A full copy of Avient’s Code of Conduct is available in over 20 languages and can be found here: Avient’s Position on Human Rights can be found here http://www.polyone.com/ https://www.avient.com/company/policies-and-governance-0/code-conduct https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-07/avient-human-rights-position-statement-updated-july-2021.pdf Page 2 of 3 Training To mitigate against the risk of non-compliance with our policy, Avient requires all associates to complete mandatory Code of Conduct training. Our effectiveness in combating slavery and human trafficking In 2024 the following key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used to measure how effective we have been in ensuring that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any part of our business or supply chains  100% completion of the Code of Conduct for all associates Page 3 of 3 Our on-going commitment As part of our modern slavery strategy we will continue to monitor the progress we have made and build on our achievements and initiatives in the next financial year.

Global Compact & fulfilled Communication of Progress (COP) requirements • New Sustainability Strategy overview page including our 2022 AIP ESG metrics • New ESG Performance page with ESG ratings, awards, and certifications • Increased disclosures on carbon emissions, including disclosure of Climate Change Scenario Analysis • Added new Product Stewardship and Chemical Management policies • Enhanced data reporting for Workforce Demographics • Improved social disclosures on human rights, dependent care and special leave and strategic training management 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Launching integrated sustainability website in parallel with report Aligned with leading reporting frameworks 6 Released July 2022 ESG RATINGS PERFORMANCE ESG AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS ESG PERFORMANCE & AWARDS 84th 3 1 2 7 T RAN S FO R MAT IO NAL OVE RV IE W Avient Protective Dyneema ® RECENT TRANSACTIONS Acquired Divested $1.45 B $0.95 B 9 Distribution UPDATED CAPITAL STRUCTURE & LIQUIDITY • Proceeds from completed sale of Distribution used to pay near-term maturing debt to strengthen balance sheet • Fixed/floating debt ratio of ~55/45 • Proven track record of deleveraging following major acquisitions through strong free cash flow generation • 2022 pro forma net debt/adjusted EBITDA expected to be 3.1x $725 $725 $575 $500 $600 $525 $650 $650 $600 Capital Structure Cas h $544 Undr awn Rev olve r $250 Liquidity $3.15B $2.40B 2030 Notes 2029 Term Loan 2026 Term Loan 2025 Notes 2023 Notes After Dyneema Acquisition After Distribution Divestiture $794M (1) $250M reflects estimated undrawn revolver following the divestiture of Distribution 10 PREVIOUS TRANSACTIONS Performance Solutions Products & $0.8 B COLOR $1.4 B Acquired (2020)Divested (2019) 11 • Acquisition of Clariant Color business significantly expanded presence in healthcare, packaging and consumer end markets • Strength of portfolio – double-digit annual EBITDA growth since acquisition • $75 million of realized synergies anticipated in 2022 • Acquisition completed on July 1, 2020 for $1.45 billion. OPS) 21 Sales Adjusted EBITDA $818 $823 + 1% Adjusted EPS + 8% - 3% (in millions) (in millions) (+ 9% excluding FX) (+ 18% excluding FX) (+ 5% excluding FX) Q3 EBITDA BRIDGE (PRO FORMA TOTAL COMPANY) 22 Price increases more than offset raw material and supply chain impacts $ millions CAI: Price / Mix 68 Inflation (44) SEM: Price / Mix 41 Inflation (26) Net Price Benefit 39 Wage and Energy Inflation (14) Clariant Color Integration Synergies 6 Incentives, Other Employee Costs 14 FX (11) Q3 2022 $137   Adjusted Q3 2021 $ 142 Demand (39) Q3 2022 SEGMENT PERFORMANCE 23 CAI $587 $566 Sales $93 $93 SEM Pro Forma $326 $319 Sales $70 $62 (+ 4% excluding FX) - 4% - 2% (+ 5% excluding FX) Flat (+ 7% excluding FX) - 11% (- 7% excluding FX) $500 $585 $2.60 $2.95 FULL YEAR 2022 GUIDANCE 24 Sales Adjusted EBITDA $3,375 $3,635 Adjusted EPS (in millions) (in millions) 25 SUMMARY • Executed the plans we laid out earlier this year • Completed the Dyneema acquisition and Distribution divestiture amid challenging market conditions • Paid down debt and expect to finish the year modestly levered at 3.1x net debt to 2022 pro forma adjusted EBITDA • Expect $200 million of free cash flow in 2022 • Entering an economic slowdown with a portfolio that is better positioned than ever before • Updated our EPS guidance to $2.60 from continuing operations APPENDIX Performance Additives Pigments TiO2 Dyestuffs 3%Polyethylene 12% Nylon Polypropylene Other Raw 30% Styrenic Block Copolymer ~40% hydrocarbon based (Grey shaded materials are hydrocarbon based, includes portion of “Other Raw Materials”) Non-hydrocarbon based materials 27 • From Q2 to Q3, we have seen a 7-10% sequential decline in certain hydrocarbon-based raw materials • Other raw materials such as performance additives and pigments have shown moderate inflation sequentially from Q2 to Q3 Annual Purchases RAW MATERIAL AND SUPPLY CHAIN UPDATE Based on 2021 purchases, excludes Avient Protective Materials SEGMENT DATA U.S. & Canada Latin America 2022 PRO FORMA SEGMENT, END MARKET AND GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY REVENUESEGMENT FINANCIALS 21% Building and END MARKET REVENUE (1) Total company adjusted EBITDA of $585M includes corporate costs.

Global Compact & fulfilled Communication of Progress (COP) requirements • New Sustainability Strategy overview page including our 2022 AIP ESG metrics • New ESG Performance page with ESG ratings, awards, and certifications • Increased disclosures on carbon emissions, including disclosure of Climate Change Scenario Analysis • Added new Product Stewardship and Chemical Management policies • Enhanced data reporting for Workforce Demographics • Improved social disclosures on human rights, dependent care and special leave and strategic training management 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Launching integrated sustainability website in parallel with report Aligned with leading reporting frameworks 6 Released July 2022 ESG RATINGS PERFORMANCE ESG AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS ESG PERFORMANCE & AWARDS 84th 3 1 2 7 T RAN S FO R MAT IO NAL OVE RV IE W Avient Protective Dyneema ® RECENT TRANSACTIONS Acquired Divested $1.45 B $0.95 B 9 Distribution UPDATED CAPITAL STRUCTURE & LIQUIDITY • Proceeds from completed sale of Distribution used to pay near-term maturing debt to strengthen balance sheet • Fixed/floating debt ratio of ~55/45 • Proven track record of deleveraging following major acquisitions through strong free cash flow generation • 2022 pro forma net debt/adjusted EBITDA expected to be 3.1x $725 $725 $575 $500 $600 $525 $650 $650 $600 Capital Structure Cash $544 Undrawn Revolver $250 Liquidity $3.15B $2.40B 2030 Notes 2029 Term Loan 2026 Term Loan 2025 Notes 2023 Notes After Dyneema Acquisition After Distribution Divestiture $794M (1) $250M reflects estimated undrawn revolver following the divestiture of Distribution 10 PREVIOUS TRANSACTIONS Performance Solutions Products & $0.8 B COLOR $1.4 B Acquired (2020)Divested (2019) 11 • Acquisition of Clariant Color business significantly expanded presence in healthcare, packaging and consumer end markets • Strength of portfolio – double-digit annual EBITDA growth since acquisition • $75 million of realized synergies anticipated in 2022 • Acquisition completed on July 1, 2020 for $1.45 billion. OPS) 21 Sales Adjusted EBITDA $818 $823 + 1% Adjusted EPS + 8% - 3% (in millions) (in millions) (+ 9% excluding FX) (+ 18% excluding FX) (+ 5% excluding FX) Q3 EBITDA BRIDGE (PRO FORMA TOTAL COMPANY) 22 Price increases more than offset raw material and supply chain impacts $ millions CAI: 68Price / Mix (44)Inflation SEM: 41Price / Mix (26)Inflation 39Net Price Benefit (14)Wage and Energy Inflation 6Clariant Color Integration Synergies 14Incentives, Other Employee Costs (11)FX $137 Q3 2022   Adjusted $ 142Q3 2021 (39)Demand Q3 2022 SEGMENT PERFORMANCE 23 CAI $587 $566 