
U.S. Plan | Pension Plan | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 50.00% 80.00%
U.S. Plan | Pension Plan | Fixed Income Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 50.00% 20.00%
U.S. Plan | Pension Plan | Other Investments    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments 1.00% 1.00%
U.S. Plan | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 50.00% 80.00%
U.S. Plan | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan | Fixed Income Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 50.00% 20.00%
U.S. Plan | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan | Other Investments    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments 1.00% 1.00%
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Minimum | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 15.00%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Minimum | Fixed Income Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 38.00%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Minimum | Real Estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 0.00%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Maximum | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 60.00%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Maximum | Fixed Income Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 85.00%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Maximum | Real Estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets 25.00%  
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan      
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets $ 7 $ 510  
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plan with benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. 0 439  
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit obligation where Fair Value exceeds Pension benefit obligation 505 0  
Fair Value of plan assets where fair value exceeds pension benefit obligation 551 0  
Benefit Obligation 512 510 $ 491
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation 7 510  
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets 0 439  
Accumulated Benefit Obligation where Fair Value of plan Assets exceeds ABO 505 0  
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plan where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO. 551 0  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year 0    
Fair Value of Plan Assets 551 439 432
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 485 321  
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan 551    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 2 1  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 2 1  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input   280  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 276 357  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 214    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 271 79  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 269 40  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 2 2  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets   116  
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan 64    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 62 77  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 2 39  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of year 2 4  
Realized gains/(losses) 1 (3)  
Unrealized gains/(losses) 0 2  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (1) (1)  
Transfers in (out) 0 0  
Balance, end of year 2 2  
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets   2  
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan 2    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets   0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 2 2  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets   0  
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan 0    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets   0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0    
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans      
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets 691 697  
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plan with benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. 524 425  
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]      
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation 1,100 1,094  
Defined Benefit obligation where Fair Value exceeds Pension benefit obligation 409 397  
Fair Value of plan assets where fair value exceeds pension benefit obligation 569 520  
Benefit Obligation 1,100 1,094 1,067
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation 668 675  
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation 1,068 1,062  
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets 524 425  
Accumulated Benefit Obligation where Fair Value of plan Assets exceeds ABO 400 387  
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plan where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO. 569 520  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year 19    
Fair Value of Plan Assets 1,093 945 911
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 284 236  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 25 7  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 1 1  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 557 504  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 165 141  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 511 434  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 118 94  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 531 417  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 380 315  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 151 102  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 278 292  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 24 6  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 12 48  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 242 238  
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan      
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]      
Benefit Obligation 84 94 94
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 116 93 $ 95
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 102 66  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 3 4  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 3 4  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 55 70  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 42 53  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 57 18  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 57 9  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 1 1  
Net asset value excluded from fair value by input 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 13 26  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 13 17  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 9  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of year 1 2  
Realized gains/(losses) 1 (1)  
Unrealized gains/(losses) 0 1  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (1) (1)  
Transfers in (out) 0 0  
Balance, end of year 1 1  
