NOTE 4 – Revenue Recognition

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 606-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company recognizes revenue under the core principle to depict the transfer of products to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration the Company expects to receive. In order to achieve that core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company identified customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by a master sales agreement, as the contracts with its customers. For each contract, the Company considers the transfer of products, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligation. In determining the transaction price for the performance obligation, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to adjustment to determine the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. The pricing model can be fixed or variable within the contract. The variable pricing model is based on historical commodity pricing and is determinable prior to completion of the performance obligation. Additionally, the Company has certain sales adjustments for volume incentive discounts and other discount arrangements that reduce the transaction price. The reduction of transaction price is estimated using the expected value method based on an analysis of historical volume incentives or discounts, over a period of time considered adequate to account for current pricing and business trends. Historically, actual volume incentives and discounts relative to those estimated and included when determining the transaction price have not materially differed. Volume incentives and discounts are accrued at the satisfaction of the performance obligation and accounted for in Accounts payable and Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts are not significant as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.  The product price as specified in the contract, net of any discounts, is considered the standalone selling price as it is an observable input which depicts the price as if sold to a similar customer in similar circumstances. Payment is received shortly after the performance obligation is satisfied; therefore, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-32-18 to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component.

Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied and control is transferred to the customer, which occurs at a point in time, either upon delivery to an agreed upon location or to the customer. Further, in

determining whether control has transferred, the Company considers if there is a present right to payment and legal title, along with risks and rewards of ownership having transferred to the customer.

Shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers represent fulfillment costs and are recorded in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected from customers are accounted for on a net basis and excluded from net sales.  The Company applies a practical expedient to expense costs to obtain a contract as incurred as most contracts are one year or less.  These costs primarily include the Company’s internal sales force compensation. Under the terms of these programs, the compensation is generally earned and the costs are recognized at the time the revenue is recognized.

From time to time the Company may enter into long-term contracts with its customers. Historically, the contracts entered into by the Company do not result in significant contract assets or liabilities.  Any such arrangements are accounted for in Other assets or Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no significant contract assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2020, and 2019.

The Company is principally engaged in the production and sale of starches and sweeteners for a wide range of industries, and is managed geographically on a regional basis. The Company’s operations are classified into four reportable business segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”).  The nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the Company’s Net sales are managed by the Company primarily based on its geographic segments. Each region’s product sales are unique to each region and have unique risks.

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Net sales to unaffiliated customers:

North America

$

3,662

$

3,834

$

3,857

South America

919

960

988

Asia-Pacific

813

823

837

EMEA

593

592

607

Total

$

5,987

$

6,209

$

6,289

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2020Feb 24, 2021Showing above
2019Feb 19, 2020
2018Feb 25, 2019

About Revenue Disclosures

Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.

Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.