https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/advanced-composites-avient-lightweighting-solutions-fuel-efficiency
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include 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; the current and potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition of Clariant's Masterbatch business, including any expected synergies; changes in polymer consumption growth rates and laws and regulations regarding plastics in jurisdictions where we conduct business; 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 the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to acquisition and integration working capital reductions, cost reductions and employee productivity goals; our ability to pay regular quarterly cash dividends and the amounts and timing of any future dividends; information systems failures and cyberattacks; our ability to consummate and successfully integrate acquisitions; and amounts for cash and non-cash charges related to restructuring plans that may differ from original estimates, including because of timing changes associated with the underlying actions.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-announces-exercise-option-purchase-additional-common-shares
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
masterbatch business and achieve the expected results of the acquisitions, including, without limitation, the acquisitions 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 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 plastics 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; an inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to acquisition and integration, working capital reductions, costs reductions and employee productivity goals; information systems failures and cyberattacks; 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.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-completes-clariant-masterbatch-acquisition-announces-new-name-avient-corporation
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
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 achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquisition, including any expected synergies; our ability to successfully integrate Clariant's masterbatch business 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 effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs and other political, economic and regulatory risks; the current and potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows; changes in polymer consumption growth rates and laws and regulations regarding plastics in jurisdictions where we conduct business; 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 the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to acquisition and integration, working capital reductions, costs reductions and employee productivity goals; our ability to pay regular quarterly cash dividends and the amounts and timing of any future dividends; information systems failures and cyberattacks; 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.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-host-investor-conference-call
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
the time required to consummate the acquisition of Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business; the satisfaction or waiver of conditions in the purchase agreements; any material adverse changes in Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business; the ability to obtain required regulatory or other third-party approvals and consents and otherwise consummate the proposed acquisition of Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the proposed acquisition of Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business, including any expected synergies; our ability to successfully integrate Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business and achieve the expected results of the acquisition of Clariant's color and additive masterbatch business, 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 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 plastics 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; an ability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to acquisitions and integration, working capital reductions, costs reductions and employee productivity goals; information systems failures and cyberattacks; 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.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-acquires-gordon-composites-and-polystrand
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: unexpected costs that may arise from the announced acquisition of the Gordon Composites and Polystrand businesses; any material adverse changes in the acquired businesses; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the acquired businesses, including any expected synergies; our ability to successfully integrate the acquired businesses and achieve the expected results of the acquisition, including, without limitation, the acquisition being accretive; our ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the realignment of assets, including the closure of manufacturing facilities; the timing of closings and shifts of production to new facilities related to asset realignments and any unforeseen loss of customers and/or disruptions of service or quality caused by such closings and/or production shifts; separation and severance amounts that differ from original estimates; amounts for non-cash charges related to asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation realignments of property, plant and equipment, that differ from original estimates; our ability to identify and evaluate acquisition targets and consummate acquisitions; the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies into our operations, retain the management teams of acquired companies and retain relationships with customers of acquired companies; 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 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 achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to working capital reductions, cost reductions and employee productivity goals; an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services; an inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees; 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.
https://www.avient.com/resource-center/knowledge-base/article/overmolding-processing
In order to maximize drying efficiency and achieve high quality parts, desiccant or vacuum dryers are strongly recommended.
Regrind quality and loading level
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/supplier-code-of-conduct-fr.pdf
• Soutenir la liberté d’association et le droit à la négociation collective conformément aux lois applicables. https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2020-10/avient-conflict-minerals-policy-10.2020.pdf https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2020-10/avient-conflict-minerals-policy-10.2020.pdf • Respecter toutes les lois applicables régissant les exigences en matière de salaire et d’heures de travail, y compris la rémunération, les avantages sociaux et les heures supplémentaires.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/Compensation Committee Charter - Final.pdf
• Review and assess risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its executive officers and employees and assess whether any such risks are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. • In consultation with appropriate officers of the Company, oversee (or provide for the oversight of) regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters, including with respect to applicable tax laws. • Review and recommend to the Board for approval the frequency with which the Company will conduct Say on Pay Votes, taking into account the results of the most recent shareholder advisory vote on the frequency of Say on Pay Votes required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and review and approve the proposals regarding the Say on Pay Vote and the frequency of the Say on Pay Vote to be included in the Company’s proxy statement.
