INVESTMENTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2019

The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 (net book value):



	October 31,
	2019		2018
	(in millions)
Long-Term
Equity investments - without readily determinable fair value	$	47	$	23
Equity investments - with readily determinable fair value	25		15
Trading securities	30		30
Total	$	102	$	68

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 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. Prior to fiscal year 2019, both equity investments without RDFV and with RDFV were accounted for using cost method of accounting, measured at historical cost less other-than-temporary impairment. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings.

During 2018, we acquired all of the remaining shares of Lasergen, Inc. (Lasergen), for an additional cash consideration of approximately $107 million, an investment that was accounted for under the cost method in 2017 for approximately $80 million. The fair value remeasurement of our previous investment immediately before the acquisition resulted in a net gain of $20 million and was recorded in other income.

Our investments without RDFV, are subject to periodic impairment review. The impairment analysis requires significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have significant adverse effect on the future value of the investment.

Net unrealized gains on our equity securities with RDFV were $3 million in 2019. Net unrealized gains on our equity securities without RDFV were not material in 2019. 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 said 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 $3 million in 2019, $1 million in 2018 and $4 million in 2017.