Ingredion Inc (INGR)

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, as used in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the terms “the Company,” “Ingredion,” “we,” “us,” and “our” and similar terms refer to Ingredion Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Overview

We are a leading global ingredient solutions provider who transforms grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. Our innovative ingredient solutions help customers stay on trend with simple ingredients and other in-demand ingredients.

While we identify the impacts of divestitures, acquisitions and investments, including investments in joint ventures that we account for as equity method investments, on our results, our discussion below also addresses results of operations excluding those impacts, where appropriate, to provide a more comparable and meaningful analysis.

Results of Operations

We have operations in three reportable business segments: Texture & Healthful Solutions, Food & Industrial Ingredients - LATAM and Food & Industrial Ingredients - U.S./Canada. In addition, we group operating segments that are not individually or collectively classified as a reportable segment as “All Other.”

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the U.S. dollar amounts of our foreign subsidiaries’ net sales and expenses. For most of our foreign subsidiaries, the local foreign currency is the functional currency. Accordingly, net sales and expenses denominated in the functional currencies of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable average exchange rates for the period.

Our business performed well and remained resilient throughout fiscal year 2024. Our net income and diluted earnings per share increased in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. For 2024, net sales decreased 9 percent to $7.4 billion from $8.2 billion for 2023. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to unfavorable price mix, including the pass through of lower corn costs, reduced net sales from the sale of our South Korea business, which closed on February 1, 2024, and foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by T&HS favorable volumes. Our operating income of $883 million for 2024 decreased by 8 percent from operating income of $957 million for 2023. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to impairment charges for the cessation of operations at our Vanscoy, Canada; Goole, United Kingdom; and Alcantara, Brazil manufacturing facilities. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2024 was $647 million, or $9.71 diluted earnings per share, which represented an increase of 1 percent from $643 million, or $9.60 diluted earnings per share, for 2023. The increase in net income and diluted earnings per share was primarily drive by the above in addition to lower financing costs, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate for 2024.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2024

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Net sales. Net sales decreased 9 percent to $7.4 billion for 2024 compared to $8.2 billion for 2023. The decrease in net sales was driven by lower price mix, including the pass through of lower corn costs, reduced net sales from the sale of our South Korea business, which closed on February 1, 2024, and foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by T&HS favorable volumes.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales decreased 12 percent to $5.6 billion for 2024 compared to $6.4 billion for 2023. The decrease in cost of sales primarily reflected lower corn input costs, reduced costs from the sale of our South Korea business, and were partially offset by input costs for higher volumes. Our gross profit margin increased to 24 percent in 2024 compared to 21 percent in 2023. The increase in gross profit margin was driven by favorable raw material and lower input costs.

26

Table of Contents

Operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased 1 percent to $782 million for 2024 compared to $789 million for 2023. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was 11 percent in 2024 and 10 percent in 2023.

Other operating (income) expense, net. Other operating (income) expense, net was $1 million of income for 2024 compared to $8 million of income for 2023. Both 2024 and 2023 income were primarily attributable to our share of income in our Argentina joint venture.

Restructuring/impairment charges. Restructuring and impairment charges increased to $127 million for 2024 from $11 million for 2023, which primarily reflected impairment charges related to the cessation of operations at our Vanscoy, Canada, Goole, United Kingdom, and Alcantara, Brazil manufacturing facilities. The 2023 charges were primarily related to impairments of our equity method investments.

Financing costs. Financing costs decreased 66 percent to $39 million for 2024 compared to $114 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the pay down of borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper program, as well as foreign exchange impacts.

Net gain on sale of business. Net gain on sale of business was $90 million for 2024 to reflect the sale of our South Korea business. There was no such gain recorded in 2023.

Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rates were 29.8 percent for 2024 and 22.4 percent for 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the change in value of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar, an unfavorable legal judgement and related reserve on transfer pricing matters, the elimination of certain tax incentives in Brazil, and a valuation allowance on investments. These impacts were partially offset by favorable tax treatment on the sale of our South Korea business.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests decreased to $7 million for 2024 from $8 million for 2023.

Net Income attributable to Ingredion. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2024 increased to $647 million from $643 million for 2023. The increase in net income was primarily due to reduced financing costs and gain from the sale of our South Korea business, partially offset by restructuring and impairment charges.

Texture & Healthful Solutions

Net sales. T&HS net sales decreased 4 percent to $2,366 million for 2024 from $2,460 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable price mix and negative foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by increased volumes.

Operating income. T&HS operating income decreased 11 percent to $350 million for 2024 from $394 million for 2023. The decrease was driven by unfavorable price mix and the carry-forward of higher cost inventory from 2023, partially offset by improved volumes.

Food & Industrial Ingredients - LATAM

Net sales. F&II - LATAM net sales decreased 7 percent to $2,450 million for 2024 from $2,633 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by lower price mix.

Operating income. F&II - LATAM operating income increased 7 percent to $483 million for 2024 from $452 million for 2023. The increase was driven by lower input costs in Mexico and Brazil.

Food & Industrial Ingredients - U.S./Canada

Net sales. F&II - U.S./Canada net sales decreased 8 percent to $2,155 million for 2024 from $2,335 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by lower price mix.

Operating income. F&II - U.S./Canada operating income increased 25 percent to $373 million for 2024 from $298 million for 2023. The increase was primarily driven by favorable catch-up pricing under multi-year contracts. The increase also reflected lower raw material costs, partially offset by price mix attributable to pass through of lower corn costs.

27

Table of Contents

All Other

Net sales. All Other net sales decreased 37 percent to $459 million for 2024 from $732 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of our South Korea business on February 1, 2024.

Operating income (loss). All Other operating (loss) increased to $(22) million for 2024 compared to $(2) million for 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the sale of our South Korea business.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2022

A discussion of the year-over-year comparison of results for 2023 and 2022 is not included in this report and can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Ingredion’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2024, we had total available liquidity of $2.6 billion. Domestic liquidity of $1.5 billion consisted of $548 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.0 billion available through our commercial paper program that had no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2024. The commercial paper program is backed by $1.0 billion of borrowing availability under a five-year revolving credit agreement that we entered on June 30, 2021, as described below.

As of December 31, 2024, we had international liquidity of $1.1 billion, consisting of $449 million of cash and cash equivalents and $11 million of short-term investments held by our operations outside the U.S., as well as $622 million of unused operating lines of credit in foreign countries where we operate. As the parent company, we guarantee certain obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2024, our guarantees aggregated $35 million. We believe that those consolidated subsidiaries will be able to meet their financial obligations as they become due.

Our revolving credit agreement, which is for an unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion outstanding at any time, will mature on June 30, 2026. Loans under the facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal, at our option, to either a specified Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus an applicable margin, or a base rate (generally determined according to the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate or the specified SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus an applicable margin. The revolving credit agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other matters, specify customary reporting obligations, and that, subject to exceptions, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness by our subsidiaries, the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations and sales of assets. We are subject to compliance, as of the end of each quarter, with a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined for purposes of the revolving credit agreement) to consolidated net interest expense of 3.5 to 1.0, with each financial covenant calculated for the most recently completed four-quarter period. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

Our commercial paper program allows us to issue senior unsecured notes of short maturities up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion outstanding at any time. The notes may be sold from time to time on customary terms in the U.S. commercial paper market. We intend to continue using the note proceeds for general corporate purposes. During 2024, the average amount of commercial paper outstanding was $31 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.51 percent over a weighted average maturity of eight days. As of December 31, 2024, no commercial paper was outstanding. The amount of commercial paper outstanding under this program in 2025 is expected to fluctuate.

As of December 31, 2024, we had total debt outstanding of $1.8 billion. Our outstanding debt consists primarily of senior notes under which repayment will commence in 2026 through 2050. In 2023, we paid in full without penalty the $200 million principal outstanding on our term loan that was due on December 16, 2024. The weighted average interest rate on our total indebtedness was 4.02 percent for 2024 and 4.50 percent for 2023.

The principal source of our liquidity is our internally generated cash flow, which we supplement as necessary with our ability to borrow under our credit facilities and to raise funds in the capital markets. We currently expect that our available cash balances, future cash flow from operations, proceeds from divestitures, access to debt markets and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated capital expenditures, dividends and other operating, investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. Our future cash flow needs will depend on many factors, including

28

Table of Contents

our rate of revenue growth, cost of raw materials, changing working capital requirements, the timing and extent of our expansion into new markets, the timing of introductions of new products, potential or agreed acquisitions of or investments in complementary businesses and technologies, continuing market acceptance of our new products, and general economic and market conditions. We may need to raise additional capital or incur indebtedness to fund our needs for less predictable strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions.

Net Cash Flows

Our cash provided by operating activities increased to $1,436 million in 2024 from $1,057 million in 2023. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to changes in working capital, which excluded net assets and net liabilities we classified as held for sale. Cash provided by working capital increased to $417 million in 2024, as compared to cash provided by working capital of $77 million in 2023. This increase in cash provided by working capital was primarily due to decreases in inventory and trade accounts receivable.

Our cash used for investing activities decreased to $47 million in 2024 from $329 million in 2023, primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of our South Korea business of $255 million, partially offset by decreased capital expenditures in 2024. In 2024, we used $301 million of cash for capital expenditures and mechanical stores purchases to update, expand and improve our facilities, compared to $316 million we used in 2023 for the same purposes. Capital investment commitments for 2025 are anticipated to be approximately $450 million.

We used $765 million of cash for financing activities in 2024 compared to cash used for financing activities of $569 million in 2023. The difference includes a net $264 million reduction of our commercial paper borrowings during 2024. Cash used for financing activities also includes cash dividends that we pay to our common stockholders of record on a quarterly basis. Dividends paid, including those to non-controlling interests, increased 8 percent to $210 million during 2024 from $194 million during 2023. The increase was due to an increase in our quarterly dividend rate per share of common stock, which typically occurs during the third quarter of each fiscal year. During 2024, we also repurchased 1.7 million outstanding shares of our common stock in open market transactions at a net cost of $216 million.

We have not provided foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes and federal and state taxes on foreign currency gains/losses on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.

Key Financial Performance Metrics

We use certain key financial performance metrics to monitor our progress towards achieving our long-term strategic business objectives. These metrics relate to our ability to drive profitability, create value for stockholders and monitor our financial leverage. We assess whether we are achieving our profitability and value creation objectives by measuring our Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (“Adjusted ROIC”). We monitor our financial leverage by regularly reviewing our ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe these metrics provide valuable information to help us run our business and are useful to investors.

The metrics Adjusted ROIC and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA include certain financial measures (Adjusted operating income, net of tax, and Adjusted EBITDA) that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We also have presented below the most comparable financial measures calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision-making, forecasting future results and evaluating current performance. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide a more consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

In accordance with our long-term strategy, we set certain objectives relating to these key financial performance metrics that we strive to meet. We cannot provide assurance, however, that we will continue to meet our financial performance metric targets. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for a

29

Table of Contents

discussion of factors that could affect our ability to meet those targets. The objectives reflect our current aspirations in light of our present plans and existing circumstances. We may change these objectives from time to time to address new opportunities or changing circumstances as appropriate to meet our long-term needs and those of our stockholders.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP historical financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is presented below.

Adjusted ROIC

Adjusted ROIC is a financial performance ratio not defined under GAAP, and it should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. We define Adjusted ROIC as Adjusted operating income, net of tax, divided by average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We believe Adjusted ROIC is meaningful to investors as it focuses on profitability and value-creating potential, taking into account the amount of capital invested. The most comparable measure calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is ROIC, which we define as Net income, divided by average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity, as shown in the following table.

