HP 2007 Annual Report Download - page 44

similar legislation in other countries including China, Japan and Korea. We also could face significant costs and liabilities in
connection with product take-back legislation. The EU has enacted the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(the “WEEE Legislation”), which makes producers of electrical goods, including computers and printers, financially
responsible for specified collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of past and future covered products. Similar legislation
has been or may be enacted in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Japan. We are
continuing to evaluate the cumulative impact of, and are taking steps to comply with, the WEEE Legislation and similar
legislation in other jurisdictions as individual countries issue their implementation legislation and guidance.
Some anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware
law, could impair a takeover attempt.
We have provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each of which could have the effect of rendering more
difficult or discouraging an acquisition of HP deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors. These include provisions:
• authorizing blank check preferred stock, which HP could issue with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights
superior to our common stock;
• limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, HP’ s directors and officers;
• specifying that HP stockholders may take action only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and
otherwise in accordance with our bylaws and limiting the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings;
• requiring advance notice of proposals by HP stockholders for business to be conducted at stockholder meetings and
for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors;
• requiring a vote by the holders of two-thirds of HP’ s outstanding shares to amend certain bylaws relating to HP
stockholder meetings, the Board of Directors and indemnification; and
• controlling the procedures for conduct of HP Board and stockholder meetings and election, appointment and
removal of HP directors.
These provisions, alone or together, could deter or delay hostile takeovers, proxy contests and changes in control or
management of HP. As a Delaware corporation, HP also is subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prevents some stockholders from engaging in certain business combinations
without approval of the holders of substantially all of HP’ s outstanding common stock.
Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a
change in control of HP could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of HP common
stock and also could affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for HP common stock.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. Properties.
As of October 31, 2007, we owned or leased a total of approximately 62 million square feet of space worldwide. We
believe that our existing properties are in good condition and are suitable for the conduct of our business.
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