Sales $93 $93 SEM Pro Forma $326 $319 Sales $70 $62 (+ 4% excluding FX) - 4% - 2% (+ 5% excluding FX) Flat (+ 7% excluding FX) - 11% (- 7% excluding FX) $500 $585 $2.60 $2.95 FULL YEAR 2022 GUIDANCE 24 Sales Adjusted EBITDA $3,375 $3,635 Adjusted EPS (in millions) (in millions) 25 SUMMARY • Executed the plans we laid out earlier this year • Completed the Dyneema acquisition and Distribution divestiture amid challenging market conditions • Paid down debt and expect to finish the year modestly levered at 3.1x net debt to 2022 pro forma adjusted EBITDA • Expect $200 million of free cash flow in 2022 • Entering an economic slowdown with a portfolio that is better positioned than ever before • Updated our EPS guidance to $2.60 from continuing operations APPENDIX Performance Additives Pigments TiO2 Dyestuffs 3%Polyethylene 12% Nylon Polypropylene Other Raw 30% Styrenic Block Copolymer ~40% hydrocarbon based (Grey shaded materials are hydrocarbon based, includes portion of “Other Raw Materials”) Non-hydrocarbon based materials 27 • From Q2 to Q3, we have seen a 7-10% sequential decline in certain hydrocarbon-based raw materials • Other raw materials such as performance additives and pigments have shown moderate inflation sequentially from Q2 to Q3 Annual Purchases RAW MATERIAL AND SUPPLY CHAIN UPDATE Based on 2021 purchases, excludes Avient Protective Materials SEGMENT DATA U.S. & Canada Latin America 2022 PRO FORMA SEGMENT, END MARKET AND GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY REVENUESEGMENT FINANCIALS 21% Building and END MARKET REVENUE (1) Total company adjusted EBITDA of $585M includes corporate costs.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: • Our ability to identify and evaluate acquisition targets and consummate and integrate acquisitions • Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future; • The effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs and other political, economic and regulatory risks; • Changes in polymer consumption growth rates and laws and regulations regarding the disposal of plastic in jurisdictions where we conduct business; • Changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online; • Fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply; production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs; • Unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters; • An inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services; • Information systems failures and cyber attacks; and • Other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation. V I S I O N PolyOne Corporation 4 To be the world’s premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions C O R E V A L U E S P E R S O N A L V A L U E S Honesty IntegrityRespect Operational Commercial Specialization Globalization Collaboration ExcellenceInnovation To be the world’s premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions S A F E T Y F I R S T PolyOne Corporation 5 Injuries per 100 Workers Spartech Acquisition 1.3 1.1 1.1 0.85 0.65 0.57 0.54 0.97 0.84 0.74 0.74 0.69 0.51 0.56 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 C O M M O D I T Y T O S P E C I A L T Y T R A N S F O R M A T I O N PolyOne Corporation 6 • Volume driven, commodity production • Heavily tied to cyclical end markets • Performance largely dependent on non- controlling joint ventures • Shift to value-based selling & an innovative culture • New leadership team appointed • Implementation of four pillar strategy • Investment in commercial training and innovation • Faster growing, high margin focus • Accelerated growth with world class vitality index • Significant commercial resource additions • Expanded margins with specialty focus • Acquired strategic, bolt-on companies to expand technology offerings and improve geographic breadth Volume Value Transformation The Future 2006 - 2013 2013 – 20192000-2005 2006 - 2013 • Landmark portfolio transformation creates specialty growth company • Sustainability / mega- trends drive above market growth 2020 and Beyond PolyOne Corporation 7 P O L Y O N E 2 0 1 9 R E V E N U E | $ 2 . 9 B I L L I O N Segment End Market Geography 15% Healthcare Wire & Cable Building & Electrical & Electronics Color Additives & Inks 34% Distribution 41% Specialty Engineered 25% 54% Latin America P R O O F O F P E RFO RMAN CE C O N S E C U T I V E Y E A R S 10 A D J U S T E D E P S E X P A N S I O N PolyOne Corporation 8 $1.69 $1.51 S U S T A I N A B L E P A T H T O D O U B L E - D I G I T E P S G R O W T H PolyOne Corporation 9 P E O P L E P R O D U C T S P L A N E T P E R F O R M A N C E Double digit annual EPS growth Expand specialty portfolio with strategic acquisitions Innovate and develop new technologies and services Repurchase 600K-1M shares annually Increase commercial resources 5-7% annually Double acquired company margins Enhance efficiencies through Lean Six Sigma and commercial excellence 531 710 1,042 130 164 208 504 663 880 2014 2018 2019E PF* R&D / Technical Marketing Sales PolyOne Corporation 10 + 34% + 26% + 32% E X P A N S I O N O F COMMERCIAL RESOURCES D R I V I N G G R O W T H $2.9 $2.9 $3.5 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019E PF Total + 9% Organic + 5% Revenue in Billions Total + 10% Organic + 7%+ 47% + 27% + 33% $4.0 $3.2 2019E PF* Lead Specialists T H E E V O L V I N G C U S T O M E R R E L A T I O N S H I P PolyOne Corporation 11 Expanded Path Traditional Path Strategic Accounts/ Field Sales Business Development Customer Service Web and Social Media Inside Sales PolyOne Corporation 12 Investments in digital and dedicated inside sales to improve customer experience 110% increase in leads (from 6,000 to 12,700) driven by website, phone, and online chat EXPANDED PATH A D D I N G C U S T O M E R T O U C H P O I N T S 4 33 Inside sellers $11M $87M Inside sales/digital revenue A L I G N I N G W I T H T R E N D S F O R G R O W T H T R A N S P O R T A T I O N P A C K A G I N G H E A L T H C A R E C O N S U M E R PolyOne Corporation 13 Facilitate alternative energy solutions Light- weighting Reduce packaging materials Improve recyclability Reduce spread of infection R E V E N U E F R O M S U S T A I N A B L E S O L U T I O N S PolyOne Corporation 14 2016 2017 2018 2019 Lightweighting Reduced Material Requirements Improved Recyclability Renewable Energy Applications Eco-conscious Bio-derived Content Reduced Energy Use VOC Reduction $275M $325M $355M $410M 14% Total Annual Growth 9% Organic Annual Growth I N N O V A T I O N PolyOne Corporation 15 Customization 55% M&A Innovation Pipeline Innovation comes from Research & Development Spend ($ millions) Vitality Index % of sales from products launched last 5 years 37% 2006 2019 $20 $51 2006 2019 Transformational Opportunity for Growth Through M&A Adjacent Opportunity for Growth Through New Product Pipeline Core Customization 3 H O R I Z O N S O F D E V E L O P M E N T PolyOne Corporation 16 Incremental development from existing base of technology New development adjacent to current New technology development outside of and with our current base Service adjacent markets and Create new markets, target new customer needs Service existing markets and Market Technical I N N O V A T I O N Non-Halogen Flame Retardants Barrier Technologies Fiber Colorants Advanced Composites Thermoplastic Elastomers Gordon Composites/ Polystrand – Composites GLS – Thermoplastic Elastomers ColorMatrix – Liquid Color & Additives PlastiComp Fiber-Line I N N O V A T I O N S P O T L I G H T : C O M P O S I T E S PolyOne Corporation 17 C O M P O S I T E M A T E R I A L S Glass Carbon Aramid Thermosets Thermoplastics PolymersFibers PolyOne Corporation 18 Focused End Markets • Wire & Cable / Electrical • Consumer • Transportation • Industrial C O M P O S I T E S P O R T F O L I O D I V E R S E C A P A B I L I T I E S A N D S O L U T I O N S S E R V I N G M A N U F A C T U R E R S A N D O E M S PolyOne Corporation 19 LFT Tapes Laminates/Panels Shapes Pultrusion Engineered Fibers P O L Y O N E A P P L I C A T I O N S I N F I B E R O P T I C C A B L E S PolyOne Corporation 20 1.

