https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/2024 Proxy Statement_March.pdf
Continuous development drives associates to reach their full potential and we strive to fill at least half of
all open manager roles and higher with internal promotions.
Khandpur to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Robert M.
Patterson was not independent under the NYSE listing standards prior to his departure from the Board on
December 1, 2023, because he was employed by the Company.
28 PROXY STATEMENT 2024 | Annual Meeting of Shareholders
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board selects the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and determines from time to time whether the positions are to be combined and filled
by one person or separated and filled by two persons.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/AVNT Q1 2023 Earnings Press Release.pdf
Examples include:
• Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, enables unmatched levels of performance and
protection for end-use applications, including ballistic personal protection, marine and
sustainable infrastructure and outdoor sports
• Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content
to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and
wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon
footprint
• Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy,
natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility
Avient is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic
Waste and certified Great Place to Work®.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/AVNT Mar 2023 Earnings Presentation.pdf
Examples include:
• Unique technologies that improve the
recyclability of products and enable recycled
content to be incorporated, thus advancing a
more circular economy
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier
traditional materials like metal, glass and wood,
which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of
transportation and reduce carbon footprint
• Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase
energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural
resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G
network accessibility
Avient is a certified ACC Responsible Care® and a
founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520Wells%2520Fargo%252005%252008%25202014%2520w%2520non%2520GAAP.pdf
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Page 3
PolyOne Commodity to Specialty Transformation
• Volume driven,
commodity producer
• Heavily tied to cyclical
end markets
• Performance largely
dependent on non-
controlling joint
ventures
2000-2005 2006 - 2009 2010 – 2014 2015 and beyond
• Steve Newlin
appointed, Chairman,
President and CEO
• New leadership team
appointed
• Implementation of
four pillar strategy
• Focus on value based
selling, investment in
commercial resources
and innovation to drive
transformation
• 18 consecutive
quarters of double-
digit adjusted EPS
growth
• Shift to faster growing,
high margin, less
cyclical end markets
• Key acquisitions propel
current and future
growth, as well as
margin expansion
• Established aggressive
2015 targets
• Continue specialty
transformation
• Targeting $2.50
Adjusted EPS by 2015,
nearly double 2013
EPS
• Drive double digit
operating income and
adjusted EPS growth
Confirmation of Our Strategy
The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized
Polymer Materials, Services and Solutions
Specialization Globalization
Operational
Excellence
Commercial
Excellence
-150.00%
-50.00%
50.00%
150.00%
250.00%
350.00%
450.00%
PolyOne S&P 500 Russell 2000 Dow Jones Chemical
All time high of
$39.28
April 4th, 2014
• 18 consecutive quarters of
double digit EPS growth
• 49% CAGR adjusted EPS
expansion 2006-2013
• 2013 stock price increased
73% versus 30% growth in the
S&P
• More than seven fold increase in
market cap: $0.5b $3.6b
Strategy and Execution Drive Results
Page 6
Appliance
4%
Building &
Construction
13%
Wire & Cable
9%
Electrical &
Electronics
5%
Consumer
10%Packaging
16%
Industrial
12%
HealthCare
11%
Transportation
18%
Misc.
2%
0.12
0.27 0.21
0.13
0.68
0.82
1.00
1.31
2.50
$0.00
$0.25
$0.50
$0.75
$1.00
$1.25
$1.50
$1.75
$2.00
$2.25
$2.50
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015
Target
Ad
ju
st
ed
E
ar
ni
ng
s P
er
S
ha
re
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
End Markets
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
EPS
Page 7
PolyOne
At A Glance
United
States
67%
Europe
14%
Canada
7% Asia
6%
Latin
America
6%
Specialty
54%
PP&S
18%
Distribution
28%
Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation
Page 8
Old
PolyOne Transformation
*Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items
2%
34% 43%
62% 64%
0%
20%
40%
80%
2005 2008 2010 2013 Q1 2014 2015
%
o
f O
pe
ra
tin
g
In
co
m
e*
JV's Performance Products & Solutions Distribution Specialty
65-75%
Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $195M $60M Target
2015
Target
Proof of Performance & 2015 Goals
Page 9
2006 Q1 2014 2015
“Where we were” “Where we are” Target
1) Operating Income %
Specialty:
Global Color, Additives & Inks 1.7% 13.8% 12 – 16%
Global Specialty Engineered
Materials 1.1% 11.6% 12 – 16%
Designed Structures & Solutions -- 6.5% 8 – 10%
Performance Products &
Solutions 5.5% 7.7% 9 – 12%
Distribution 2.6% 6.1% 6 – 7.5%
2) Specialty Platform % of
Operating Income 6.0% 64% 65 – 75%
3) ROIC* (after-tax) 5.0% 9.4% 15%
4) Adjusted EPS Growth N/A 42% Double Digit
Expansion
*ROIC is defined as TTM adjusted OI divided by the sum of average debt and equity over a 5 quarter period
Bridge to $2.50 Adjusted EPS by 2015
2015 EPS: $2.50
2013 EPS: $1.31
Continued Gross Margin
Expansion
Mergers & Acquisitions
Spartech Accretion
Incremental share buybacks
Ongoing LSS Programs
(50-100 bps/yr)
Accelerated Innovation
& Mix Improvement Several Levers to
Drive Growth
Mid single digit revenue CAGR
Innovation Drives Earnings Growth
$20.3
$52.3
2006 2013
Research & Development
Spending
($ millions)
Specialty Platform
Vitality Index Progression*
*Percentage of Specialty Platform revenue from products introduced in last five years
Page 11
14.3%
30.7%
2006 2013
Specialty Platform
Gross Margin %
19.5%
42.0%
2006 Q1 2014
Healthcare
Consumer
Packaging and Additive Technology
Transportation
Page 12
Unique and Innovative Solutions
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dwe4t8aacvhb8ui/uD3p_bdglP/Presentation revise pics/GLS Beverage can closure XO 2.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dwe4t8aacvhb8ui/-YgkycKypw/Anti-Counterfeiting release & images/GN1979.JPG
60%
100%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2008 2014
Pension Funding**
As of March 31, 2014
Debt Maturities & Pension Funding – 3/31/14
Net Debt / EBITDA* = 1.9x
$48
$317
$600
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
2015 2020 2023
Debt Maturities
As of March 31, 2014
($ millions)
Coupon Rates: 7.500% 7.375% 5.250%
** includes US-qualified pension plans only *TTM 3/31/2014
Free Cash Flow and Strong Balance Sheet
Fund Investment / Shareholder Return
$0.16
$0.20
$0.24
$0.32
$0.10
$0.20
$0.30
$0.40
2011 2012 2013 2014
Annual Dividend
Expanding our sales,
marketing, and technical
capabilities
Investing in operational and
initiatives that drive
profitability growth
Manufacturing realignment
Targets that expand our:
• Specialty offerings
• End market presence
• Geographic footprint
• Operating Margin
Synergy opportunities
Adjacent material solutions
Repurchased 1.4 million
shares in Q1 2014
Repurchased 6.4 million
shares since April 2013
13.6 million shares are
available for repurchase
under the current
authorization
Organic
Growth
Acquisitions
Share
Repurchases
Dividends
The New PolyOne: A Specialty Growth Company
Why Invest In PolyOne?
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520-%2520Goldman%2520Sachs%2520Conference%2520w%2520nonGAAP.pdf
PolyOne Corporation Page 4
PolyOne Commodity to Specialty
Transformation
• Volume driven,
commodity
producer
• Heavily tied to
cyclical end
markets
• Performance largely
dependent on non-
controlling joint
ventures
2000-2005 2006 - 2009 2010 – 2014 2015 and
beyond
• Steve Newlin
appointed,
Chairman,
President and CEO
• New leadership
team appointed
• Implementation of
four pillar strategy
• Focus on value
based selling,
investment in
commercial
resources and
innovation to drive
transformation
• 20 consecutive
quarters of double-
digit adjusted EPS
growth
• Shift to faster
growing, high
margin, less cyclical
end markets
• Key acquisitions
propel current and
future growth, as
well as margin
expansion
• Established
aggressive 2015
targets
• Continue specialty
transformation
• Goal of $2.50
adjusted EPS by
2015, three times
the EPS generated
in 2011 of $0.82
• Drive double digit
operating income
and adjusted EPS
growth
PolyOne Corporation Page 5
Building &
Construction
13%
Industrial
12%
Transportation
18%
Wire & Cable