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 1 1  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 1 1  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Equity Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income Securities      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets 0 0  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other Investments      
Accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets      
Fair Value of Plan Assets $ 0 $ 0  
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Expected Benefit Payments (Details)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Pension Plan | U.S. Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year $ 0
Future benefit payments [Abstract]  
2022 34
2023 33
2024 37
2025 35
2026 34
2027 - 2031 154
Pension Plan | Non-U.S. Plans  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year 19
Future benefit payments [Abstract]  
2022 34
2023 35
2024 35
2025 37
2026 37
2027 - 2031 199
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan | U.S. Plan  
Future benefit payments [Abstract]  
2022 6
2023 6
2024 7
2025 7
2026 7
2027 - 2031 35
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan | U.S. Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year $ 0
v3.21.2
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Assumptions (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
U.S. Plan | Pension Plan      
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 2.75% 3.25% 4.50%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths) 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 2.75% 2.75%  
U.S. Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plan      
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 2.50% 3.00% 4.25%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths) 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Current medical cost trend rate 6.25% 6.25% 6.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate 4.50% 4.50% 3.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year 2029 2029 2029
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 2.75% 2.50%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year 6.00% 6.25%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate 4.50% 4.50%  
defined benefit plan, year health care cost trend rate reaches ultimate trend 2027    
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Minimum      
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 0.07% 0.22% 0.83%
Average increase in compensation levels (in hundredths) 2.00% 2.25% 2.25%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths) 4.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate 0.10% 0.00% 0.75%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 0.29% 0.07%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase 2.00% 2.00%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate 0.30% 0.10%  
Non-U.S. Plans | Pension Plan | Maximum      
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 1.54% 1.81% 2.68%
Average increase in compensation levels (in hundredths) 3.00% 3.00% 3.25%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths) 5.50% 5.75% 5.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate 0.50% 0.75% 0.90%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 1.76% 1.54%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50% 3.00%  
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate 0.50% 0.50%  
v3.21.2
GUARANTEES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Summary of standard warranty accrual activity    
Beginning balance $ 32 $ 32
Accruals for warranties including change in estimates 52 49
Settlements made during the period (54) (49)
Ending balance 30 32
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]    
Accruals for warranties due within one year 29 30
Accruals for warranties due after one year 1 2
Bank Guarantees $ 46 $ 43
v3.21.2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Other Purchase Commitments $ 83
Penalty reduce over period of time  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Other Purchase Commitments $ 22
v3.21.2
SHORT-TERM DEBT - Credit Facility and Commercial Paper (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Mar. 13, 2019
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Jun. 18, 2021
Apr. 21, 2021
May 26, 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]              
Short-term Debt   $ 0 $ 798 $ 805      
Repayments   $ 0 1,413 $ 702      
5 yr unsecured credit facility | Line of Credit              
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]              
Credit facility initiation date Mar. 13, 2019            
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,000         $ 1,350  
Short-term debt terms (years)   five          
Line of credit facility expiration date Mar. 13, 2024            
Outstanding balance   $ 0 0        
Additional Incremental Term Loan Facility | Line of Credit              
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]              
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 500         $ 500  
Outstanding balance   0 0        
Commercial Paper | Line of Credit              
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]              
Maximum borrowing capacity         $ 1,350   $ 1,000
Outstanding balance   $ 0 $ 75        
v3.21.2
SHORT-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 17, 2019
Aug. 09, 2011
Jul. 13, 2010
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Early Repayment of Senior Debt       $ 417 $ 0 $ 0
Senior Notes 2020            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Issuance date of debt     Jul. 13, 2010      
Debt Instrument, Face Amount     $ 500      
Percentage Of Face Amount Of Senior Note Instrument Issued     99.54%      
Maturity date     Jul. 15, 2020      
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)     5.00%      
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Sep. 17, 2019          
Early Repayment of Senior Debt $ 500          
Early repayment of senior notes including prepayment penalty 512          
Early repayment of senior notes prepayment penalty 12          
accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain 4          
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts 1          
Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest $ 4          
Senior Notes 2020            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Interest Rate Derivatives Terminated Date   August 9, 2011        
Notional Amount Of Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivatives   $ 500        
Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivative Assets At Fair Value   $ 34        
v3.21.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Carrying Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal $ 2,729 $ 2,284
Senior Notes 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal 0 400
Senior Notes 2023 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal 599 598
Senior Notes 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal 298 298
Senior Notes 2029    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal 494 493
Senior Notes 2030 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal 496 495
Senior Notes 2031    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Senior Notes Amortized principal $ 842 $ 0
v3.21.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Apr. 05, 2021
Mar. 12, 2021
Jan. 21, 2021
Jun. 04, 2020
Sep. 16, 2019
Sep. 22, 2016
Jun. 21, 2013
Sep. 13, 2012
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Aug. 01, 2019
Sep. 15, 2016
Feb. 01, 2016
Jul. 01, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Loss on extinguishment of debt                 $ 17 $ 0 $ 9        
Early Repayment of Senior Debt                 417 $ 0 $ 0        
Senior Notes 2022                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt               Sep. 13, 2012              
Aggregate face amount of debt               $ 400              
Issue rate percentage of principal amount               99.80%              
Maturity date               Oct. 01, 2022              
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)               3.20%              
Interest payment frequency               semi-annually              
Date payments commenced               Apr. 01, 2013              
Repayments of senior debt $ 300   $ 100                        
Loss on extinguishment of debt                 17            
Payment of accrued and unpaid interest                 1            
Early Repayment of Senior Debt                 417            
Senior Notes 2023 [Member]                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt             Jun. 21, 2013                
Aggregate face amount of debt             $ 600                
Issue rate percentage of principal amount             99.544%                
Maturity date             Jul. 15, 2023                
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)             3.875%                
Interest payment frequency             semi-annually                
Date payments commenced             Jan. 15, 2014                
Senior Notes 2026                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt           Sep. 22, 2016                  
Aggregate face amount of debt           $ 300                  
Issue rate percentage of principal amount           99.624%                  
Maturity date           Sep. 22, 2026                  
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)           3.05%                  
Interest payment frequency           semi-annually                  
Date payments commenced           Mar. 22, 2017                  
Senior Notes 2029                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt         Sep. 16, 2019                    
Aggregate face amount of debt         $ 500                    
Issue rate percentage of principal amount         99.316%                    
Maturity date         Sep. 15, 2029                    
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)         2.75%                    
Interest payment frequency         semi-annually                    
Date payments commenced         Mar. 15, 2020                    
Senior Notes 2030 [Member]                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt       Jun. 04, 2020                      
Aggregate face amount of debt       $ 500                      
Issue rate percentage of principal amount       99.812%                      
Maturity date       Jun. 04, 2030                      
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)       2.10%                      
Interest payment frequency       semi-annually                      
Date payments commenced       Dec. 04, 2020                      
Senior Notes 2031                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Issuance date of debt   Mar. 12, 2021                          
Aggregate face amount of debt   $ 850                          
Issue rate percentage of principal amount   99.822%                          
Maturity date   Mar. 12, 2031                          
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)   2.30%                          
Date payments commenced   Sep. 12, 2021                          
Treasury Lock | Senior Notes 2029                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Derivative, Notional Amount                       $ 250      
Remaining gain loss to be amortized on derivative                 5            
Treasury Lock | Senior Notes 2022                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Derivative, Notional Amount                             $ 400
Treasury Lock | Senior Notes 2026 | Cash Flow Hedges                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Derivative, Notional Amount                           $ 300  
Remaining gain loss to be amortized on derivative                 $ 5            
Interest Rate Swap                           $ 300  
Notional Amount Of Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivatives                         $ 10    
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stock Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Feb. 18, 2021
Nov. 19, 2018
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 788.0 $ 469.0 $ 723.0    
2019 Repurchase Program [Member]          
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]          
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount         $ 1,750.0
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares 3,100,000 5,200,000 10,400,000    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 365.0 $ 469.0 $ 723.0    
Remaining authorized repurchase amount       $ 193.0  
2021 Repurchase Program          
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]          
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount       $ 2,000.0  
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares 3,000,000        
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 423.0        
Remaining authorized repurchase amount 1,577.0        
Retained Earnings          
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value 707.0 398.0 580.0    
Additional Paid-in Capital          
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 81.0 $ 71.0 $ 143.0    
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY DIvidends (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Nov. 17, 2021
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Dividends [Abstract]        
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)   $ 0.776 $ 0.720 $ 0.656
Cash dividends declared   $ 236 $ 222 $ 206
Aggregate cash dividends paid   $ 236 $ 222 $ 206
Subsequent Event        
Dividends [Abstract]        
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share) $ 0.21      
Cash dividends declared $ 63      
Dividends Payable, Date Declared Nov. 17, 2021      
Dividends payment date Jan. 26, 2022      
Dividends date of record Jan. 04, 2022      
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation, net of tax expense of $(8) and $(6) for 2021 and 2020, respectively $ (185) $ (194) $ (204)
Foreign currency translation, tax (8) (6)  
Unrealized losses (including prior service benefit) on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $80 and $154 for 2021 and 2020, respectively (100) (317)  
Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, tax 80 154  