_____________________

(i)In 2024, we recorded $18 million of pre-tax restructuring and resegmentation charges primarily related to restructuring activities that occurred during the year and the resegmentation of the business that was effective January 1, 2024. In 2023, we recorded $1 million of pre-tax restructuring charges primarily related to the sale of our South Korea business.

(ii)In 2024, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $90 million on the sale of our South Korea business.

30

Table of Contents

(iii)This amount primarily related to tornado damage incurred at a U.S. warehouse in 2024. In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $5 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage, which was partially offset by $4 million of insurance recoveries.

(iv)In 2024, we recorded $109 million of pre-tax impairment charges that primarily related to our plans to cease operations at our Vanscoy, Canada, Alcantara, Brazil, and Goole, United Kingdom manufacturing facilities, and impairment charges on our equity method investments. In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $10 million primarily related to impairment charges on our equity method investments.

(v)The effective income tax rate was 26.4 percent for 2024 and 24.9 percent for 2023.

Our long-term objective is to maintain an Adjusted ROIC in excess of 10.0 percent. For 2024, we achieved an Adjusted ROIC of 14.8 percent as compared to 13.3 percent for 2023.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA is a financial performance ratio that is not defined under GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. We define this measure as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We believe Total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors as it focuses on our leverage on a comparable Adjusted EBITDA basis and helps investors better understand the time required to pay back our outstanding debt. The most comparable ratio calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Total net debt to Income before income taxes, calculated as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Income before income taxes, as shown in the following table.

31

Table of Contents

_____________________

(i)In 2024, we recorded $18 million of pre-tax net restructuring and resegmentation charges primarily related to restructuring activities that occurred during the year and the resegmentation of the business that was effective January 1, 2024. In 2023, we recorded $1 million of pre-tax restructuring and resegmentation charges primarily related to the resegmentation of the business.

(ii)In 2024, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $90 million on the sale of our South Korea business.

(iii)This amount primarily relates to tornado damage incurred at a U.S. warehouse in 2024. In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $5 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage, which was partially offset by $4 million of insurance recoveries.

(iv)In 2024, we recorded $109 million of pre-tax impairment charges that primarily related to our plans to cease operations at our Vanscoy, Canada, Alcantara, Brazil and Goole, United Kingdom manufacturing facilities, and impairment charges on our equity method investments. In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $10 million primarily related to impairment charges on our equity method investments.

Our long-term objective is to target a ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 2.5 or less. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the ratio was 0.7 and 1.5.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

We have identified below the most critical accounting policies upon which the financial statements are based and that involve our most complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Our senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with members of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. These accounting policies are described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

32

Table of Contents

Property, Plant and Equipment and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

We have substantial investments in property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) and definite-lived intangible assets. For PP&E, we recognize the cost of depreciable assets in operations over the estimated useful life of the assets and evaluate the recoverability of these assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For definite-lived intangible assets, we recognize the cost of these amortizable assets in operations over their estimated useful life and evaluate the recoverability of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2024 were $2.3 billion and $215 million, respectively.

In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets, we may have to make projections regarding future cash flows. In developing these projections, we make a variety of important assumptions and estimates that have a significant impact on our assessments of whether the carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets should be adjusted to reflect impairment. Among these are assumptions and estimates about the future growth and profitability of the related asset group, anticipated future economic, regulatory and political conditions in the asset group’s market, and estimates of terminal or disposal values.

To optimize our operations, we continually review whether to further consolidate our manufacturing facilities or redeploy assets for other uses when we believe we can achieve a higher return on our investment. This review may result in the closure or sale of certain manufacturing facilities, which could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations in the period in which we decide to close or sell the facility.

The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate that would require a change in our assumptions or strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, could require us to perform tests of recoverability in the future.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We have certain indefinite-lived intangible assets in the form of tradenames and trademarks. Our methodology for allocating the purchase price of acquisitions is based on established valuation techniques that reflect the consideration of a number of factors, including valuations performed by third-party appraisers when appropriate. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have identified several reporting units for which cash flows are determinable and to which goodwill may be allocated. Goodwill is either assigned to a specific reporting unit or allocated between reporting units based on the relative excess fair value of each reporting unit. The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill at December 31, 2024 was $143 million and $906 million, respectively, compared to $143 million and $918 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.

We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment as of July 1 each year (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise such as the resegmentation that occurred on January 1, 2024). We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, which include net sales derived from these intangibles and certain market and industry conditions. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, then we are not required to compute the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the qualitative assessment leads us to conclude otherwise, then we are required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test in accordance with ASC subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Based on our assessment’s results, we concluded that as of January 1, 2024 and July 1, 2024 there were no impairments in our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

In testing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then we do not perform an impairment test. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the impairment test. Under this impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of its net assets, goodwill is not considered impaired, and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then an impairment exists for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit. This difference may not exceed the goodwill recorded at the reporting unit.

33

Table of Contents

When we test goodwill for impairment, we make certain estimates and judgments, which include identifying reporting units and determining the reporting units’ fair values based on both discounted cash flow analyses and an analysis of market multiples. To determine the fair value of reporting units, we use significant assumptions and estimates for discount and long-term net sales growth rates, in addition to operating and capital expenditure requirements. We consider changes in discount rates for the reporting units based on current market interest rates and specific risk factors within each geographic region. We also evaluate qualitative factors, such as legal, regulatory or competitive forces, in estimating the impact to the fair value of the reporting units, noting no significant changes that would result in any reporting unit failing the impairment test. Changes in assumptions concerning projected results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting units in the future. Based on the results of both the resegmentation and the annual assessment, we concluded that as of January 1, 2024 and July 1, 2024 there were no impairments in our reporting units.

Retirement Benefits

We and our subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified) covering a portion of employees in the U.S. and Canada, and certain employees in other countries. We also provide healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, our management must make a variety of estimates and assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis as of December 31 (or more frequently if a significant event requiring remeasurement occurs) and modify our assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effects of modifications are recognized immediately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets but are generally amortized into non-operating earnings over future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). We believe the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans, which are based on our experience, market conditions and input from our actuaries, are reasonable. We use third-party specialists to assist management in evaluating our assumptions and estimates, as well as to appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with our retirement benefit plans. Had we used different estimates and assumptions for these plans, our retirement benefit obligations and related expense could vary from the actual amounts recorded and such differences could be material. Additionally, adverse changes in investment returns earned on pension assets and discount rates used to calculate pension and postretirement benefit related liabilities or changes in required funding levels may have an unfavorable impact on future expense and cash flow. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for all of our plans was $9 million in 2024 and $12 million in 2023.

We determine our assumption for the discount rate used to measure year-end pension and postretirement obligations based on high-quality fixed-income investments that match the duration of the expected benefit payments, which has been benchmarked using a long-term, high-quality AA corporate bond index. We use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 5.64 percent and 5.00 percent. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 5.42 percent and 5.24 percent. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under our postretirement plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 7.75 percent and 7.37 percent.

A one percentage point decrease in the discount rates at December 31, 2024, would have increased the accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation by the following amounts (in millions):

34

Table of Contents

Our investment approach and related asset allocation for the U.S. and Canadian plans is a liability-driven investment approach by which a higher proportion of investments will be in interest-rate sensitive investments (fixed income) under an active-management approach. The approach seeks to protect the current funded status of the plans from market volatility with a greater asset allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets, which is expected to reduce volatility in plan-funded status by more closely matching movements in asset values to changes in liabilities.

Our current investment policy for our pension plans is to balance risk and return through diversified portfolios of actively managed equity index instruments, fixed income index securities and short-term investments. Maturities for fixed income securities are managed so that sufficient liquidity exists to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. The asset allocation is reviewed regularly, and portfolio investments are rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate or to raise sufficient liquidity when necessary to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. For 2024 net periodic pension cost, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on assets, which is based on the fair value of plan assets, of 5.50 percent for U.S. plans and approximately 4.58 percent for Canadian plans. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets, which consist mainly of U.S. and Canadian debt and equity securities, management evaluated historical rates of return achieved on plan assets and the asset allocation of the plans, input from our independent actuaries and investment consultants, and historical trends in long-term inflation rates. Projected return estimates made by such consultants are based upon broad equity and bond indices. We also maintain several funded pension plans in other international locations. The expected returns on plan assets for these plans are determined based on each plan’s investment approach and asset allocations. A hypothetical 25 basis point decrease in the expected long-term rate of return assumption would increase 2025 net periodic pension cost for the U.S. and Canadian plans by approximately $1 million each.

Healthcare cost trend rates are used in valuing our postretirement benefit obligations and are established based on actual health care cost trends and consultation with actuaries and benefit providers. At December 31, 2024, the health care cost trend rate assumptions for the next year were 8.40 percent for the U.S. plans, 5.25 percent for the Canadian plans, and 8.42 percent for the Brazilian plans.

For information related to our benefit plans, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Standards

For information related to our new accounting standards, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, as used in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the terms “the Company,” “Ingredion,” “we,” “us,” and “our” and similar terms refer to Ingredion Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Overview

We are a major supplier of high-quality food and industrial ingredient solutions to customers around the world. As of December 31, 2023, we had 47 manufacturing facilities located in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA, and we manage and operate our businesses at a regional level. This approach provides us with a unique understanding of the cultures and product requirements in each of the geographic markets in which we operate, bringing added value to our customers. Our ingredients are used by customers in the food, beverage, brewing and animal feed industries, among others.

We acquired a 65 percent controlling interest in Mannitab Pharma Specialties Private Limited (“Mannitab”), an Indian manufacturer of spray dried mannitol and fine grade mannitol, on December 1, 2022; 100 percent of Amishi Drugs and Chemicals Private Limited (“Amishi”), an Indian manufacturer of chemically modified starch-based pharmaceutical excipients, on August 1, 2022; and 100 percent of KaTech, a German-headquartered provider of advanced texture and stabilization solutions to the food and beverage industry, on April 1, 2021. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial results beginning on the respective acquisition dates, which affects the comparability of results between years.

In addition, our share of results in joint ventures are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income in Other operating (income) expense, and comparability between years and between financial statement line items is affected by the timing of and consideration provided to the investments.

While we identify the impacts of acquisitions and investments on our results, our discussion below also addresses results of operations excluding those impacts, where appropriate, to provide a more comparable and meaningful analysis.

Results of Operations

We have operations in four reportable business segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the U.S. dollar amounts of our foreign subsidiaries’ revenues and expenses. For most of our foreign subsidiaries, the local foreign currency is the functional currency. Accordingly, revenues and expenses denominated in the functional currencies of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable average exchange rates for the period.

Our business performed well and remained resilient throughout fiscal year 2023. Our targeted pricing actions and proactive cost savings initiatives helped overcome inflation and raw material volatility, leading to growth in net sales, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share in 2023. The increase in our net sales and operating income was driven by price and customer mix, partially offset by lower volumes and impacts of foreign exchange rates. The increase in net income was driven by the above factors in addition to a more favorable effective tax rate primarily due to recent action by the Internal Revenue Service increasing our ability to claim certain foreign tax credits against U.S. taxes.

For 2023, net sales increased 3 percent to $8.2 billion from $7.9 billion for 2022. Our operating income of $957 million for 2023 increased by 26 percent from operating income of $762 million for 2022. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2023 was $643 million, or $9.60 diluted earnings per share, which represented an increase of 31 percent from $492 million, or $7.34 diluted earnings per share, for 2022. The increases in net sales and operating income were primarily due to favorable price mix, partially offset by volume declines and foreign exchange impacts. The increase in net income was driven by these factors in addition to a more favorable effective tax rate.

27

Table of Contents

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net sales. Net sales increased 3 percent to $8.2 billion for 2023 compared to $7.9 billion for 2022. The increase in net sales was driven by price and customer mix, partially offset by lower volumes and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales decreased 1 percent to $6.4 billion for 2023 compared to $6.5 billion for 2022. The decrease in cost of sales primarily reflected lower volumes, partially offset by higher input costs. Our gross profit margin increased to 21 percent in 2023 compared to 19 percent in 2022. The increase in gross profit margin was driven by higher net sales in addition to a decrease in cost of sales.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased 10 percent to $789 million for 2023 compared to $715 million for 2022. The increase in operating expenses during 2023 was primarily attributable to higher compensation costs and spending to build long-term capabilities. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was 10 percent in 2023 and 9 percent in 2022.

Other operating (income) expense. Other operating (income) expense was $8 million of income for 2023 compared to $13 million of expense for 2022. The 2023 income was primarily attributable to income in our Argentina joint venture. The 2022 expense was primarily attributable to charges resulting from a U.S.-based work stoppage.

Restructuring/impairment charges. Restructuring and impairment charges increased to $11 million for 2023 from $4 million for 2022, which primarily reflected an other-than-temporary-impairment to our equity method investments. The 2022 charges were the result of the completion of our Cost Smart restructuring program.

Financing costs. Financing costs increased 15 percent to $114 million for 2023 compared to $99 million for 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher interest rates in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rates for 2023 and 2022 were 22.4 percent and 24.9 percent, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the value of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar, IRS Notice 2023-55, which increased our ability to claim certain foreign tax credits against U.S. taxes, a favorable country earnings mix primarily due to Brazil tax law developments, and a related increase in our foreign-derived intangible income deduction. The effects of these factors were partially offset by the impact of a change in Brazilian law that became effective in the fourth quarter of 2022 related to non-taxable Brazilian ICMS incentives granted during fiscal years 2018 to 2022.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests decreased to $8 million for 2023 from $10 million for 2022.

Net Income attributable to Ingredion. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2023 increased to $643 million from $492 million for 2022. The increase in net income was primarily due to price and customer mix and a more favorable effective tax rate, which was partially offset by lower volumes.

North America

Net sales. North America’s net sales increased 5 percent to $5,188 million for 2023 from $4,934 million for 2022. The increase was primarily driven by price mix, partially offset by volume and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts.

Operating income. North America’s operating income increased 27 percent to $718 million for 2023 from $565 million for 2022. The increase was driven by favorable price mix, partially offset by lower volumes and higher fixed costs.

South America

Net sales. South America’s net sales decreased 6 percent to $1,062 million for 2023 from $1,124 million for 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by volume and price mix, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange impacts.

Operating income. South America’s operating income decreased 16 percent to $142 million for 2023 from $169 million for 2022. The decrease was driven by lower volumes and higher energy costs. On December 13, 2023, the new Argentine government allowed the Argentine peso to devalue from the exchange rate of approximately 366 pesos to one U.S. dollar,

28

Table of Contents

to 800 pesos to one U.S.dollar. Because our accounting policy is to recognize our share of income from the Argentina joint venture one month in arrears, our 2023 results do not reflect the impact of this devaluation.

Asia-Pacific

Net sales. Asia-Pacific’s net sales decreased 2 percent to $1,089 million for 2023 from $1,107 million for 2022. The decrease was driven by volume and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by price mix.

Operating income. Asia-Pacific’s operating income increased 35 percent to $126 million for 2023 from $93 million for 2022. The increase was primarily driven by lower input costs, partially offset by lower volumes.

EMEA

Net sales. EMEA’s net sales increased 5 percent to $821 million for 2023 from $781 million for 2022. The increase was driven by favorable price mix, partially offset by lower volumes and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts.

Operating income. EMEA’s operating income increased 42 percent to $156 million for 2023 compared to $110 million for 2022. The increase was primarily driven by favorable price mix, partially offset by lower volumes and foreign exchange impacts.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

A discussion of the year-over-year comparison of results for 2022 and 2021 is not included in this report and can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Ingredion’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2023, we had total available liquidity of $1.7 billion. Domestic liquidity of $705 million consisted of $32 million in cash and cash equivalents and $673 million available through our $1.0 billion commercial paper program that had $327 million of outstanding borrowings. The commercial paper program is backed by $1.0 billion of borrowing availability under a five-year revolving credit agreement that we entered on June 30, 2021 as described below.

As of December 31, 2023, we had international liquidity of $1.0 billion, consisting of $369 million of cash and cash equivalents and $8 million of short-term investments held by our operations outside the U.S., as well as $652 million of unused operating lines of credit in foreign countries where we operate. As the parent company, we guarantee certain obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2023, our guarantees aggregated $49 million. We believe that those consolidated subsidiaries will be able to meet their financial obligations as they become due.

Our revolving credit agreement, which is for an unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion outstanding at any time, will mature on June 30, 2026. Loans under the facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal, at our option, to either a specified Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus an applicable margin, or a base rate (generally determined according to the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate or the specified SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus an applicable margin. The revolving credit agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other matters, specify customary reporting obligations, and that, subject to exceptions, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness by our subsidiaries, the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations and sales of assets. We are subject to compliance, as of the end of each quarter, with a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined for purposes of the revolving credit agreement) to consolidated net interest expense of 3.5 to 1.0, with each financial covenant calculated for the most recently completed four-quarter period. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

Our commercial paper program allows us to issue senior unsecured notes of short maturities up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion outstanding at any time. The notes may be sold from time to time on customary terms in the U.S. commercial paper market. We use and intend to continue using the note proceeds for general corporate purposes. During 2023, the average amount of commercial paper outstanding was $397 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.30 percent over a weighted average maturity of 11 days. As of December 31, 2023, we had $327 million of

29

Table of Contents

commercial paper outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 5.50 percent over a weighted average maturity of 11 days. The amount of commercial paper outstanding under this program in 2024 is expected to fluctuate.

As of December 31, 2023, we had total debt outstanding of $2.2 billion, or $1.7 billion excluding the outstanding commercial paper and other short-term borrowings. Our outstanding debt consists of senior notes where repayment will occur commencing in 2026 through 2050. In December 2023, we paid in full without penalty the $200 million principal outstanding on our term loan that was due on December 16, 2024 (“Term Loan”). The weighted average interest rate on our total indebtedness was 4.5 percent for 2023 and 3.5 percent for 2022.

The principal source of our liquidity is our internally generated cash flow, which we supplement as necessary with our ability to borrow under our credit facilities and to raise funds in the capital markets. We currently expect that our available cash balances, future cash flow from operations, proceeds from divestitures, access to debt markets and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated capital expenditures, dividends and other operating, investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. Our future cash flow needs will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, cost of raw materials, changing working capital requirements, the timing and extent of our expansion into new markets, the timing of introductions of new products, potential or agreed acquisitions of or investments in complementary businesses and technologies, continuing market acceptance of our new products, and general economic and market conditions. We may need to raise additional capital or incur indebtedness to fund our needs for less predictable strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions.

Net Cash Flows

Our cash provided by operating activities increased to $1,057 million in 2023 from $152 million in 2022. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to changes in working capital and current period net income, which excluded net assets and net liabilities we classified as held for sale for the February 1, 2024 sale of our South Korea business. Cash provided by working capital increased to $77 million in 2023, as compared to cash used for working capital of $664 million in 2022. This increase in cash provided by working capital was primarily due to decreases in inventory and trade accounts receivable, which was partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities during 2023.

Our cash used for investing activities increased to $329 million in 2023 from $320 million in 2022, primarily due to increased capital expenditures in 2023. In 2023, we used $316 million of cash for capital expenditures and mechanical stores purchases to update, expand and improve our facilities, compared to $300 million we paid in 2022 for the same purposes. Capital investment commitments for 2024 are anticipated to be approximately $340 million.

We used $569 million of cash for financing activities in 2023 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $103 million in 2022. The difference was primarily attributable to increased payments on debt, including the $200 million principal payment on our unsecured Term Loan in December 2023, and a net $203 million reduction of our commercial paper borrowings during 2023.

Also included in cash for financing activities are cash dividends we pay to our common stockholders of record on a quarterly basis. Dividends paid, including those to non-controlling interests, increased 7 percent to $194 million during 2023 from $181 million during 2022. The increase was due to an increase in our quarterly dividend rate per share of common stock, which typically occurs during the third quarter of each fiscal year. During 2023, we also repurchased 1.0 million outstanding shares of our common stock in open market transactions at a net cost of $101 million.

We have not provided foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes and federal and state taxes on foreign currency gains/losses on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.

Key Financial Performance Metrics

We use certain key financial performance metrics to monitor our progress towards achieving our long-term strategic business objectives. These metrics relate to our ability to drive profitability, create value for stockholders and monitor our financial leverage. We assess whether we are achieving our profitability and value creation objectives by measuring our

30

Table of Contents

Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”). We monitor our financial leverage by regularly reviewing our ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe these metrics provide valuable information to help us run our business and are useful to investors.

The metrics Adjusted ROIC and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA include certain financial measures (Adjusted operating income, net of tax, and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively) that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We also have presented below the most comparable financial measures calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision-making, forecasting future results and evaluating current performance. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide a more consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

In accordance with our long-term strategy, we set certain objectives relating to these key financial performance metrics that we strive to meet. However, no assurance can be given that we will continue to meet our financial performance metric targets. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for a discussion of factors that could affect our ability to meet those targets. The objectives reflect our current aspirations in light of our present plans and existing circumstances. We may change these objectives from time to time to address new opportunities or changing circumstances as appropriate to meet our long-term needs and those of our stockholders.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP historical financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is below.

Adjusted ROIC

Adjusted ROIC is a financial performance ratio not defined under GAAP, and it should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines Adjusted ROIC as Adjusted operating income, net of tax, divided by average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Adjusted ROIC is meaningful to investors as it focuses on profitability and value-creating potential, taking into account the amount of capital invested. The most comparable measure calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Return on Invested Capital, which Ingredion defines as Net income, divided by average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity, as shown in the table below.

31

Table of Contents

_____________________

(i)In 2023, we recorded $11 million of pre-tax restructuring/impairment charges primarily related to an other-than-temporary impairment on our equity method investments. In 2022, we recorded $4 million of pre-tax restructuring charges primarily related to the Cost Smart programs.

(ii)In 2022, acquisition/integration costs were reduced by $4 million as they were included in financing costs.

(iii)In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $5 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage. This was partially offset by $4 million of insurance recoveries. In 2022, we recorded pre-tax charges of $20 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage.

32

Table of Contents

(iv)The effective income tax rate was 24.9 percent for 2023 and 27.0 percent for 2022.

Our long-term objective is to maintain an Adjusted ROIC in excess of 10.0 percent. For 2023, we achieved an Adjusted ROIC of 13.3 percent as compared to 11.0 percent for 2022.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA is a financial performance ratio that is not defined under GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines this measure as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors as it focuses on Ingredion’s leverage on a comparable Adjusted EBITDA basis and helps investors better understand the time required to pay back Ingredion’s outstanding debt. The most comparable ratio calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Total net debt to Income before income taxes, calculated as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Income before income taxes, as shown in the table below.

33

Table of Contents

_____________________

(i)During 2023, we recorded $11 million of pre-tax net restructuring/impairment charges primarily related to an other-than-temporary impairment on our equity method investments. This was increased by $1 million as it included a depreciation benefit that was already included in depreciation and amortization line. In 2022, we recorded $4 million of pre-tax restructuring charges primarily related to the Cost Smart programs.

(ii)In 2022, acquisition/integration costs were reduced by $4 million as they were included in financing costs.

(iii)In 2023, we recorded pre-tax charges of $5 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage. This was partially offset by $4 million of insurance recoveries. In 2022, we recorded pre-tax charges of $20 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage.

Our long-term objective is to target a ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 2.5 or less. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the ratio was 1.5 and 2.2, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

We have identified below the most critical accounting policies upon which the financial statements are based and that involve our most complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Our senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with members of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. These accounting policies are described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

34

Table of Contents

Business Combinations

Our acquisitions of Amishi in 2022, the majority of shares of Mannitab in 2022, and KaTech in 2021 were accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. In purchase accounting, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition and any remaining purchase price is recorded as goodwill. In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly for long-lived tangible and intangible assets. Critical estimates used in valuing tangible and intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives. Although our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, actual results may differ. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

We have substantial investments in property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) and definite-lived intangible assets. For PP&E, we recognize the cost of depreciable assets in operations over the estimated useful life of the assets and evaluate the recoverability of these assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For definite-lived intangible assets, we recognize the cost of these amortizable assets in operations over their estimated useful life and evaluate the recoverability of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2023 were $2.4 billion and $242 million, respectively.

In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets, we may have to make projections regarding future cash flows. In developing these projections, we make a variety of important assumptions and estimates that have a significant impact on our assessments of whether the carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets should be adjusted to reflect impairment. Among these are assumptions and estimates about the future growth and profitability of the related asset group, anticipated future economic, regulatory and political conditions in the asset group’s market, and estimates of terminal or disposal values.

To optimize our operations, we continually review whether to further consolidate our manufacturing facilities or redeploy assets for other uses when we believe we can achieve a higher return on our investment. This review may result in closing or sale of certain manufacturing facilities, which could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations in the period we decide to close or sell the facility.

The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate that would require a change in our assumptions or strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, could require us to perform tests of recoverability in the future.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We have certain indefinite-lived intangible assets in the form of tradenames and trademarks. Our methodology for allocating the purchase price of acquisitions is based on established valuation techniques that reflect the consideration of a number of factors, including valuations performed by third-party appraisers when appropriate. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have identified several reporting units for which cash flows are determinable and to which goodwill may be allocated. Goodwill is either assigned to a specific reporting unit or allocated between reporting units based on the relative excess fair value of each reporting unit. The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill at December 31, 2023 was $143 million and $918 million, respectively, compared to $143 million and $900 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022.

We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment as of July 1 each year (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, which include net sales derived from these intangibles and certain market and industry conditions. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, then we are not required to compute the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the qualitative assessment leads us to conclude otherwise, then we are required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test

35

Table of Contents

in accordance with ASC subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Based on our assessment's results, we concluded that as of July 1, 2023, there were no impairments in our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

In testing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then we do not perform an impairment test. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the impairment test. Under this impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of its net assets, goodwill is not considered impaired, and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then an impairment exists for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit. This difference may not exceed the goodwill recorded at the reporting unit.

When we test goodwill for impairment, we make certain estimates and judgments, which include identifying reporting units and determining the reporting units' fair values based on both discounted cash flow analyses and an analysis of market multiples. To determine the fair value of reporting units, we use significant assumptions and estimates for discount and long-term net sales growth rates, in addition to operating and capital expenditure requirements. We consider changes in discount rates for the reporting units based on current market interest rates and specific risk factors within each geographic region. We also evaluate qualitative factors, such as legal, regulatory or competitive forces, in estimating the impact to the fair value of the reporting units, noting no significant changes that would result in any reporting unit failing the impairment test. Changes in assumptions concerning projected results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting units in the future. Based on the results of the annual assessment, we concluded that as of July 1, 2023, there were no impairments in our reporting units.

Retirement Benefits

We and our subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified) covering a substantial portion of employees in the U.S. and Canada, and certain employees in other countries. We also provide healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, our management must make a variety of estimates and assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis as of December 31 (or more frequently if a significant event requiring remeasurement occurs) and modify our assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effects of modifications are recognized immediately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets but are generally amortized into operating earnings over future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). We believe the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans, which are based on our experience, market conditions and input from our actuaries, are reasonable. We use third-party specialists to assist management in evaluating our assumptions and estimates, as well as to appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with our retirement benefit plans. Had we used different estimates and assumptions for these plans, our retirement benefit obligations and related expense could vary from the actual amounts recorded and such differences could be material. Additionally, adverse changes in investment returns earned on pension assets and discount rates used to calculate pension and postretirement benefit related liabilities or changes in required funding levels may have an unfavorable impact on future expense and cash flow. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for all of our plans was $12 million in 2023 and $6 million in 2022.

We determine our assumption for the discount rate used to measure year-end pension and postretirement obligations based on high-quality fixed-income investments that match the duration of the expected benefit payments, which has been benchmarked using a long-term, high-quality AA corporate bond index. We use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, was 5.00 percent and 5.19 percent, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under non-U.S. pension plans as of 2023 and 2022, was 5.24 percent and 5.66 percent, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under our postretirement plans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, was 7.37 percent and 7.30 percent, respectively.

36

Table of Contents

A one percentage point decrease in the discount rates at 2023, would have increased the accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation by the following amounts (millions):

Our investment approach and related asset allocation for the U.S. and Canadian plans is a liability-driven investment approach by which a higher proportion of investments will be in interest-rate sensitive investments (fixed income) under an active-management approach. The approach seeks to protect the current funded status of the plans from market volatility with a greater asset allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets. The greater allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets is expected to reduce volatility in plan-funded status by more closely matching movements in asset values to changes in liabilities.

Our current investment policy for our pension plans is to balance risk and return through diversified portfolios of actively managed equity index instruments, fixed income index securities and short-term investments. Maturities for fixed income securities are managed so that sufficient liquidity exists to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. The asset allocation is reviewed regularly, and portfolio investments are rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate or to raise sufficient liquidity when necessary to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. For 2023, net periodic pension cost, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on assets, which is based on the fair value of plan assets, of 5.50 percent for U.S. plans and approximately 4.66 percent for Canadian plans. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets, which consist mainly of U.S. and Canadian debt and equity securities, management evaluated historical rates of return achieved on plan assets and the asset allocation of the plans, input from our independent actuaries and investment consultants, and historical trends in long-term inflation rates. Projected return estimates made by such consultants are based upon broad equity and bond indices. We also maintain several funded pension plans in other international locations. The expected returns on plan assets for these plans are determined based on each plan’s investment approach and asset allocations. A hypothetical 25 basis point decrease in the expected long-term rate of return assumption would increase 2024 net periodic pension cost for the U.S. and Canadian plans by approximately $1 million each.

Healthcare cost trend rates are used in valuing our postretirement benefit obligations and are established based on actual health care cost trends and consultation with actuaries and benefit providers. At December 31, 2023, the health care cost trend rate assumptions for the next year for the U.S., Canadian and Brazilian plans were 7.80 percent, 5.04 percent and 8.94 percent, respectively.

For information related to our benefit plans, see Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

New Accounting Standards

For information related to our new accounting standards, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

37

Table of Contents

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

We are a major supplier of high-quality food and industrial ingredient solutions to customers around the world. We have 47 manufacturing facilities located in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA and we manage and operate our businesses at a regional level. We believe this approach provides us with a unique understanding of the cultures and product requirements in each of the geographic markets in which we operate, bringing added value to our customers. Our ingredients are used by customers in the food, beverage, brewing and animal feed industries, among others.

Effectively managing our manufacturing costs, including costs for corn, other raw materials and utilities, is critical to the success of our business. In addition, our global operations expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We use derivative financial instruments, when appropriate, for the purpose of managing the risks and costs associated with fluctuations in certain raw material and energy costs, foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The capital-intensive nature of our business requires that we generate significant cash flow over time in order to reinvest selectively in our operations and grow organically, as well as to expand through strategic acquisitions and alliances.

We have been navigating evolving global conditions that have varying impacts on our customers, suppliers, employees, operations and, ultimately, our profitability and cash flows. During 2022, we continued to achieve strong price mix, which included increased prices for our products to manage the effects of increasing corn and freight costs. Our ability to respond to changing customer demands, increasing inflation, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and shifting supply channels was affected by a variety of factors, including the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic with lockdowns in China and weather-related effects on crop yields in Europe.

In 2022, net sales increased over 15 percent to $7.9 billion from $6.9 billion in 2021. The increase in net sales was driven by strong price mix, partly offset by foreign currency impacts and lower volumes. Our operating income of $762 million for 2022 increased from operating income of $310 million in 2021. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2022 was $492 million, or $7.34 diluted earnings per share, which represented an increase from $117 million, or $1.73 diluted earnings per share, for 2021. The increases in operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share were primarily due to stronger price mix that more than offset higher corn and input costs. Our results for 2022 compared to 2021 were also impacted by a $340 million impairment charge related to the contribution of Ingredion Argentina's net assets to the Argentina joint venture recorded during 2021.

Results of Operations

We have significant operations in four reporting segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the U.S. dollar amounts of our foreign subsidiaries’ revenues and expenses. For most of our foreign subsidiaries, the local foreign currency is the functional currency. Accordingly, revenues and expenses denominated in the functional currencies of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable average exchange rates for the period.

We acquired the majority of shares of Mannitab on December 1, 2022, fully acquired Amishi on August 1, 2022, and KaTech on April 1, 2021. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial results beginning on the respective acquisition dates, which affects the comparability of results between years. In addition, our share of results in joint ventures are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income in Other operating expense (income) and comparability between years and between financial statement line items is affected by the timing of and consideration provided to the investments. While we identify the impacts of acquisitions and investments on our results, our discussion below also addresses results of operations excluding those impacts, where appropriate, to provide a more comparable and meaningful analysis.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Net sales. Net sales increased 15 percent to $7,946 million for 2022 compared to $6,894 million for 2021. The increase in net sales was driven by strong price mix. This was partially offset by foreign currency impacts and lower volumes.

23

Table of Contents

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased by 16 percent to $6,452 million in 2022 compared to cost of sales of $5,563 million in 2021. The increase in cost of sales primarily reflected higher net corn costs. Our gross profit margin of 19 percent in 2022 was unchanged from 2021.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased 7 percent to $715 million in 2022 compared to $668 million in 2021. The increase in operating expenses during 2022 was primarily attributable to cost impacts of higher inflation. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were approximately 9 percent in 2022 and 2021.

Other operating expense (income). Other operating expense (income) was $13 million in 2022 compared to $(34) million in 2021. The 2022 expense was primarily attributable to charges resulting from a U.S. based work stoppage. During 2021 we recorded $15 million of income from Brazil indirect tax credits and a net gain of $8 million related to the formation of the Amyris joint venture.

Restructuring/impairment charges and related adjustments. Restructuring and impairment charges decreased to $4 million in 2022 from $387 million in 2021, which primarily reflected an impairment charge of $340 million we recorded in 2021 for net assets from our Argentina business we contributed to the Argentina joint venture. In addition, the completion of our Cost Smart restructuring program resulted in $4 million of pre-tax restructuring charges in 2022 as compared to $44 million in 2021.

Financing costs. Financing costs increased 34 percent to $99 million in 2022 compared to $74 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher outstanding debt balances, as well as higher interest rates in 2022 as compared to 2021.

Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rates for 2022 and 2021 were 24.9 percent and 49.6 percent, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to the $340 million impairment charge related to net assets contributed to the Argentina joint venture during 2021, which did not have a corresponding income tax benefit. The effect of this charge was partially offset by a 2021 reversal of an accrual from unremitted earnings of a foreign subsidiary.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests increased to $10 million in 2022 from $8 million in 2021.

Net Income attributable to Ingredion. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2022 increased to $492 million from $117 million in 2021. The increase in net income was largely attributable to the $340 million impairment charge for the Argentina assets contributed to the Argentina joint venture in the prior year. The increase was also impacted by strong price mix that more than offset higher corn and input costs.

North America

Net sales. North America’s net sales increased 19 percent to $4,934 million in 2022 from $4,137 million in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by a 19 percent improvement in price mix and a 1 percent increase in volume. These impacts were partially offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 1 percent.