9%
Packaging
16%
Consumer
10%
HealthCare
11% Appliance
Electronics &
Electrical
5%
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
End Markets
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
PolyOne
At A Glance
United
States
67%
Europe
14%
Canada
7% Asia
Latin
America
Specialty
54%
PP&S
18%
Distribution
28%
$13
$31
$46 $46
$92 $96
$122
$195
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Specialty Operating Income
PolyOne Corporation Page 6
Old
PolyOne
*Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items
2%
34% 43%
62%
65%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2005 2008 2010 2013 2014 YTD 2015
%
o
f O
pe
ra
tin
g
In
co
m
e*
JV's Performance Products & Solutions Distribution Specialty
65-75%
Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $195M $191M Target
Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation
Transformation 2015
Target
PolyOne Corporation Page 7
Confirmation of Our Strategy
The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized
Polymer Materials, Services and Solutions
Specialization Globalization
Operational
Excellence
Commercial
Excellence
PolyOne Corporation Page 8
Strategy and Execution Drive Results
$0.12
$0.27
$0.21
$0.13
$0.68
$0.82
$1.00
$1.31
'06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13
‘06-‘13 EPS CAGR = 41%
EPS Share Price vs.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520-%2520Credit%2520Suisse%2520Conference%2520w%2520non-GAAP%252009%252018%25202014.pdf
PolyOne Corporation Page 4
PolyOne Commodity to Specialty
Transformation
• Volume driven,
commodity
producer
• Heavily tied to
cyclical end
markets
• Performance largely
dependent on non-
controlling joint
ventures
2000-2005 2006 - 2009 2010 – 2014
2015 and
beyond
• Steve Newlin
appointed,
Chairman,
President and CEO
• New leadership
team appointed
• Implementation of
four pillar strategy
• Focus on value
based selling,
investment in
commercial
resources and
innovation to drive
transformation
• 19 consecutive
quarters of double-
digit adjusted EPS
growth
• Shift to faster
growing, high
margin, less cyclical
end markets
• Key acquisitions
propel current and
future growth, as
well as margin
expansion
• Established
aggressive 2015
targets
• Continue specialty
transformation
• Goal of $2.50
Adjusted EPS by
2015, nearly double
2013 EPS
• Drive double digit
operating income
and adjusted EPS
growth
PolyOne Corporation Page 5
Building &
Construction
13%
Industrial
12%
Transportation
18%
Wire & Cable
9%
Packaging
16%
Consumer
10%
HealthCare
11% Appliance
Electronics &
Electrical
5%
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
End Markets
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
PolyOne
At A Glance
United
States
67%
Europe
14%
Canada
7%
Asia
Latin
America
Specialty
54%
PP&S
18%
Distribution
28%
$13
$31
$46 $46
$92 $96
$122
$195
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Specialty Operating Income
PolyOne Corporation Page 6
Old
PolyOne Transformation
*Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items
2%
34%
43%
62%
66%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2005 2008 2010 2013 2014 YTD 2015
%
o
f
O
p
e
ra
ti
n
g
I
n
c
o
m
e
*
JV's Performance Products & Solutions Distribution Specialty
65-75%
Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $195M $129M Target
Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation
2015
Target
PolyOne Corporation Page 7
Confirmation of Our Strategy
The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized
Polymer Materials, Services and Solutions
Specialization Globalization
Operational
Excellence
Commercial
Excellence
PolyOne Corporation Page 8
Strategy and Execution Drive Results
$0.12
$0.27
$0.21
$0.13
$0.68
$0.82
$1.00
$1.31
'06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13
‘06-‘13 EPS CAGR = 41%
EPS Share Price vs.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520-%2520RW%2520Baird%2520Conference%2520w%2520non-GAAP.pdf
PolyOne Corporation Page 4
PolyOne Commodity to Specialty
Transformation
• Volume driven,
commodity
producer
• Heavily tied to
cyclical end
markets
• Performance largely
dependent on non-
controlling joint
ventures
2000-2005 2006 - 2009 2010 – 2014
2015 and
beyond
• Steve Newlin
appointed,
Chairman,
President and CEO
• New leadership
team appointed
• Implementation of
four pillar strategy
• Focus on value
based selling,
investment in
commercial
resources and
innovation to drive
transformation
• 20 consecutive
quarters of double-
digit adjusted EPS
growth
• Shift to faster
growing, high
margin, less cyclical
end markets
• Key acquisitions
propel current and
future growth, as
well as margin
expansion
• Established
aggressive 2015
targets
• Continue specialty
transformation
• Goal of $2.50
adjusted EPS by
2015, three times
the EPS generated
in 2011 of $0.82
• Drive double digit
