v3.26.1
Derivative Instruments
 9 Months Ended
Apr. 25, 2026
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments
(a)Summary of Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures to foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate, and equity price risks. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. Our derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. We seek to mitigate such risks by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions and requiring collateral in certain cases. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from credit risk is monitored. Management does not expect material losses as a result of defaults by counterparties.
The fair values of our derivative instruments and the line items on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to which they were recorded are summarized as follows (in millions):
 DERIVATIVE ASSETSDERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
 Balance Sheet Line ItemApril 25,
2026		July 26,
2025		Balance Sheet Line ItemApril 25,
2026		July 26,
2025
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets$38 $17 Other current liabilities$4 $2 
Foreign currency derivativesOther assets45 10 Other long-term liabilities— 2 
Total83 27 4 4 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets7 3 Other current liabilities36 17 
Foreign currency derivativesOther assets— 2 Other long-term liabilities46 10 
Total7 5 82 27 
Total$90 $32 $86 $31 
The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations of derivative instruments not designated as hedges is summarized as follows (in millions):
  GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDEDGAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsLine Item in Statements of OperationsApril 25, 2026April 26, 2025April 25, 2026April 26, 2025
Foreign currency derivativesOther income (loss), net$31 $163 $(18)$68 
Total return swaps—deferred compensationOperating expenses and other34 (105)102 (72)
Total$65 $58 $84 $(4)
The notional amounts of our outstanding derivatives are summarized as follows (in millions):
April 25, 2026July 26, 2025
Foreign currency derivatives$8,895 $8,978 
Total return swaps—deferred compensation1,253 1,087 
Total$10,148 $10,065 
(b)Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
We present our derivative instruments at gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, our master netting and other similar arrangements with the respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions, which are designed to reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement with the same counterparty.
(c)Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. Therefore, we are exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit the exposure related to foreign currency changes, we enter into foreign currency contracts. We do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes.
We may hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions related to certain revenues, operating expenses and service cost of sales with currency options and forward contracts. These currency options and forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, generally have maturities of less than 24 months. The derivative instrument’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings.
We enter into foreign exchange forward and option contracts to reduce the short-term effects of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities such as foreign currency receivables, long-term customer financings and payables. These derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on the contracts are included in other income (loss), net, and substantially offset foreign exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the reporting entity.
We hedge certain net investments in our foreign operations with forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on our net investment in those foreign subsidiaries. These derivative instruments generally have maturities of up to six months.
(d)Interest Rate Risk
We periodically enter into treasury lock agreements, designated as cash flow hedges, in order to hedge the impact of changes in the U.S. benchmark interest rate on future interest payments in anticipation of future debt offerings. Changes in the fair value of treasury lock agreements are recorded to AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings.
(e)Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to variability in compensation charges related to certain deferred compensation obligations to employees and directors. Although not designated as accounting hedges, we utilize derivatives such as total return swaps to economically hedge this exposure and offset the related compensation expense.