Operating income. North America’s operating income increased 16 percent to $565 million in 2022 from $487 million in 2021. The increase was driven by favorable price mix.

South America

Net sales. South America’s net sales increased 6 percent to $1,124 million in 2022 from $1,057 million in 2021. Excluding the effects of revenues from operations we contributed to the Argentina joint venture, net sales were 23 percent higher than in 2021. The increase reflected a 22 percent improvement in price mix and a 2 percent increase in volume. The effect of these factors was partially offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 1 percent.

Operating income. South America’s operating income increased 22 percent to $169 million in 2022 from $138 million in 2021. The increase was driven by favorable price mix, partially offset by higher corn and input costs.

24

Table of Contents

Asia-Pacific

Net sales. Asia-Pacific’s net sales increased 11 percent to $1,107 million in 2022 from $997 million in 2021. The increase was driven by favorable price mix of 14 percent and favorable volumes of 5 percent. These impacts were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of 8 percent.

Operating income. Asia-Pacific’s operating income increased 7 percent to $93 million in 2022 from $87 million in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by the favorable price mix that was partially offset by foreign exchange impacts.

EMEA

Net sales. EMEA’s net sales increased by 11 percent to $781 million in 2022 from $703 million in 2021. The increase was driven by favorable price mix of 23 percent and increased volumes of 2 percent, which were partially due to the purchase of KaTech on April 1, 2021. The effect of these factors was partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of 14 percent.

Operating income. EMEA’s operating income increased 4 percent to $110 million in 2022 compared to $106 million in 2021. Favorability in Europe was partially offset by foreign exchange impacts across the region.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021

With Comparatives for the Year Ended December 31, 2020

A discussion of the year-over-year comparison of results for 2021 and 2020 is not included in this report and can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Ingredion’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2022, Ingredion had total available liquidity of approximately $1,626 million. Domestic liquidity of $612 million consisted of $2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $610 million available through a $1 billion commercial paper program that had $390 million of outstanding borrowings. The commercial paper program, which we entered on July 27, 2021, is backed by $1 billion of borrowing availability under a five-year revolving credit agreement that we entered on June 30, 2021, as described below.

As of December 31, 2022, we had international liquidity of approximately $1,014 million, consisting of $234 million of cash and cash equivalents and $3 million of short-term investments held by our operations outside the U.S., as well as $777 million of unused operating lines of credit in foreign countries where we operate. As the parent company, we guarantee certain obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2022, our guarantees aggregated $63 million. We believe that those consolidated subsidiaries will be able to meet their financial obligations as they become due.

We have entered into a revolving credit agreement for an unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1 billion outstanding at any time, which will mature on June 30, 2026. Loans under the facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal, at our option, to either a specified Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus an applicable margin, or a base rate (generally determined according to the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate or the specified SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus an applicable margin. The revolving credit agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other matters, specify customary reporting obligations, and that, subject to exceptions, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness by our subsidiaries, the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations and sales of assets. We are subject to compliance, as of the end of each quarter, with a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest expense of 3.5 to 1.0, with each financial covenant calculated for the most recently completed four-quarter period. As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

On July 27, 2021, we established the commercial paper program under which we may issue senior unsecured notes of short maturities up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1 billion outstanding at any time. The notes may be sold from time to time on customary terms in the U.S. commercial paper market. We use and intend to continue using the note proceeds for general corporate purposes. During 2022, the average amount of commercial paper outstanding was $522 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.97 percent over a weighted average maturity of 16 days. As of

25

Table of Contents

December 31, 2022, we had $390 million of commercial paper outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 4.75 percent over a weighted average maturity of 7 days. The amount of commercial paper outstanding under this program in 2023 is expected to fluctuate.

On December 16, 2022 we entered into a new two-year, senior, unsecured $200 million term loan, which bears interest, payable quarterly in arrears, at a variable annual rate based on an adjusted daily SOFR plus a margin of 1.10 percent per annum. The term loan will mature and all principal thereunder will be payable on December 16, 2024. The term loan agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other matters, specify customary reporting obligations, and that, subject to exceptions, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness by our subsidiaries, the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations and sales of assets. We are subject to compliance, as of the end of each quarter, with a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest expense of 3.5 to 1.0, with each financial covenant calculated for the most recently completed four-quarter period.

As of December 31, 2022, we had total debt outstanding of approximately $2.5 billion, or approximately $1.9 billion excluding the outstanding commercial paper and other short-term borrowings. Of our outstanding debt, $1.7 billion consists of senior notes that do not require principal repayment until 2026 through 2050. The weighted average interest rate on our total indebtedness was approximately 3.5 percent for 2022 and approximately 3.0 percent for 2021.

The principal source of our liquidity is our internally generated cash flow, which we supplement as necessary with our ability to borrow under our credit facilities and to raise funds in the capital markets. We currently expect that our available cash balances, future cash flow from operations, access to debt markets and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated capital expenditures, dividends and other operating, investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. Our future cash flow needs will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, cost of raw materials, changing working capital requirements, the timing and extent of our expansion into new markets, the timing of introductions of new products, potential acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies, continuing market acceptance of our new products and general economic and market conditions. We may need to raise additional capital or incur indebtedness to fund our needs for less predictable strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions.

Net Cash Flows

Our cash provided by operating activities decreased to $152 million in 2022 from $392 million in 2021, primarily due to changes in working capital. Cash used for working capital increased to $664 million for 2022, primarily due to increases in trade accounts receivable and inventory. Cash used for trade accounts receivable increased because of higher pricing and higher freight charges for products we sold, and cash used for inventory increased due primarily to higher input costs from raw materials during 2022. Our cash used by investing activities decreased to $320 million in 2022 from $335 million in 2021, primarily as a result of less cash used for acquisitions in 2022. In 2022, we had cash provided by financing activities of $103 million, as compared to cash used for financing activities of $373 million in 2021. Cash provided by financing activities in 2022 was primarily provided by proceeds from borrowings, including under our new $200 million term loan, which exceeded our payments on debt.

We used $300 million of cash for capital expenditures and mechanical stores purchases to update, expand and improve our facilities in 2022, which was unchanged from the $300 million we paid in 2021 for the same purposes. Capital investment commitments for 2023 are anticipated to be approximately $300 million.

In August 2022, we acquired Amishi for $7 million, net of cash acquired. In December 2022, we acquired a 65 percent controlling interest in Mannitab for $22 million, net of cash acquired.

We declare and pay cash dividends to our common stockholders of record on a quarterly basis. Dividends paid, including those to non-controlling interests, decreased 2 percent to $181 million during 2022 compared to $184 million during 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in shares outstanding in 2022, as a result of our repurchase during 2022 of 1,283 thousand outstanding shares of common stock in open market transactions at a net cost of $112 million.

We have not provided foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes and federal and state taxes on foreign currency gains/losses on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings are

26

Table of Contents

considered to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.

Key Financial Performance Metrics

We use certain key financial performance metrics to monitor our progress towards achieving our long-term strategic business objectives. These metrics relate to our ability to drive profitability, create value for stockholders and monitor our financial leverage. We assess whether we are achieving our profitability and value creation objectives by measuring our Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (“Adjusted ROIC”). We monitor our financial leverage by regularly reviewing our ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe these metrics provide valuable information to help us run our business and are useful to investors.

The metrics Adjusted ROIC and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA include certain financial measures (Adjusted operating income, net of tax, and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively) that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We also have presented below the most comparable financial measures calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision-making, forecasting future results and evaluating current performance. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide a more consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

In accordance with our long-term strategy, we set certain objectives relating to these key financial performance metrics that we strive to meet. However, no assurance can be given that we will continue to meet our financial performance metric targets. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for a discussion of factors that could affect our ability to meet those targets. The objectives reflect our current aspirations in light of our present plans and existing circumstances. We may change these objectives from time to time to address new opportunities or changing circumstances as appropriate to meet our long-term needs and those of our stockholders.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP historical financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is provided in the tables below.

Adjusted ROIC

Adjusted ROIC is a financial performance ratio not defined under GAAP, and it should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines Adjusted ROIC as Adjusted operating income, net of tax, divided by Average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Adjusted ROIC is meaningful to investors as it focuses on profitability and value-creating potential, taking into account the amount of capital invested. The most comparable measure calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Return on Invested Capital, which Ingredion defines as Net income, divided by Average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity, as provided in the table below.

27

Table of Contents

_____________________

(i)In 2022, we recorded $4 million of pre-tax restructuring charges for the Cost Smart programs. In 2021, we recorded $47 million of pre-tax restructuring charges primarily related to our Cost Smart programs.

(ii)2022 acquisition/integration costs are reduced by $4 million to exclude acquisition/integration costs already included in financing costs above.

(iii)In 2022, we recorded pre-tax charges of $20 million primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage. In 2021, we recorded $15 million of pre-tax benefits for Brazil indirect tax matters.

28

Table of Contents

(iv)The effective income tax rate was 27.0 percent for 2022 and 25.6 percent for 2021.

Our long-term objective is to maintain an Adjusted ROIC in excess of 10 percent. For 2022, we achieved an Adjusted ROIC of 11.0 percent as compared to 10.7 percent for 2021.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA is a financial performance ratio that is not defined under GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines this measure as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors as it focuses on Ingredion’s leverage on a comparable Adjusted EBITDA basis and helps investors better understand the time required to pay back Ingredion’s outstanding debt. The most comparable ratio calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Total net debt to Income before income taxes, calculated as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Income before income taxes, as provided in the table below.

29

Table of Contents

_____________________

(i)Restructuring/impairment charges are reduced by $9 million in 2021 to exclude the accelerated depreciation associated with Cost Smart programs that are included in Depreciation and amortization above.

(ii)2022 acquisition/integration costs are reduced by $4 million to exclude acquisition/integration costs already included in financing costs above.

(iii)We recorded $20 million of pre-tax charges primarily related to the impacts of a U.S.-based work stoppage in 2022 and $15 million of pre-tax benefits for Brazil indirect tax matters in 2021.

Our long-term objective is to target a ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 2.5 or less. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the ratio was 2.2 and 1.9, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

We have identified below the most critical accounting policies upon which the financial statements are based and that involve our most complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Our senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with members of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. These accounting policies are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

30

Table of Contents

Business Combinations

Our acquisitions of Amishi and the majority of shares of Mannitab in 2022, KaTech in 2021, and PureCircle and Verdient in 2020 were accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. In purchase accounting, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition and any remaining purchase price is recorded as goodwill. In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly for long-lived tangible and intangible assets. Critical estimates used in valuing tangible and intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives. Although our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, actual results may differ. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our acquisitions.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

We have substantial investments in property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) and definite-lived intangible assets. For PP&E, we recognize the cost of depreciable assets in operations over the estimated useful life of the assets and evaluate the recoverability of these assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For definite-lived intangible assets, we recognize the cost of these amortizable assets in operations over their estimated useful life and evaluate the recoverability of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2022 were $2.4 billion and $258 million, respectively.

In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets, we may have to make projections regarding future cash flows. In developing these projections, we make a variety of important assumptions and estimates that have a significant impact on our assessments of whether the carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets should be adjusted to reflect impairment. Among these are assumptions and estimates about the future growth and profitability of the related asset group, anticipated future economic, regulatory and political conditions in the asset group’s market, and estimates of terminal or disposal values.

To optimize our operations, we continually review whether to further consolidate our manufacturing facilities or redeploy assets for other uses when we believe we can achieve a higher return on our investment. This review may result in closing or sale of certain manufacturing facilities, which could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations in the period we decide to close or sell the facility.