operating income
and adjusted EPS
growth
PolyOne Corporation Page 5
Building &
Construction
13%
Industrial
12%
Transportation
18%
Wire & Cable
9%
Packaging
16%
Consumer
10%
HealthCare
11% Appliance
Electronics &
Electrical
5%
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
End Markets
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
PolyOne
At A Glance
United
States
67%
Europe
14%
Canada
7%
Asia
Latin
America
Specialty
54%
PP&S
18%
Distribution
28%
$13
$31
$46 $46
$92 $96
$122
$195
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Specialty Operating Income
PolyOne Corporation Page 6
Old
PolyOne
*Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items
2%
34%
43%
62%
65%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2005 2008 2010 2013 2014 YTD 2015
%
o
f
O
p
e
ra
ti
n
g
I
n
c
o
m
e
*
JV's Performance Products & Solutions Distribution Specialty
65-75%
Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $195M $191M Target
Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation
Transformation
2015
Target
PolyOne Corporation Page 7
Confirmation of Our Strategy
The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized
Polymer Materials, Services and Solutions
Specialization Globalization
Operational
Excellence
Commercial
Excellence
PolyOne Corporation Page 8
Strategy and Execution Drive Results
$0.12
$0.27
$0.21
$0.13
$0.68
$0.82
$1.00
$1.31
'06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13
‘06-‘13 EPS CAGR = 41%
EPS Share Price vs.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520-%2520KeyBanc%2520Conference%2520w%2520nonGAAP.pdf
PolyOne Corporation Page 4
PolyOne Commodity to Specialty
Transformation
• Volume driven,
commodity
producer
• Heavily tied to
cyclical end
markets
• Performance largely
dependent on non-
controlling joint
ventures
2000-2005 2006 - 2009 2010 – 2014
2015 and
beyond
• Steve Newlin
appointed,
Chairman,
President and CEO
• New leadership
team appointed
• Implementation of
four pillar strategy
• Focus on value
based selling,
investment in
commercial
resources and
innovation to drive
transformation
• 19 consecutive
quarters of double-
digit adjusted EPS
growth
• Shift to faster
growing, high
margin, less cyclical
end markets
• Key acquisitions
propel current and
future growth, as
well as margin
expansion
• Established
aggressive 2015
targets
• Continue specialty
transformation
• Goal of $2.50
Adjusted EPS by
2015, nearly double
2013 EPS
• Drive double digit
operating income
and adjusted EPS
growth
PolyOne Corporation Page 5
Building &
Construction
13%
Industrial
12%
Transportation
18%
Wire & Cable
9%
Packaging
16%
Consumer
10%
HealthCare
11% Appliance
Electronics &
Electrical
5%
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
End Markets
2013 Revenues: $3.8 Billion
PolyOne
At A Glance
United
States
67%
Europe
14%
Canada
7%
Asia
Latin
America
Specialty
54%
PP&S
18%
Distribution
28%
$13
$31
$46 $46
$92 $96
$122
$195
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Specialty Operating Income
PolyOne Corporation Page 6
Old
PolyOne Transformation
*Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items
2%
34%
43%
62%
66%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2005 2008 2010 2013 2014 YTD 2015
%
o
f
O
p
e
ra
ti
n
g
I
n
c
o
m
e
*
JV's Performance Products & Solutions Distribution Specialty
65-75%
Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $195M $129M Target
Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation
2015
Target
PolyOne Corporation Page 7
Confirmation of Our Strategy
The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized
Polymer Materials, Services and Solutions
Specialization Globalization
Operational
Excellence
Commercial
Excellence
PolyOne Corporation Page 8
Strategy and Execution Drive Results
$0.12
$0.27
$0.21
$0.13
$0.68
$0.82
$1.00
$1.31
'06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13
‘06-‘13 EPS CAGR = 41%
EPS Share Price vs.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/PolyOne%25202017%2520Proxy%2520Statement.PDF
● Record perforff mance in our SEM, PPS and
Distribution segments, which delivered operating
income of $81.1 million, $74.4 million and $68.2
million, respectively, in 2016
Garratt, who had previously served as Senior Vice President, PPS, was named as Senior Vice President,
Chief Commercial Officff er on April 18, 2016.
Garratt, whose 2016 results were partially based on the PPS Plan, total attainment was 121.1%, with
2016 PPS Plan (Garratt)
Adjusted Operating Income (Business Unit) 40% $65.4 $74.4 200%
Revenue (Business Unit) 25% $720.7 $668.3 0%
Working Capital as a % of Sales (Business Segment) 15% 6.2% 5.8% 200%
Total Attainment 121.1%
r Mr.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/avient-provides-fourth-quarter-2020-updates
Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation