Ingredion Inc (INGR) FY 2023 MD&A

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.

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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,

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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

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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

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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.

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_____________________

(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.

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(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.

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_____________________

(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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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