Independence Assessment of Outside Advisers • The Committee may select a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser to the Committee or receive advice from a compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management, including the following: o the provision of other services to the Company by the employer of the compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser; o the amount of fees received from the Company by the employer of the compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser, as a percentage of the total revenue of the employer of the compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser; o the policies and procedures of the employer of the compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; o any business or personal relationship of the compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser with a member of the Committee; o any stock of the Company owned by the compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser; and o any business or personal relationship of the compensation consultant, legal counsel, other adviser, or the employer of the adviser with an executive officer of the Company. • The Committee is not required to assess the independence of any in-house legal counsel or compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser whose role is limited to the 5 following activities for which no disclosure would be required under Item 407(e)(3)(iii) of Regulation S-K: consulting on any broad-based plan that does not discriminate in scope, terms, or operation, in favor of executive officers or non-employee directors of the Company, and that is available generally to all salaried employees; or providing information that either is not customized for a particular company or that is customized based on parameters that are not developed by the compensation consultant, and about which the compensation consultant does not provide advice. • The Committee shall evaluate whether any compensation consultant retained or to be retained by it has any conflict of interest in accordance with Item 407(e)(3)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2022-05/AVNT May IR Presentation w Non GAAP Recs.pdf
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: • The time required to consummate the acquisition of the Dyneema business, the satisfaction or waiver of conditions in the purchase agreement, the ability to obtain required regulatory or other third-party approvals and consents and otherwise consummate the proposed acquisition of the Dyneema business; • Our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the proposed acquisition of the Dyneema business and possible sale of the Distribution business; • 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; • The current and potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows, including without any limitation, any supply chain and logistics issues; • Changes in polymer consumption growth rates and laws and regulations regarding plastics in jurisdictions where we conduct business; • 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; • Our ability to pay regular quarterly cash dividends and the amounts and timing of any future dividends; • Information systems failures and cyberattacks; • Amounts for cash and non-cash charges related to restructuring plans that may differ from original estimates, including because of timing changes associated with the underlying actions; and • Other factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
FX) $429 $490 2021 2022E $3.05 $3.50 2021 2022E FY 2022 PERFORMANCE (TOTAL COMPANY) 16 $4,819 $5,100 2021 2022E + 6% (+ 8% excluding FX) Adjusted EPS + 14% (+ 17% excluding FX) + 15% (+ 18% excluding FX) (in millions) (in millions) Sales Adjusted Operating Income 17 CASH FLOW / LEVERAGE ($ millions) 2022E Cash Flow from Operating Activities 400$ Less: Run-Rate CapEx (90) CapEx for Clariant Integration (10) CapEx for IT System Upgrade (15) Total CapEx (115) Free Cash Flow 285$ Adjusted EBITDA 635$ Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA 1.7x DYN E E MA ACQ U I S I T I O N 19 15x stronger than steel Reduces weight by 30% vs. other solutions Well-maintained global asset base poised to serve growing demand • Purchase price of $1.48B represents 11.4x multiple of 2022 EBITDA • Acquisition will expand Avient’s composites and fiber portfolio with Dyneema®, the World’s Strongest Fiber™ • $415M sales and 30%+ EBITDA margins; Immediately accretive to pro forma 2022 EPS, adding $0.35 • 1,300 patents globally, ~50% of sales patent protected • 1,000+ employees across global production network and dedicated technology centers • Composites platform will increase from $261M to $680M in revenue and from $49M to $180M in EBITDA Indicates Dyneema® location $175M (42%) $65M (16%) $175M (42%) 2022E Sales By Region ($M) (1) $0.35 EPS excludes intangible amortization (2) Based on 2022 expected results (1) (2) (2) FIT WITH FOUR PILLAR STRATEGY 20 Specialization • Innovation-led organization with tremendous intellectual property value in trademarks, patents and “know-how” • Deep history of application development and premium, leading brand with the World’s Strongest FiberTM Globalization • Global customer base with an established presence across all major geographic regions • Global technology centers complement existing Composites applications and expertise Operational Excellence • Best-in-class safety performance • Well-run and maintained asset base fit to serve future growth • Highly effective and reliable supply chain with emphasis on optimizing service to customers Commercial Excellence • Deep customer relationships extend across the value chain and drive ability to grow • Offer a full suite of services with an active role in design, development and commercialization People Experienced and talented associates with a passion for safety, specialization and winning DYNEEMA® OVERVIEW K E Y I N D U S T R I E S PERSONAL PROTECTION Military • Law Enforcement • First Responders Body Armor • Helmets • Vehicle Protection $215M MARINE & SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE Towing / Mooring • Aquaculture • Floating Wind • Offshore Cranes $130M CONSUMER Consumer • Outdoor High Performance • Safety Equipment $70M 21 Figures reflect 2022 expected sales MIFOverview Competition Valuechain & Go-to-market Strategy Innovation Financials TECHNOLOGY 22 1,200 1,300 2,500 Avient Dyneema Combined Patents • True specialty business – the World’s Strongest Fiber™ • Deep history of application development with customers, strongest in the industry • The only UHMwPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) fiber producer that is backward integrated o Provides innovation advantage through control of all steps of the process • Complementary with our existing reinforced film expertise (PolyStrand) and engineered fiber presences (Fiber-Line) WINNING PROPERTIES Ultra high strength vs. weight Highly flexible Floats on water Chemically inert; no smell/taste and non-toxic High resistance to UV radiation Self-lubricating, with low friction One-of-a-kind technology ® FORMULATION PROCESS 23 • Like Avient, Dyneema® offers similar core competencies around formulation and material science • Technology that combines polymers and fibers to provide specialized, high performing solutions for customers • Design capabilities ensure that applications are highly customized for the specified end use DYNEEMA® IN THE VALUE CHAIN 24 UHMwPE Fiber / Tapes Military Personnel, Law Enforcement Heavy Marine, Offshore Wind Energy and Mooring, Aquaculture Outdoor, Footwear, Apparel, Inflatables • Material Science • Formulation • Service INTERMEDIATE MANUFACTURING (CUSTOMERS) OEM / APPLICATION DEMAND TRENDS 25 • Military spending and near-term demand for higher performing personal protection products (like Dyneema®) expected to increase o European NATO members annual defense spend expected to increase by up to 20%(1) o Japan aiming to almost double defense spending over the next 5 years(2) o Accelerated launch of next generation technology in North America • Policy-driven demand for sustainable energy; growth in floating offshore wind farms which require advanced, durable technology o Offshore wind expected to grow at a CAGR of 32% with the level of annual installations quadrupling over the next five years(3) • Continued investment in aquaculture as a sustainable food source(4) • Strong demand in outdoor high performance space across niche consumer applications aligns with 10% growth assumption for Avient’s Composites portfolio Sources: (1) “Funding NATO”, NATO.int (April 1, 2022) (2) “Japan Ruling Party Calls for Defense Spending Boost to 2% of GDP”, WSJ (April 21, 2022) (3) “Global Wind Report 2021”, Global Wind Energy Council (4) “Aquaculture Supports a Sustainable Earth”, NOAA Fisheries 26 A L I G N M E N T W I T H S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y G O A L S PRODUCTS AVIENT’S EXISTING COMPOSITES PORTFOLIO 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 LFT Tapes Laminates/Panels Shapes Pultrusion Engineered Fibers 27 AVIENT’S COMPOSITES PORTFOLIO SALES AND EBITDA 28 $74 $84 $216 $212 $261 $5 $10 $32 $41 $49 $180 0 50 100 150 200 $- $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700 $750 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022E $680 ($ in millions) • Dyneema® acquisition will further improve Composites EBITDA margins to 26% • Dyneema® will complement our existing portfolio with deep formulation expertise, innovative culture and global commercial presence • Composites will continue to be a key growth driver to deliver future revenue growth in excess of GDP (1) Pro forma for the acquisition of Dyneema® (1) DISTRIBUTION DIVESTITURE CONSIDERATIONS DISTRIBUTION HIGHLIGHTS 30 $21 $57 $69 $94 $105 0 50 100 150 2006 2011 2016 2021 2022E • Leading North American Distribution business with longstanding blue-chip supplier and customer relationships • Commercial excellence and regulatory knowledge have grown healthcare portfolio to over 25% of sales and positioned business for long-term growth • Highly specialized portfolio of engineered polymers along with sustainable solution offerings • Leading digital capabilities through Avient Now, allowing enhanced visibility and 24/7 interface with customers • 98% free cash flow conversion drives greater than 30% after-tax return on invested capital (ROIC) • Potential divestiture allows us to remain modestly leveraged with net debt to adjusted EBITDA expected to be 2.9x and positions us for further specialty growth in the future EBITDA (in $M) DYNEEMA® TRANSACTION OVERVIEW 31 - $1.48B net purchase price - Represents 11.4x expected 2022 EBITDA - Committed financing in place - Permanent financing to be combination of available cash on-hand, new Senior Unsecured Notes, new Senior Secured Term Loan - Potential proceeds from Distribution divestment could be used to pay down near-term maturing debt - Closing expected in second half of 2022, subject to regulatory approvals and certain customary closing conditions Transaction Value Financing Closing Conditions / Timing CAPITAL STRUCTURE / LEVERAGE 32 • Financing commitments secured from Morgan Stanley and J.P.
Morgan • New Senior Secured Term Loan B and new Senior Unsecured Notes • Potential proceeds from sale of Distribution business modeled to pay off 5.25% senior notes due 2023 and Term Loan • Acquisition aligned with Avient’s track record of disciplined capital allocation policy • Existing dividend policy maintained, focus on deleveraging in the near term (1) (1) Pro forma for the acquisition of Dyneema® and potential divestiture of Distribution, including repayment of senior notes due 2023 and Term Loan Cash and Cash Equivalents 595$ Senior Secured Term Loan due 2026 605$ New Senior Secured Term Loan B 500 Total Senior Secured Debt 1,105$ Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 650$ New Senior Unsecured Notes 740 Total Senior Unsecured Debt 1,390$ Total Debt 2,495$ Net Debt 1,900$ 2022 Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA 660$ Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA 2.9x Pro Forma Capitalization (2022 estimates, all figures in $M) TWO-YEAR LEVERAGE GOAL 33 3.5x 2.7x 1.7x 2.9x 2.5x 2.2x 2019PF 2020PF 2022E 2022PF 2023E 2024E Dyneema® AcquisitionClariant Color Acquisition (1) Pro forma for the acquisition of the Clariant Color business (2) Pro forma for the acquisition of Dyneema® and potential divestiture of Distribution, including repayment of senior notes due 2023 and Term Loan (1) (1) (2) 34 PRO FORMA MODELING 2022E Pro Forma Pro Forma ($M) w/ Dyneema w/Sale Revenue 5,100$ 415$ 5,515$ (1,775)$ 3,740$ Adjusted EBITDA 635 130 765 (105) 660 EBITDA % 12% 31% 14% 6% 18% Pro Forma EPS (Adjusted) 3.50$ 0.00$ 3.50$ (0.56)$ 2.94$ Pro Forma EPS (excl. amortization) 3.96$ 0.35$ 4.31$ (0.56)$ 3.75$ Leverage (12/31/2022E) Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA 1.7x 3.5x 2.9x Avient Dyneema Distribution® ® OUR SPECIALTY JOURNEY ACQUISITION HISTORY 36 Commercial Resources(1) Operating Income ($ in millions) Operating Margins 259 360 At Acquisition 2021 $40 $122 At Acquisition 2021 9% 21% At Acquisition 2021 Established Acquisitions (> 7 years) + 39% + 210% + 1200 bps (1) Commercial Resources include associate headcount in R&D / Technical, Marketing and Sales CLARIANT COLOR ACQUISITION 37 $133 $205 2019PF 2021 37 Clariant Color EBITDA Growth Purchase Price Multiple 10.8x 7.0x 6.1x 2019PF 2021 2021 w/ Full Synergies • 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 • $54 million of synergies realized in 2021 • Acquisition completed on July 1, 2020 for $1.45 billion.
https://www.avient.com/news/polyone-announces-25-increase-quarterly-dividend
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 realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from the realignment of assets, including the planned closure of certain manufacturing facilities; the timing of closings and shifts of production to new facilities related to asset realignments and any unforeseen disruptions of service or quality caused by such closings and/or production shifts; our ability to identify and evaluate acquisition targets and consummate acquisitions; the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies into our operations, retain the management teams of acquired companies and retain relationships with customers of acquired companies including without limitations Spartech Corporation; 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 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 and employee productivity goals; an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services; an inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees; 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.