https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520KeyBanc%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520w%2520non-GAAP%252009%252010%25202013.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 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.
Use of Non GAAP Measures Page 3 -150.00% -50.00% 50.00% 150.00% 250.00% 350.00% PolyOne S&P 500 Strategy and Execution Drive Results Page 4 All time closing high of $29.48 August 1, 2013 • 15 consecutive quarters of double digit EPS growth • 42% CAGR adjusted EPS expansion 2006-2012 • YTD stock price has increased 42% versus 20% growth in the S&P • 275% increase in market cap: $0.7b $2.6b since 2006 The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized Polymer Materials, Services & Solutions Four Pillar Strategy Page 5 PP&S 15% Specialty 60% Distribution 25% 0.12 0.27 0.21 0.13 0.68 0.82 1.00 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* 2015 Target Ad ju st ed E ar ni ng s P er S ha re Appliance 6% Building & Construction 13% Wire & Cable 9% Electrical & Electronics 4% Consumer 9% Packaging 18% Industrial 10% Misc. 5% HealthCare 9% Transportation 16% Textiles 1% United States 70% Europe 14% Canada 8% Asia 5% Latin America 3% 2012 Revenues: $4.0 Billion* End Markets* 2012 Revenues: $4.0 Billion* EPS Page 6 * Pro Forma includes FY2012 results for Spartech (11/03/12 YE) and Glasforms & excludes discontinued operations PolyOne At A Glance * Restated to exclude discontinued operations Old PolyOne Transformation *Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items **Pro Forma results include Spartech and Glasforms acquisitions, Specialty Coatings reclass and excludes discontinued operations 2% 34% 43% 45% 60% 65- 75% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2005 2008 2010 2012 2012 PF** 2015 % o f O pe ra tin g In co m e* JV's PP&S Distribution Specialty Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $114M $150M Target Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation 2015 Target Page 7 2006 H1 2013 2015 Where we were Where we are Organic Consolidated Target 1) Operating Income % Specialty: Global Color, Additives & Inks 1.7% 12.7% 12.6% 12 – 16% Global Specialty Engineered Materials 1.1% 10.9% 9.2% 12 – 16% Designed Structures & Solutions — — 4.4% 8 – 10% Performance Products & Solutions 5.4% 8.1% 8.2% 9 – 12% Distribution 2.6% 6.1% 6.1% 6 – 7.5% 2) Specialty Platform % of Operating Income 6.0% 62% 65 – 75% 3) ROIC* (after-tax) 5.0% 9.4% 15% 4) Adjusted EPS Growth N/A 26% Double Digit Expansion Proof of Performance & 2015 Goals *ROIC is defined as TTM adjusted OI divided by the sum of average debt and equity over a 5 quarter period Page 8 *Percentage of Specialty Platform revenue from products introduced in last five years 19.5% 46.5% 2006 Q2 2013 $20.3 $44.7 2006 TTM Q2'13 14.3% 31.1% 2006 Q2 2013 Research & Development Spending Specialty Platform Vitality Index Progression* Innovation Drives Earnings Growth ($ millions) Specialty Platform Gross Margin % Page 9 We are Experts in Polymer Science and Formulation Polymer Science Formulation Chemistry Processing Inputs Base Resins Additives Modifiers Colorants Specialized Polymer Materials, Services, and Solutions Expertise Satisfied Consumers PolyOne Customer Innovative Products & Services Marketplace Demands Performance Requirements Value Drivers Page 10 Positioned for Strong Growth 2015 Target Rev: $5B Adj.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/POL%2520BofA%2520Basic%2520Materials%2520IR%2520Presentation%2520w%2520non-GAAP%252012%252011%25202013.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 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.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures Page 3 -150.00% -50.00% 50.00% 150.00% 250.00% 350.00% PolyOne S&P 500 All time high of $34.47 December 9th, 2013 • 16 consecutive quarters of double digit EPS growth • 42% CAGR adjusted EPS expansion 2006-2012 • YTD stock price has increased 63% versus 27% growth in the S&P • More than six fold increase in market cap: $0.5b $3.3b Strategy and Execution Drive Results Page 4 The World’s Premier Provider of Specialized Polymer Materials, Services & Solutions Four Pillar Strategy Page 5 PP&S 15% Specialty 60% Distribution 25% 0.12 0.27 0.21 0.13 0.68 0.82 1.00 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* 2015 Target Ad ju st ed E ar ni ng s P er S ha re Appliance 6% Building & Construction 13% Wire & Cable 9% Electrical & Electronics 4% Consumer 9% Packaging 18% Industrial 10% Misc. 5% HealthCare 9% Transportation 16% Textiles 1% United States 70% Europe 14% Canada 8% Asia 5% Latin America 3% 2012 Revenues: $4.0 Billion* End Markets* 2012 Revenues: $4.0 Billion* EPS Page 6 * Pro Forma includes FY2012 results for Spartech (11/03/12 YE) and Glasforms & excludes discontinued operations PolyOne At A Glance * Restated to exclude discontinued operations Old PolyOne Transformation *Operating Income excludes corporate charges and special items 2% 34% 43% 63% 65- 75% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2005 2008 2010 YTD 2013 2015 % o f O pe ra tin g In co m e* JV's PP&S Distribution Specialty Specialty OI $5M $46M $87M $153M Target Mix Shift Highlights Specialty Transformation 2015 Target Page 7 2006 YTD 2013 2015 Where we were Where we are Organic Consolidated Target 1) Operating Income % Specialty: Global Color, Additives & Inks 1.7% 12.8% 12.8% 12 – 16% Global Specialty Engineered Materials 1.1% 10.8% 8.9% 12 – 16% Designed Structures & Solutions — — 5.0% 8 – 10% Performance Products & Solutions 5.5% 8.0% 8.2% 9 – 12% Distribution 2.6% 6.1% 6 – 7.5% 2) Specialty Platform % of Operating Income 6.0% 63% 65 – 75% 3) ROIC* (after-tax) 5.0% 9.4% 15% 4) Adjusted EPS Growth N/A 28% Double Digit Expansion Proof of Performance & 2015 Goals *ROIC is defined as TTM adjusted OI divided by the sum of average debt and equity over a 5 quarter period Page 8 *Percentage of Specialty Platform revenue from products introduced in last five years 19.5% 44.0% 2006 Q3 2013 $20.3 $46.6 2006 TTM Q3'13 14.3% 31.0% 2006 Q3 2013 Research & Development Spending Specialty Platform Vitality Index Progression* Innovation Drives Earnings Growth ($ millions) Specialty Platform Gross Margin % Page 9 We are Experts in Polymer Science and Formulation Polymer Science Formulation Chemistry Processing Inputs Base Resins Additives Modifiers Colorants Specialized Polymer Materials, Services, and Solutions Expertise Satisfied Consumers PolyOne Customer Innovative Products & Services Marketplace Demands Performance Requirements Value Drivers Page 10 Positioned for Strong Growth 2015 Target Rev: $5B Adj.
https://www.avient.com/industries/packaging/food-packaging/shelf-stable-food
Versaflex™ PF formulations are specially developed for the manufacture of co-extruded surface protective films
Read how technical expertise and broad TPE portfolio shortened the development timeline and delivered a durable performance
Sync design with manufacturability: Learn about how Avient Design can help simplify your new product development process
https://www.avient.com/industries/packaging/food-packaging/condiments
Versaflex™ PF formulations are specially developed for the manufacture of co-extruded surface protective films
Read how technical expertise and broad TPE portfolio shortened the development timeline and delivered a durable performance
Sync design with manufacturability: Learn about how Avient Design can help simplify your new product development process
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-announces-first-quarter-2017-results
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 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 businesses into our operations, such as Comptek, SilCoTec, Gordon Composites and Polystrand, including whether such businesses will be accretive, retain the management teams of acquired businesses, and retain relationships with customers of acquired businesses; 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.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-announces-third-quarter-2017-results
Comptek, SilCoTec, Gordon Composites and Polystrand, including whether such businesses will be accretive, retain the management teams of acquired businesses, and retain relationships with customers of acquired businesses; 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; 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; our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, including at the increasing rate, which will be subject to, among other factors, market conditions, our cash flow and cash requirements and restrictions contained in any of our debt agreements; 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.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-announces-second-quarter-2017-results
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 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 businesses into our operations, including whether such businesses will be accretive, retain the management teams of acquired businesses, and retain relationships with customers of acquired businesses; 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.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/polyone-announces-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2017-results
Comptek, SilCoTec, Gordon Composites and Polystrand, including whether such businesses will be accretive, retain the management teams of acquired businesses, and retain relationships with customers of acquired businesses; 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; 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; our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, including at the increasing rate, which will be subject to, among other factors, market conditions, our cash flow and cash requirements and restrictions contained in any of our debt agreements; 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.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt
extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel
reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; mark-to-market adjustments associated
with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and
related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating
businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or
penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period;
one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/avient-announces-second-quarter-2024-results
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: 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; disruptions or inefficiencies in our supply chain, logistics, or operations; changes in laws and regulations in jurisdictions where we conduct business, including with respect to plastics and climate change; fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply, and in energy prices and supply; demand for our products and services; 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; our ability to achieve strategic objectives and successfully integrate acquisitions, including the implementation of a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, S/4HANA; and other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates, changes in the rate of inflation, geopolitical conflicts and any recessionary conditions.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; settlement gains or losses and mark-to-market adjustments associated with gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.
https://www.avient.com/investor-center/news/avient-announces-record-first-quarter-2021-results-increases-full-year-guidance
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.
Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; settlement gains or losses and mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.