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, tax 1 6  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (282) (522) $ (514)
AOCI, Cash Flow Hedge, Cumulative Gain (Loss), after Tax $ 3 $ (11)  
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Beginning Balance $ (522) $ (514)  
Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 80 56  
Tax (expense) benefit (81) 3  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 240 (8) $ (99)
Ending Balance (282) (522) (514)
Foreign Currency Translation      
Beginning Balance (194) (204)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications   11  
Amounts Reclassified Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 0 0  
Tax (expense) benefit (2) (1) 10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 9 10  
Ending Balance (185) (194) (204)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract]      
Beginning Balance 125 131  
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Reclassifications 0 0  
Amortization of prior service benefit (1) 7  
Tax (expense) benefit 0 1 2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (1) (6) (6)
Ending Balance 124 125 131
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract]      
Beginning Balance (442) (437)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications 228 (66)  
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income 64 61  
Tax (expense) benefit (74) 0  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 218 (5) (93)
Ending Balance (224) (442) (437)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax [Abstract]      
Beginning Balance   (4)  
AOCI, Cash Flow Hedge, Cumulative Gain (Loss), after Tax 3 (11)  
Ending Balance     $ (4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, before Tax 17 2  
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, tax expense (benefit) (5) 3  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Parent 14 (7)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 11    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax 241 (67)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax $ 2 $ (12)  
v3.21.2
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives reclassification out of AOCI to cost of sales $ (17) $ (2)  
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Net Actuarial Loss (64) (61)  
Amortization of prior service benefit 1 (7)  
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax (63) (54)  
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax 15 16  
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax (48) (38)  
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax (61) (40)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax (13) (2) $ 6
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, tax expense (benefit) $ 4 $ 0 $ (2)
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION Profitability (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
USD ($)
segment
numberOfCustomers
Oct. 31, 2020
USD ($)
numberOfCustomers
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
numberOfCustomers
Segment Reporting [Abstract]      
Number of operating segments | segment 3    
Select income statement components      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
Income from operations 1,347 846 941
Depreciation expense 122 119 111
Share-based compensation $ 110 $ 83 $ 72
Number of customers representing 10 percent or more of total net revenue | numberOfCustomers 0 0 0
Life Sciences and Applied Markets      
Select income statement components      
Net revenue $ 2,823 $ 2,392 $ 2,302
Income from operations 722 548 542
Depreciation expense 44 43 41
Share-based compensation 45 35 33
Diagnostics and Genomics      
Select income statement components      
Net revenue 1,296 1,047 1,021
Income from operations 273 192 185
Depreciation expense 39 39 35
Share-based compensation 22 17 14
Agilent CrossLab      
Select income statement components      
Net revenue 2,200 1,900 1,840
Income from operations 618 516 475
Depreciation expense 39 37 35
Share-based compensation 39 29 25
Segment Total      
Select income statement components      
Net revenue 6,319 5,339 5,163
Income from operations 1,613 1,256 1,202
Depreciation expense 122 119 111
Share-based compensation $ 106 $ 81 $ 72
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION Reconciliation of Reportable Results (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Reconcilitation between statement results and enterprise results [Abstract]      
Total reportable segment income from operations $ 1,613 $ 1,256 $ 1,202
Amortization (194) (184) (125)
Acquisition and integration costs (41) (41) (48)
Transformational initiatives (37) (53) (44)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Accelerated Cost (1) (2) 0
Asset impairment charges 2 99 0
Business exit and divestiture costs (5) (2) 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (21) 0 0
NASD Site costs 0 0 (12)
Special compliance costs (1) 0 (2)
Other (6) (29) (30)
Interest income (2) (8) (36)
Interest Expense (81) (78) (74)
Other income (expense), net 92 66 16
Income before taxes, as reported $ 1,360 $ 842 $ 919
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Segment Reporting Reconciliation Item Assets $ 7,900 $ 7,033  
Cash and cash equivalents 1,484 1,441 $ 1,382
Short-term Investments 91 0  
Prepaid expenses 91 106  
Long-term investments 185 158  
Long term and other receivables 126 114  
Deferred tax assets 280 424  
Right-of-use asset 178 175  
Other 341 220  
Total assets 10,705 9,627  
Capital expenditures 188 119 $ 155
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Deferred tax assets 309 380  
Life Sciences and Applied Markets      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total assets 3,078 3,143  
Capital expenditures 45 44  
Diagnostics and Genomics      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total assets 3,320 2,515  
Capital expenditures 100 34  
Agilent CrossLab      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total assets 1,502 1,375  
Capital expenditures 43 41  
Segment Total      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total assets 7,900 7,033  
Capital expenditures $ 188 $ 119  
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Entity-Wide Disclosures Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Revenue by geography      
Net revenue $ 6,319 $ 5,339 $ 5,163
UNITED STATES      
Revenue by geography      
Net revenue 2,159 1,752 1,619
CHINA      
Revenue by geography      
Net revenue 1,273 1,087 1,019
Rest Of World      
Revenue by geography      
Net revenue $ 2,887 $ 2,500 $ 2,525
v3.21.2
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Entity-Wide Disclosure Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 1,633 $ 1,391
UNITED STATES    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets 912 727
GERMANY    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets 134 126
Rest Of World    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 587 $ 538
v3.21.2
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period $ 132 $ 134 $ 135
Additions Charged to Expenses or Other Accounts 5 6 9
Deductions Credited to Expenses or Other Accounts (17) (8) (10)
Balance at End of Period $ 120 $ 132 $ 134