Notes to Financial Statements, continued
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Valuation of the Plan and Master Trust Investments, continued
The following descriptions of the valuation methods and assumptions used by the Plan and the Master Trust to estimate the fair values of investments apply to investments held directly by the Master Trust.
Mutual funds and common stock: The fair values of mutual fund investments and common stock are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs).
Investments measured at net asset value: The fair value of participation units held in the collective trust funds are based on their net asset values as reported by the Trustee. Trust units may be redeemed on a daily basis to meet benefit payments and other participant-initiated withdrawals permitted by retirement plans invested in the trust.
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, retirement plans invested in the stable value collective trust funds are required to provide either 12 or 30 months’ advance notice to the Trustee prior to redemption of trust units; the notice period may be shortened or waived by the Trustee in its sole discretion.
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, retirement plans invested in the life cycle collective trust funds are required to provide up to 30 days advance notice to the Trustee prior to redemption of trust units; the notice period may be shortened or waived by the Trustee in its sole discretion.
The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies
or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the plan administrator to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of changes in net assets available for benefits during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
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. As a result of COVID-19, there has been heightened market risk and volatility associated with the pandemic and has affected, and may continue to affect, the market price of Ingredion common stock and other Plan assets. The potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 is difficult to assess or predict and will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain. Due to this uncertainty, Plan management is unable to estimate the total impact the pandemic will have on the Plan.
Through the Master Trust, the Plan allows participants to direct the investment of their account balances in a number of funds that invest in collective trust funds, stocks, mutual funds and other investments. The values of certain investments are exposed to risks from a variety of factors, such as liquidity, changes in interest rates, fluctuations in market conditions and changes in the credit standing of issuers of investments.