The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate that would require a change in our assumptions or strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, could require us to perform tests of recoverability in the future.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We have certain indefinite-lived intangible assets in the form of tradenames and trademarks. Our methodology for allocating the purchase price of acquisitions is based on established valuation techniques that reflect the consideration of a number of factors, including valuations performed by third-party appraisers when appropriate. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have identified several reporting units for which cash flows are determinable and to which goodwill may be allocated. Goodwill is either assigned to a specific reporting unit or allocated between reporting units based on the relative excess fair value of each reporting unit. The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill at December 31, 2022 was $143 million and $900 million, respectively, compared to $143 million and $914 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021.

We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment as of July 1 each year (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, which include net sales derived from these intangibles and certain market and industry conditions. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, then we are not required to compute the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the qualitative assessment leads us to conclude otherwise, then we are required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test in accordance with ASC subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Based on our

31

Table of Contents

assessment's results, we concluded that as of July 1, 2022, there were no impairments in our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

In testing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then we do not perform an impairment test. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the impairment test as described in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Under this impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of its net assets, goodwill is not considered impaired, and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then an impairment exists for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit. This difference may not exceed the goodwill recorded at the reporting unit.

When we test goodwill for impairment, we make certain estimates and judgments, which include identifying reporting units and determining the reporting units' fair values based on both discounted cash flow analyses and an analysis of market multiples. To determine the fair value of reporting units, we use significant assumptions and estimates for discount and long-term net sales growth rates, in addition to operating and capital expenditure requirements. We consider changes in discount rates for the reporting units based on current market interest rates and specific risk factors within each geographic region. We also evaluate qualitative factors, such as legal, regulatory or competitive forces, in estimating the impact to the fair value of the reporting units, noting no significant changes that would result in any reporting unit failing the impairment test. Changes in assumptions concerning projected results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting units in the future. Based on the results of the annual assessment, we concluded that as of July 1, 2022, there were no impairments in our reporting units.

Retirement Benefits

We and our subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified) covering a substantial portion of employees in the U.S. and Canada, and certain employees in other countries. We also provide healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, our management must make a variety of estimates and assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis as of December 31 (or more frequently if a significant event requiring remeasurement occurs) and modify our assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effects of modifications are recognized immediately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets but are generally amortized into operating earnings over future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). We believe the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans, which are based on our experience, market conditions and input from our actuaries, are reasonable. We use third-party specialists to assist management in evaluating our assumptions and estimates, as well as to appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with our retirement benefit plans. Had we used different estimates and assumptions for these plans, our retirement benefit obligations and related expense could vary from the actual amounts recorded and such differences could be material. Additionally, adverse changes in investment returns earned on pension assets and discount rates used to calculate pension and postretirement benefit related liabilities or changes in required funding levels may have an unfavorable impact on future expense and cash flow. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for all of our plans was $6 million in 2022 and $3 million in 2021.

We determine our assumption for the discount rate used to measure year-end pension and postretirement obligations based on high-quality fixed-income investments that match the duration of the expected benefit payments, which has been benchmarked using a long-term, high-quality AA corporate bond index. We use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was 5.19 percent and 2.91 percent, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under non-U.S. pension plans as of 2022 and 2021, was 5.66 percent and 3.47 percent, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under our postretirement plans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was 7.30 percent and 4.22 percent, respectively.

32

Table of Contents

A one percentage point decrease in the discount rates at 2022, would have increased the accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation by the following amounts (millions):

Our investment approach and related asset allocation for the U.S. and Canada plans is a liability-driven investment approach by which a higher proportion of investments will be in interest-rate sensitive investments (fixed income) under an active-management approach. The approach seeks to protect the current funded status of the plans from market volatility with a greater asset allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets. The greater allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets is expected to reduce volatility in plan-funded status by more closely matching movements in asset values to changes in liabilities.

Our current investment policy for our pension plans is to balance risk and return through diversified portfolios of actively managed equity index instruments, fixed income index securities and short-term investments. Maturities for fixed income securities are managed so that sufficient liquidity exists to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. The asset allocation is reviewed regularly, and portfolio investments are rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate or to raise sufficient liquidity when necessary to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. For 2022 net periodic pension cost, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on assets, which is based on the fair value of plan assets, of 4.10 percent for U.S. plans and approximately 3.06 percent for Canadian plans. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets, which consist mainly of U.S. and Canadian debt and equity securities, management evaluated historical rates of return achieved on plan assets and the asset allocation of the plans, input from our independent actuaries and investment consultants, and historical trends in long-term inflation rates. Projected return estimates made by such consultants are based upon broad equity and bond indices. We also maintain several funded pension plans in other international locations. The expected returns on plan assets for these plans are determined based on each plan’s investment approach and asset allocations. A hypothetical 25 basis point decrease in the expected long-term rate of return assumption would increase 2023 net periodic pension cost for the U.S. and Canada plans by approximately $1 million each.

Healthcare cost trend rates are used in valuing our postretirement benefit obligations and are established based on actual health care cost trends and consultation with actuaries and benefit providers. At December 31, 2022, the health care cost trend rate assumptions for the next year for the U.S., Canada and Brazil plans were 6.82 percent, 4.82 percent and 8.68 percent, respectively.

See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our benefit plans.

New Accounting Standards

For information about new accounting standards, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ingredion intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for such statements.

33

Table of Contents

Forward-looking statements include, among others, any statements regarding Ingredion’s prospects, future operations, or future financial condition, earnings, net sales, tax rates, capital expenditures, cash flows, expenses or other financial items, including management’s plans or strategies and objectives for any of the foregoing and any assumptions, expectations or beliefs underlying any of the foregoing.

These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “pro forma,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “propels,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “provisional,” or other similar expressions or the negative thereof. All statements other than statements of historical facts therein are “forward-looking statements.”

These statements are based on current circumstances or expectations, but are subject to certain inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that our expectations will prove correct.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by these statements, based on various risks and uncertainties, including effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the impacts on the availability and prices of raw materials and energy supplies and volatility in foreign exchange and interest rates; changing consumption preferences relating to high fructose corn syrup and other products we make; the effects of global economic conditions and the general political, economic, business, and market conditions that affect customers and consumers in the various geographic regions and countries in which we buy our raw materials or manufacture or sell our products, and the impact these factors may have on our sales volumes, the pricing of our products and our ability to collect our receivables from customers; future purchases of our products by major industries which we serve and from which we derive a significant portion of our sales, including, without limitation, the food, beverage, animal nutrition, and brewing industries; the impact of COVID-19 on our business, the demand for our products and our financial results; the uncertainty of acceptance of products developed through genetic modification and biotechnology; our ability to develop or acquire new products and services at rates or of qualities sufficient to gain market acceptance; increased competitive and/or customer pressure in the corn-refining industry and related industries, including with respect to the markets and prices for our primary products and our co-products, particularly corn oil; price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and shortages affecting inputs to our production processes and delivery channels, including raw materials, energy costs and availability and freight and logistics; our ability to contain costs, achieve budgets and realize expected synergies, including with respect to our ability to complete planned maintenance and investment projects on time and on budget as well as with respect to freight and shipping costs; operating difficulties at our manufacturing facilities and liabilities relating to product safety and quality; the effects of climate change and legal, regulatory, and market measures to address climate change; our ability to successfully identify and complete acquisitions or strategic alliances on favorable terms as well as our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses or implement and maintain strategic alliances and achieve anticipated synergies with respect to all of the foregoing; economic, political and other risks inherent in conducting operations in foreign countries and in foreign currencies; the behavior of financial and capital markets, including with respect to foreign currency fluctuations, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates and market volatility and the associated risks of hedging against such fluctuations; the failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations; our ability to attract, develop, motivate, and maintain good relationships with our workforce; the impact on our business of natural disasters, war, threats or acts of terrorism, the outbreak or continuation of pandemics such as COVID-19, or the occurrence of other significant events beyond our control; the impact of impairment charges on our goodwill or long-lived assets; changes in government policy, law, or regulation and costs of legal compliance, including compliance with environmental regulation; changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liability; increases in our borrowing costs that could result from increased interest rates; our ability to raise funds at reasonable rates and other factors affecting our access to sufficient funds for future growth and expansion; security breaches with respect to information technology systems, processes, and sites; volatility in the stock market and other factors that could adversely affect our stock price; risks affecting the continuation of our dividend policy; and our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. If we do update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. For a further description of these and other risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors above and our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

34

Table of Contents

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

​

Overview

​

We are a major supplier of high-quality food and industrial ingredient solutions to customers around the world. We have 45 manufacturing facilities located in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) and we manage and operate our businesses at a regional level. We believe this approach provides us with a unique understanding of the cultures and product requirements in each of the geographic markets in which we operate, bringing added value to our customers. Our ingredients are used by customers in the food, beverage, brewing and animal feed industries, among others.

​

Effectively managing our manufacturing costs, including costs for corn, other raw materials and utilities, is critical to the success of our business. In addition, our global operations expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We use derivative financial instruments, when appropriate, for the purpose of minimizing the risks and costs associated with fluctuations in certain raw material and energy costs, foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The capital-intensive nature of our business requires that we generate significant cash flow over time in order to selectively reinvest in our operations and grow organically, as well as to expand through strategic acquisitions and alliances.

​

In 2021, net sales increased over 15 percent to $6.9 billion from $6.0 billion in 2020. The increase in net sales was driven by higher sales volumes and a strong price mix, including the pass-through of higher input costs to customers. Operating income, net income and diluted earnings per common share in 2021 declined from 2020 levels. Operating income of $310 million in 2021 decreased from $582 million in 2020, primarily due to the $340 million net asset impairment charge related to the contribution of Ingredion’s Argentina assets to the Arcor joint venture. Excluding the net asset impairment charge, operating income increased to reflect our higher sales volumes.

​

COVID-19: Our operations in recent periods have been adversely affected by impacts of COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. Our global operations expose us to risks associated with public health crises, including pandemics such as COVID-19. Foreign governmental organizations and governmental organizations at the national, state and local levels in the United States have taken various actions to combat the spread of COVID-19, including, from time to time, imposing stay-at-home orders and closing “non-essential” businesses and their operations. As a manufacturer of food ingredients, our operations are considered “essential” under most current COVID-19 government regulations and our facilities are operating globally. We did not experience any material supply chain interruptions in 2021 and were able to continue to operate and ship products from our global network of manufacturing facilities without material interruptions. We place top priority on our employees’ health and safety and continue to follow the advice and the guidelines of public health authorities for physical distancing and to make available personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies. We are monitoring COVID-19 infection rates as well as the pace and effectiveness of vaccination rollouts, as the net sales volume is generally correlated with increased consumer activity and availability of food and beverages consumed away from home.

​

Cost Smart Program: In July 2018, we announced a Cost Smart program, which we designed to improve profitability, further streamline our global business and deliver increased value to stockholders. We set a $125 million savings target to include an anticipated $75 million in cost of sales savings, including freight, and $50 million in anticipated SG&A savings through 2021. Since the program’s inception, we have periodically updated our savings targets and expect to deliver $170 million in total savings through the end of the program, far exceeding our original target.

​

Results of Operations

​

We have significant operations in four reporting segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the U.S. dollar amounts of our foreign subsidiaries’ revenues and expenses. For most of our foreign subsidiaries, the local foreign currency is the functional currency.

28

Table of Contents

Accordingly, revenues and expenses denominated in the functional currencies of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable average exchange rates for the period.

​

We acquired KaTech on April 1, 2021, the remaining interest in Verdient on November 3, 2020, and a controlling interest in PureCircle on July 1, 2020. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial results beginning on the respective acquisition dates, which inclusion affects the comparability of results between years. In addition, our share of results in joint ventures is classified as other operating (income) and comparability between years and between financial statement line items is affected by the timing of and consideration provided to the investments. While we identify fluctuations due to the acquisitions, our discussion below also addresses results of operations excluding the impact of the acquisitions and investments, where appropriate, to provide a more comparable and meaningful analysis.

​

2021 Compared to 2020 - Consolidated

​

Net sales. Net sales increased 15 percent to $6,894 million in 2021 compared to $5,987 million for 2020. The increase in net sales was driven by strong price mix including the pass through of higher corn costs and higher volumes, which also reflected inclusion of the results of KaTech, Verdient and PureCircle.

​

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased by 18 percent to $5,563 million in 2021 compared to cost of sales of $4,715 million in 2020. The increase in cost of sales primarily reflected the increase in net sales. Our gross profit margin of 19 percent for 2021 decreased from 21 percent in 2020. The decrease in gross margin was driven by higher corn and input costs.

​

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased 6 percent to $668 million in 2021 compared to $628 million in 2020. The increase in operating expenses during 2021 was primarily attributable to the inclusion of PureCircle and KaTech. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were approximately 10 percent in 2021 and 2020.

​

Other operating (income). Other operating (income) increased 10 percent to $(34) million in 2021 compared to $(31) million in 2020. The increase was due primarily to a net gain related to the Amyris joint venture, an increase in equity method earnings related to the Arcor joint venture, gains on the sale of assets and other items in 2021. These items were partially offset by a reduction in Brazil indirect tax credits recorded in 2021.

​

Restructuring and impairment charges. Restructuring and impairment charges increased to $387 million in 2021 compared to $93 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an impairment charge of $340 million for net assets from our Argentina business we contributed to the Arcor joint venture, of which $311 million was related to the write-off of the cumulative translation losses associated with the contributed net assets and $29 million was related to the final write-down of the contributed net assets to fair value. This was partially offset by $45 million in impairment charges taken on our TIC tradename intangible asset and our equity method investment in Verdient in 2020.

​

Financing costs. Financing costs decreased 9 percent to $74 million in 2021 compared to $81 million in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to Argentina hyperinflation costs. As part of the Arcor joint venture, a majority of Argentina’s hyperinflation costs are no longer recorded in financing costs, but instead are reflected in other operating (income) through our share of equity earnings.

​

Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rates for 2021 and 2020 were 49.6 percent and 30.0 percent, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate resulted primarily from an impairment charge related to the Arcor joint venture in Argentina and a change in the mix of earnings. These items were partially offset by the reversal of an accrual from unremitted earnings, favorable judgments related to the treatment of interest and credits on indirect taxes in Brazil and inflation adjustments in Mexico.

​

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests increased 33 percent to $8 million in 2021 compared to $6 million in 2020.

​

29

Table of Contents

Net Income attributable to Ingredion. Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2021 decreased to $117 million from $348 million in 2020. The decrease in net income was largely attributable to the $340 million impairment charge for the Argentina assets contributed to the Arcor joint venture, partially offset by strong price mix and volume improvement.

​

North America

​

Net sales. North America’s net sales increased 13 percent to $4,137 million in 2021 compared to $3,662 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a 9 percent improvement in price and product mix, a 3 percent increase in volume and a 1 percent favorable foreign exchange.

​

Operating income. North America’s operating income was flat at $487 million for 2021 and 2020. Favorable price mix and higher volumes in 2021 were fully offset by higher corn and input costs and ramp-up costs related to our plant-based protein operations in our South Sioux City and Vanscoy facilities.

​

South America

​

Net sales. South America’s net sales increased 15 percent to $1,057 million in 2021 from $919 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a 26 percent improvement in price and product mix, which was partially offset by an 8 percent decrease in volume and a 3 percent unfavorable foreign exchange impact. The decrease in volume was driven by the contribution of our Argentina, Chile and Uruguay operations to the Arcor joint venture.

​

Operating income. South America’s operating income increased 23 percent to $138 million in 2021 compared to $112 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to a strong price mix that more than offset higher corn and input costs.

​

Asia-Pacific

​

Net sales. Asia-Pacific’s net sales increased 23 percent to $997 million in 2021 compared to $813 million in 2020. The increase was driven by favorable volumes of 18 percent, a favorable price and product mix of 3 percent and favorable foreign exchange impacts of 2 percent.

​

Operating income. Asia-Pacific’s operating income increased 9 percent to $87 million in 2021 compared to $80 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a favorable price and product mix and year-over-year improvement in PureCircle results that more than offset higher raw materials and input costs.

​

EMEA

​

Net sales. EMEA’s net sales increased by 19 percent to $703 million in 2021, compared to $593 million in 2020. The increase was driven by favorable volumes of 11 percent, partially due to the purchase of KaTech on April 1, 2021, a favorable price and product mix of 5 percent and favorable foreign exchange impacts of 3 percent.

​

Operating income. EMEA’s operating income increased 4 percent to $106 million in 2021 compared to $102 million in 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to a favorable price mix in Pakistan and higher volumes in Europe.

​

2020 Compared to 2019 – Consolidated

​

A discussion of the year-over-year comparison of results for 2020 and 2019 is not included in this report and can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Ingredion’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

​

30

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

​

As of December 31, 2021, Ingredion had total available liquidity of approximately $1,719 million. Domestic liquidity of $770 million consisted of $20 million in cash and cash equivalents and $750 million available through a $1 billion commercial paper program that had $250 million of outstanding borrowings. The commercial paper program, which we entered on July 27, 2021, is backed by $1 billion of borrowing availability under a five-year revolving credit agreement that we entered on June 30, 2021 (“Revolving Credit Agreement”).

​

As of December 31, 2021, we had international liquidity of approximately $953 million, consisting of $308 million of cash and cash equivalents and $4 million of short-term investments held by our operations outside the U.S., as well as $641 million of unused operating lines of credit in the various foreign countries in which we operate. As the parent company, we guarantee certain obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2021, such guarantees aggregated $61 million. We believe that such consolidated subsidiaries will be able to meet their financial obligations as they become due.

​

As of December 31, 2021, we had repaid in full the $380 million of borrowings outstanding under a term loan credit agreement that we previously amended on March 16, 2021 (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”). The Term Loan Credit Agreement restated the previous agreement by extending the maturity date of the borrowings under the previous agreement until March 15, 2022. No new borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement were incurred in connection with the amendment and restatement. Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at a variable annual rate based on a London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) or a base rate, at our election, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The Term Loan Credit Agreement reduced the applicable interest rate margin for loans accruing interest based on LIBOR from 0.80 percent to 0.75 percent. We were required to pay a fee on the unused availability under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, which contained customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including covenants restricting the incurrence of liens, the incurrence of indebtedness by our subsidiaries and certain fundamental changes involving us and our subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions in each case. We were also required to maintain a specified maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a specified minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio.

​

On June 30, 2021, we entered into the Revolving Credit Agreement to replace our previous revolving credit agreement, which we terminated. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a five-year unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1 billion outstanding at any time. The facility will mature on June 30, 2026. Loans under the facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal, at our option, to either a specified LIBOR plus an applicable margin, or a base rate (generally determined according to the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate or the specified LIBOR plus 1.00 percent) plus an applicable margin. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other matters, specify customary reporting obligations, and that, subject to exceptions, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness by our subsidiaries, the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations and sales of assets. We are subject to compliance, as of the end of each quarter, with a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest expense of 3.5 to 1.0, as each such financial covenant is calculated for the most recently completed four-quarter period. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

​

On July 27, 2021, we established a commercial paper program under which we may issue senior unsecured notes of short maturities up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1 billion outstanding at any time. The notes may be sold from time to time on customary terms in the U.S. commercial paper market. We intend to use the note proceeds for general corporate purposes. During the period from July 27, 2021 through December 31, 2021, the average amount of commercial paper outstanding was $670 million. As of December 31, 2021, the $250 million of commercial paper then outstanding had a weighted average interest rate of 0.35 percent over a weighted average maturity of 40 days. The amount of commercial paper outstanding under this program in 2022 is expected to fluctuate.

​

As of December 31, 2021, we had total debt outstanding of $2.0 billion, or $1.7 billion excluding the outstanding commercial paper and other short-term borrowings. Of our outstanding debt, $1.7 billion consists of senior notes that do not require principal repayment until 2026 through 2050. The weighted average interest rate on our total indebtedness was approximately 3.0 percent for 2021 and 3.4 percent for 2020.

31

Table of Contents

​

The principal source of our liquidity is our internally generated cash flow, which we supplement as necessary with our ability to borrow under our credit facilities and to raise funds in the capital markets. We currently expect that our available cash balances, future cash flow from operations, access to debt markets and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated capital expenditures, dividends and other investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. Our future cash flow needs will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, the timing and extent of our expansion into new markets, the timing of introductions of new products, potential acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies, continuing market acceptance of our new products and general economic and market conditions. We may need to raise additional capital or incur indebtedness to fund our needs for less predictable strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions.

​

Net Cash Flows

​

Our cash provided by operating activities decreased to $392 million in 2021 from $829 million in 2020, primarily due to changes in working capital. Our cash used by investing activities decreased to $335 million in 2021 from $571 million in 2020, primarily due to our acquisition of a controlling interest in PureCircle in 2020. In 2021, we used $373 million of cash for financing activities compared to cash provided by financing activities of $143 million in 2020. Cash used for financing activities in 2021 was primarily used for our repayment of the $380 million outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

​

To manage price risk related to corn purchases, we use derivative instruments, consisting of corn futures and options contracts, to lock in our corn costs associated with firm-priced customer sales contracts. As the market price of these commodities fluctuates, our derivative instruments change in value and we fund any unrealized losses or receive cash for any unrealized gains related to outstanding commodity futures and option contracts.

​

We used $300 million of cash for capital expenditures and mechanical stores purchases to update, expand and improve our facilities in 2021, as compared to $340 million that we paid in 2020 for capital expenditures and mechanical stores. Capital investment commitments for 2022 are anticipated to be between $300 million and $335 million.

​

In April 2021, we acquired a controlling interest in KaTech for $40 million, net of cash acquired.

​

We declare and pay cash dividends to our common stockholders of record on a quarterly basis. Dividends paid, including those to noncontrolling interests, increased 3 percent to $184 million during 2021 compared to $178 million during 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the dividend paid per share during 2021. Additionally, during 2021, we repurchased 765 thousand outstanding shares of common stock in open market transactions at a net cost of $68 million.

​

We have not provided foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes and federal and state taxes on foreign currency gains/losses on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.

​

Key Financial Performance Metrics

​

We use certain key financial performance metrics to monitor our progress towards achieving our long-term strategic business objectives. These metrics relate to our ability to drive profitability, create value for stockholders and monitor our financial leverage. We assess whether we are achieving our profitability and value creation objectives by measuring our Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (“Adjusted ROIC”). We monitor our financial leverage by regularly reviewing our ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe these metrics provide valuable managerial information to help us run our business and are useful to investors.

32

Table of Contents

​

The metrics Adjusted ROIC and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA include certain financial measures (Adjusted operating income, net of tax and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively) that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We also have presented below the most comparable metrics calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision-making, forecasting future results and evaluating current performance. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide a more consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

​

In accordance with our long-term objectives, we set certain objectives relating to these key financial performance metrics that we strive to meet. However, no assurance can be given that we will continue to meet our financial performance metric targets. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. The objectives reflect our current aspirations in light of our present plans and existing circumstances. We may change these objectives from time to time in the future to address new opportunities or changing circumstances as appropriate to meet our long-term needs and those of our stockholders.

​

A reconciliation of non-GAAP historical financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is provided in the tables below.

​

33

Table of Contents

Adjusted ROIC: Adjusted ROIC is a financial performance ratio not defined under GAAP, and it should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines Adjusted ROIC as Adjusted operating income, net of tax, divided by Average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Adjusted ROIC is meaningful to investors as it focuses on profitability and value-creating potential, taking into account the amount of capital invested. The most comparable measure calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Return on Invested Capital, which Ingredion defines as Net income, divided by Average end-of-year balances for current year and prior year Total net debt and equity. The calculations for Return on Invested Capital and Adjusted ROIC for the periods indicated are provided in the table below.

​

​

​

34

Table of Contents

​

​

Our long-term objective is to maintain an Adjusted ROIC in excess of 10 percent. For 2021, we achieved an Adjusted ROIC of 10.7 percent as compared to 10.8 percent for 2020.

​

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA: Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA is a financial performance ratio that is not defined under GAAP, and it should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. Ingredion defines this measure as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Similarly named measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Ingredion believes Total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors as it focuses on Ingredion’s leverage on a comparable Adjusted EBITDA basis and helps investors better understand the time required to pay back Ingredion’s outstanding debt. The most comparable ratio calculated using components determined in accordance with GAAP is Total net debt to Income before income taxes, calculated as Short-term and Long-term debt less Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments, divided by Income before income taxes. The calculations for

35

Table of Contents

the ratio of Total net debt to Income before income taxes and for the ratio of Total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA are provided in the table below.

​

​

​

Our long-term objective is to maintain a ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of less than 2.25. As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the ratio was 1.9 and 1.7, respectively.

​

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

​

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

​

We have identified below the most critical accounting policies upon which the financial statements are based and that involve our most complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Our senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with members of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. These accounting policies are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

​

36

Table of Contents

Business Combinations: Our acquisitions of KaTech in 2021 and PureCircle and Verdient in 2020 were accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. In purchase accounting, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition and any remaining purchase price is recorded as goodwill. In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly for long-lived tangible and intangible assets. Critical estimates used in valuing tangible and intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives. Although our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, actual results may differ. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our acquisitions.

​

Property, Plant and Equipment and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets: We have substantial investments in property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) and definite-lived intangible assets. For PP&E, we recognize the cost of depreciable assets in operations over the estimated useful life of the assets and evaluate the recoverability of these assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For definite-lived intangible assets, we recognize the cost of these amortizable assets in operations over their estimated useful life and evaluate the recoverability of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2021 were $2.4 billion and $434 million, respectively.

​

In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets, we may have to make projections regarding future cash flows. In developing these projections, we make a variety of important assumptions and estimates that have a significant impact on our assessments of whether the carrying values of PP&E and definite-lived intangible assets should be adjusted to reflect impairment. Among these are assumptions and estimates about the future growth and profitability of the related asset group, anticipated future economic, regulatory and political conditions in the asset group’s market and estimates of terminal or disposal values.

​

Through our continual assessment to optimize our operations, we address whether there is a need for additional consolidation of manufacturing facilities or to redeploy assets to areas where we can expect to achieve a higher return on our investment. This review may result in the closing or selling of certain of our manufacturing facilities. The closing or selling of any of the facilities could have a significant negative impact on the results of operations in the year in which the closing or selling of a facility occurs.

​

The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate that would require a change in our assumptions or strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, could require us to perform tests of recoverability in the future.

​

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill: We have certain indefinite-lived intangible assets in the form of tradenames and trademarks. Our methodology for allocating the purchase price of acquisitions is based on established valuation techniques that reflect the consideration of a number of factors, including valuations performed by third-party appraisers when appropriate. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have identified several reporting units for which cash flows are determinable and to which goodwill may be allocated. Goodwill is either assigned to a specific reporting unit or allocated between reporting units based on the relative excess fair value of each reporting unit. The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill at December 31, 2021 was $143 million and $914 million, respectively, compared to $143 million and $902 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020.

​

We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). We perform this annual impairment assessment as of July 1 each year. In testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, then we would not be required to compute the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event the qualitative assessment leads us to conclude otherwise, then we would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test in accordance with ASC subtopic 350-

37

Table of Contents

30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. In performing the qualitative analysis, we consider various factors including net sales derived from these intangibles and certain market and industry conditions. Based on the results of our assessment, we concluded that as of July 1, 2021, there were no impairments in our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

​

In testing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then we do not perform an impairment test. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the impairment test as described in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Under this impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of its net assets, goodwill is not considered impaired, and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then an impairment exists for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit. This difference is not to exceed the goodwill recorded at the reporting unit.

​

In performing our impairment tests for goodwill, management makes certain estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments include the identification of reporting units and the determination of fair values of reporting units, which management estimates using both discounted cash flow analyses and an analysis of market multiples. Significant assumptions used in the determination of fair value for reporting units include estimates for discount and long-term net sales growth rates, in addition to operating and capital expenditure requirements. We consider changes in discount rates for the reporting units based on current market interest rates and specific risk factors within each geographic region. We also evaluate qualitative factors, such as legal, regulatory, or competitive forces, in estimating the impact to the fair value of the reporting units, noting no significant changes that would result in any reporting unit failing the impairment test. Changes in assumptions concerning projected results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting units in the future. Based on the results of the annual assessment, we concluded that as of July 1, 2021, there were no impairments in our reporting units.

​

Retirement Benefits: We and our subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified) covering a substantial portion of employees in the U.S. and Canada, and certain employees in other foreign countries. We also provide healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, our management must make a variety of estimates and assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis as of December 31 (or more frequently if a significant event requiring remeasurement occurs) and modify our assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effects of modifications are recognized immediately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets but are generally amortized into operating earnings over future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). We believe the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans, which are based on our experience, market conditions and input from our actuaries, are reasonable. We use third-party specialists to assist management in evaluating our assumptions and estimates, as well as to appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with our retirement benefit plans. Had we used different estimates and assumptions for these plans, our retirement benefit obligations and related expense could vary from the actual amounts recorded and such differences could be material. Additionally, adverse changes in investment returns earned on pension assets and discount rates used to calculate pension and postretirement benefit related liabilities or changes in required funding levels may have an unfavorable impact on future expense and cash flow. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for all of our plans was $3 million in 2021 and $4 million in 2020.

​

We determine our assumption for the discount rate used to measure year-end pension and postretirement obligations based on high-quality fixed-income investments that match the duration of the expected benefit payments, which has been benchmarked using a long-term, high-quality AA corporate bond index. We use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, was 2.91 percent and 2.58 percent, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under non-U.S. pension plans as of 2021 and 2020, was 3.47 percent and 2.84 percent, respectively. The

38

Table of Contents

weighted average discount rate used to determine our obligations under our postretirement plans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, was 4.22 percent and 3.69 percent, respectively.

​

A one percentage point decrease in the discount rates at 2021, would have increased the accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation by the following amounts (millions):

​

​

Our investment approach and related asset allocation for the U.S. and Canada plans is a liability-driven investment approach by which a higher proportion of investments will be in interest-rate sensitive investments (fixed income) under an active-management approach. The approach seeks to protect the current funded status of the plans from market volatility with a greater asset allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets. The greater allocation to interest-rate sensitive assets is expected to reduce volatility in plan funded status by more closely matching movements in asset values to changes in liabilities.

​

Our current investment policy for our pension plans is to balance risk and return through diversified portfolios of actively managed equity index instruments, fixed income index securities and short-term investments. Maturities for fixed income securities are managed such that sufficient liquidity exists to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. The asset allocation is reviewed regularly, and portfolio investments are rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate or to raise sufficient liquidity when necessary to meet near-term benefit payment obligations. For 2021 net periodic pension cost, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on assets, which is based on the fair value of plan assets, of 4.10 percent for U.S. plans and approximately 3.06 percent for Canadian plans. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets, which consist mainly of U.S. and Canadian debt and equity securities, management evaluated historical rates of return achieved on plan assets and the asset allocation of the plans, input from our independent actuaries and investment consultants, and historical trends in long-term inflation rates. Projected return estimates made by such consultants are based upon broad equity and bond indices. We also maintain several funded pension plans in other international locations. The expected returns on plan assets for these plans are determined based on each plan’s investment approach and asset allocations. A hypothetical 25 basis point decrease in the expected long-term rate of return assumption would increase 2022 net periodic pension cost for the U.S. and Canada plans by approximately $1 million each.

​

Healthcare cost trend rates are used in valuing our postretirement benefit obligations and are established based upon actual health care cost trends and consultation with actuaries and benefit providers. At December 31, 2021, the health care cost trend rate assumptions for the next year for the U.S., Canada and Brazil plans were 6.00 percent, 5.74 percent and 7.79 percent, respectively.

​

See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our benefit plans.

​

New Accounting Standards

​

For information about new accounting standards, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

​

39

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

​

This Form 10-K contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ingredion intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for such statements.

​

Forward-looking statements include, among others, any statements regarding Ingredion’s prospects, future operations, or future financial condition, earnings, net sales, tax rates, capital expenditures, cash flows, expenses or other financial items, including management’s plans or strategies and objectives for any of the foregoing and any assumptions, expectations or beliefs underlying any of the foregoing.

​

These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “pro forma,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “propels,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “provisional,” or other similar expressions or the negative thereof. All statements other than statements of historical facts therein are “forward-looking statements.”

​

These statements are based on current circumstances or expectations, but are subject to certain inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that our expectations will prove correct.

​

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by these statements, based on various factors, including the impact of COVID-19 on the demand for our products and our financial results; changing consumption preferences relating to high fructose corn syrup and other products we make; the effects of global economic conditions and the general political, economic, business and market conditions that affect customers and consumers in the various geographic regions and countries in which we buy our raw materials or manufacture or sell our products, including, particularly, economic, currency and political conditions in South America and economic and political conditions in Europe, and the impact these factors may have on our sales volumes, the pricing of our products and our ability to collect our receivables from customers; future purchases of our products by major industries which we serve and from which we derive a significant portion of our sales, including, without limitation, the food, beverage, animal nutrition and brewing industries; the uncertainty of acceptance of products developed through genetic modification and biotechnology; our ability to develop or acquire new products and services at rates or of qualities sufficient to gain market acceptance; increased competitive and/or customer pressure in the corn-refining industry and related industries, including with respect to the markets and prices for our primary products and our co-products, particularly corn oil; the availability of raw materials, including potato starch, tapioca, gum Arabic and the specific varieties of corn upon which some of our products are based, and our ability to pass along potential increases in the cost of corn or other raw materials to customers; energy costs and availability, including energy issues in Pakistan; our ability to contain costs, achieve budgets and realize expected synergies, including with respect to our ability to complete planned maintenance and investment projects on time and on budget as well as with respect to freight and shipping costs; the effects of climate change and legal, regulatory and market measures to address climate change; our ability to successfully identify and complete acquisitions or strategic alliances on favorable terms as well as our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses or implement and maintain strategic alliances and achieve anticipated synergies with respect to all of the foregoing; operating difficulties at our manufacturing facilities; the behavior of financial and capital markets, including with respect to foreign currency fluctuations, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates and market volatility and the associated risks of hedging against such fluctuations; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations; our ability to attract, develop, retain, motivate, and maintain good relationships with our workforce; the impact on our business of natural disasters, war, threats or acts of terrorism, the outbreak or continuation of pandemics such as COVID-19, or the occurrence of other significant events beyond our control; the impact of impairment charges on our goodwill or long-lived assets; changes in government policy, law, or regulation and costs of legal compliance, including compliance with environmental regulation; changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liability; increases in our borrowing costs that could result from increased interest rates; our ability to raise funds at reasonable rates and other factors affecting our access to sufficient funds for future growth and expansion; security breaches with respect to information technology systems, processes and sites; volatility in the stock market and other factors that could adversely affect our stock price; risks affecting the continuation of our dividend policy; and our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting.

​

40

Table of Contents

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. If we do update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. For a further description of these and other risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors above and our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

​