PolyOne provides a full line of dispersed and emulsified accelerators, fillers, vulcanizers, and tackifiers customized to meet your needs: • Single and multiple component systems • Additive and cureblend packages for specific requirements to control ratios of critical ingredients • High-quality antioxidant dispersions and emulsions that achieve standardization around global requirements Our knowledgeable Sales and Technical staff strive to bring timely and practical solutions to your unique application through our complete, customizable Aquamix product line. Our laboratory boasts complete analytical testing capabilities along with special equipment, which can simulate a wide range of production processes. Our laboratory boasts complete analytical testing capabilities along with special equipment, which can simulate a wide range of production processes.

Englewood, Colorado 3. Montrose, Colorado 4. We completed our testing of impairment as of October 1, noting no impairment in 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  The final amount of charges resulting from the planned North American asset realignment and the Company’s ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the asset realignment;  Our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Spartech Corporation, including any expected synergies;  Our ability to successfully integrate Spartech and achieve the expected results of the acquisition, including, without limitation, the acquisition being accretive;  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future;  The financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability;  The speed and extent of an economic recovery, including the recovery of the housing market;  Our ability to achieve new business gains;  The effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs, and other political, economic and regulatory risks;  Changes in polymer consumption growth rates in the markets where we conduct business;  Changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online;  Fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply;  Production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs;  Unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters;  An inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to working capital reductions, cost reductions, employee productivity goals, and an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;  The inability to achieve expected results from our acquisition activities;  Our ability to continue to pay cash dividends;  The amount and timing of repurchases of our common shares, if any; and  Other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation. • The above list of factors is not exhaustive. • We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  The final amount of charges resulting from the planned North American asset realignment and the Company’s ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the asset realignment;  Our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Spartech Corporation, including any expected synergies;  Our ability to successfully integrate Spartech and achieve the expected results of the acquisition, including, without limitation, the acquisition being accretive;  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future;  The financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability;  The speed and extent of an economic recovery, including the recovery of the housing market;  Our ability to achieve new business gains;  The effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs, and other political, economic and regulatory risks;  Changes in polymer consumption growth rates in the markets where we conduct business;  Changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online;  Fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply;  Production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs;  Unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters;  An inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to working capital reductions, cost reductions, employee productivity goals, and an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;  The inability to achieve expected results from our acquisition activities;  Our ability to continue to pay cash dividends;  The amount and timing of repurchases of our common shares, if any; and  Other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation.  The above list of factors is not exhaustive.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  The final amount of charges resulting from the planned North American asset realignment and the Company’s ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the asset realignment;  Our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Spartech Corporation, including any expected synergies;  Our ability to successfully integrate Spartech and achieve the expected results of the acquisition, including, without limitation, the acquisition being accretive;  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future;  The financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability;  The speed and extent of an economic recovery, including the recovery of the housing market;  Our ability to achieve new business gains;  The effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs, and other political, economic and regulatory risks;  Changes in polymer consumption growth rates in the markets where we conduct business;  Changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online;  Fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply;  Production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs;  Unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters;  An inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to working capital reductions, cost reductions, employee productivity goals, and an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;  The inability to achieve expected results from our acquisition activities;  Our ability to continue to pay cash dividends;  The amount and timing of repurchases of our common shares, if any; and  Other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation

 Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  The final amount of charges resulting from the planned North American asset realignment and the Company’s ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the asset realignment;  Our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Spartech Corporation, including any expected synergies;  Our ability to successfully integrate Spartech and achieve the expected results of the acquisition, including, without limitation, the acquisition being accretive;  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future;  The financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability;  The speed and extent of an economic recovery, including the recovery of the housing market;  Our ability to achieve new business gains;  The effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs, and other political, economic and regulatory risks;  Changes in polymer consumption growth rates in the markets where we conduct business;  Changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online;  Fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply;  Production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs;  Unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters;  An inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to working capital reductions, cost reductions, employee productivity goals, and an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services;  An inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;  The inability to achieve expected results from our acquisition activities;  Our ability to continue to pay cash dividends;  The amount and timing of repurchases of our common shares, if any; and  Other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation