UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020
OR
 
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from             to             .
Commission file number 1-16091
 ________________________________________________
AVIENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio34-1730488
(State or other jurisdiction(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)
Avient Center
33587 Walker Road44012
Avon Lake, Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (440) 930-1000

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, par value $.01 per shareAVNTNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).     Yes   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes     No

The number of the registrant’s outstanding common shares, par value $.01 per share, as of JuneOctober 30, 2020 was 91,436,687.91,475,596.

AVIENT CORPORATION


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Avient Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020201920202019 2020201920202019
SalesSales$609.1  $748.2  $1,320.6  $1,498.8  Sales$924.5 $705.3 $2,245.1 $2,204.1 
Cost of salesCost of sales459.4  572.9  999.4  1,155.4  Cost of sales714.3 544.8 1,713.7 1,700.2 
Gross marginGross margin149.7  175.3  321.2  343.4  Gross margin210.2 160.5 531.4 503.9 
Selling and administrative expenseSelling and administrative expense111.7  129.2  230.4  250.2  Selling and administrative expense176.7 117.4 407.1 367.6 
Operating incomeOperating income38.0  46.1  90.8  93.2  Operating income33.5 43.1 124.3 136.3 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net(16.2) (16.2) (25.6) (32.1) Interest expense, net(29.7)(15.5)(55.3)(47.6)
Other income, netOther income, net9.5  0.7  11.1  0.8  Other income, net1.5 0.6 12.6 1.4 
Income from continuing operations before income taxesIncome from continuing operations before income taxes31.3  30.6  76.3  61.9  Income from continuing operations before income taxes5.3 28.2 81.6 90.1 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(7.9) (7.4) (19.8) (16.2) Income tax expense(2.7)(4.6)(22.5)(20.8)
Net income from continuing operationsNet income from continuing operations23.4  23.2  56.5  45.7  Net income from continuing operations2.6 23.6 59.1 69.3 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(0.2) 18.9  (0.5) 34.7  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxesIncome (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes19.5 (0.5)54.2 
Net incomeNet income$23.2  $42.1  $56.0  $80.4  Net income$2.6 $43.1 $58.6 $123.5 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.4) —  (0.4) (0.1) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.9)(0.1)(1.3)(0.2)
Net income attributable to Avient common shareholdersNet income attributable to Avient common shareholders$22.8  $42.1  $55.6  $80.3  Net income attributable to Avient common shareholders$1.7 $43.0 $57.3 $123.3 
Earnings per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:Earnings per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:Earnings per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operationsContinuing operations$0.25  $0.30  $0.63  $0.59  Continuing operations$0.02 $0.31 $0.64 $0.89 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations—  0.24  —  0.45  Discontinued operations0.25 0.71 
TotalTotal$0.25  $0.54  $0.63  $1.04  Total$0.02 $0.56 $0.64 $1.60 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operationsContinuing operations$0.25  $0.30  $0.63  $0.58  Continuing operations$0.02 $0.30 $0.64 $0.89 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations—  0.24  (0.01) 0.45  Discontinued operations0.26 (0.01)0.69 
TotalTotal$0.25  $0.54  $0.62  $1.03  Total$0.02 $0.56 $0.63 $1.58 
Weighted-average shares used to compute earnings per common share:Weighted-average shares used to compute earnings per common share:Weighted-average shares used to compute earnings per common share:
BasicBasic91.4  77.3  88.8  77.5  Basic91.5 76.9 89.7 77.3 
Plus dilutive impact of share-based compensationPlus dilutive impact of share-based compensation0.4  0.4  0.6  0.5  Plus dilutive impact of share-based compensation0.4 0.5 1.0 0.5 
DilutedDiluted91.8  77.7  89.4  78.0  Diluted91.9 77.4 90.7 77.8 
Anti-dilutive shares not included in diluted common shares outstandingAnti-dilutive shares not included in diluted common shares outstanding1.2  0.8  0.8  0.9  Anti-dilutive shares not included in diluted common shares outstanding0.7 0.6 0.9 0.8 
Cash dividends declared per share of common stockCash dividends declared per share of common stock$0.2025  $0.1950  $0.4050  $0.3900  Cash dividends declared per share of common stock$0.2025 $0.1950 $0.6075 $0.5850 
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1 AVIENT CORPORATION


Avient Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020201920202019 2020201920202019
Net incomeNet income$23.2  $42.1  $56.0  $80.4  Net income$2.6 $43.1 $58.6 $123.5 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Translation adjustments and related hedging instrumentsTranslation adjustments and related hedging instruments4.6  1.6  (2.7) 5.8  Translation adjustments and related hedging instruments59.3 (9.8)56.6 (4.0)
Cash flow hedgesCash flow hedges0.2  (1.9) (3.2) (2.9) Cash flow hedges0.8 (0.4)(2.4)(3.3)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)Total other comprehensive income (loss)4.8  (0.3) (5.9) 2.9  Total other comprehensive income (loss)60.1 (10.2)54.2 (7.3)
Total comprehensive incomeTotal comprehensive income28.0  41.8  50.1  83.3  Total comprehensive income62.7 32.9 112.8 116.2 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interestsComprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.4) —  (0.4) (0.1) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.9)(0.1)(1.3)(0.2)
Comprehensive income attributable to Avient common shareholdersComprehensive income attributable to Avient common shareholders$27.6  $41.8  $49.7  $83.2  Comprehensive income attributable to Avient common shareholders$61.8 $32.8 $111.5 $116.0 
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2 AVIENT CORPORATION


Avient Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
(Unaudited) June 30, 2020December 31, 2019(Unaudited) September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,977.0  $864.7  Cash and cash equivalents$577.3 $864.7 
Accounts receivable, netAccounts receivable, net310.6  330.0  Accounts receivable, net514.3 330.0 
Inventories, netInventories, net241.5  260.9  Inventories, net311.4 260.9 
Other current assetsOther current assets54.3  57.7  Other current assets94.8 57.7 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,583.4  1,513.3  Total current assets1,497.8 1,513.3 
Property, netProperty, net400.8  407.4  Property, net674.5 407.4 
GoodwillGoodwill685.2  685.7  Goodwill1,280.0 685.7 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net454.9  469.3  Intangible assets, net993.0 469.3 
Operating lease assets, netOperating lease assets, net58.2  63.8  Operating lease assets, net88.3 63.8 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets154.5  133.8  Other non-current assets176.3 133.8 
Total assetsTotal assets$4,337.0  $3,273.3  Total assets$4,709.9 $3,273.3 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Short-term and current portion of long-term debtShort-term and current portion of long-term debt$18.0  $18.4  Short-term and current portion of long-term debt$18.7 $18.4 
Accounts payableAccounts payable262.8  287.7  Accounts payable403.6 287.7 
Current operating lease obligationsCurrent operating lease obligations19.3  21.0  Current operating lease obligations25.3 21.0 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilitiesAccrued expenses and other current liabilities324.2  375.4  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities321.3 375.4 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities624.3  702.5  Total current liabilities768.9 702.5 
Non-current liabilities:Non-current liabilities:Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debtLong-term debt1,849.7  1,210.9  Long-term debt1,855.2 1,210.9 
Pension and other post-retirement benefitsPension and other post-retirement benefits55.9  56.6  Pension and other post-retirement benefits113.8 56.6 
Non-current operating lease obligationsNon-current operating lease obligations39.7  42.8  Non-current operating lease obligations63.0 42.8 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities215.7  207.8  Other non-current liabilities297.9 207.8 
Total non-current liabilitiesTotal non-current liabilities2,161.0  1,518.1  Total non-current liabilities2,329.9 1,518.1 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYSHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYSHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Avient shareholders’ equityAvient shareholders’ equity1,551.3  1,051.9  Avient shareholders’ equity1,597.0 1,051.9 
Noncontrolling interestNoncontrolling interest0.4  0.8  Noncontrolling interest14.1 0.8 
Total equityTotal equity1,551.7  1,052.7  Total equity1,611.1 1,052.7 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$4,337.0  $3,273.3  Total liabilities and equity$4,709.9 $3,273.3 
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3 AVIENT CORPORATION


Avient Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In millions)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019 20202019
Operating ActivitiesOperating ActivitiesOperating Activities
Net incomeNet income$56.0  $80.4  Net income$58.6 $123.5 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization40.8  46.9  Depreciation and amortization74.8 68.4 
Accelerated depreciation and amortizationAccelerated depreciation and amortization2.5 
Share-based compensation expenseShare-based compensation expense5.7  5.7  Share-based compensation expense7.1 8.7 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable16.8  (46.1) 
Increase in accounts receivableIncrease in accounts receivable(12.7)(12.7)
Decrease in inventoriesDecrease in inventories17.4  9.6  Decrease in inventories53.0 20.0 
Decrease in accounts payable(23.5) (8.2) 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payableIncrease (decrease) in accounts payable21.3 (28.3)
Decrease in pension and other post-retirement benefitsDecrease in pension and other post-retirement benefits(12.7) (4.0) Decrease in pension and other post-retirement benefits(14.4)(7.0)
Increase in post-acquisition earnout liabilitiesIncrease in post-acquisition earnout liabilities1.0  —  Increase in post-acquisition earnout liabilities2.5 20.7 
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities, net(4.5) 15.1  
Increase in accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities, netIncrease in accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities, net56.1 5.3 
Taxes paid on gain on divestitureTaxes paid on gain on divestiture(142.0)
Payment of post-acquisition date earnout liabilityPayment of post-acquisition date earnout liability(21.0) —  Payment of post-acquisition date earnout liability(38.1)
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities76.0  99.4  Net cash provided by operating activities68.7 198.6 
Investing activitiesInvesting activitiesInvesting activities
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(21.3) (26.5) Capital expenditures(38.6)(47.9)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquiredBusiness acquisitions, net of cash acquired—  (119.6) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(1,342.7)(119.6)
Net proceeds from divestitureNet proceeds from divestiture7.1  —  Net proceeds from divestiture7.1 
Net proceeds from other assetsNet proceeds from other assets5.2  3.9  Net proceeds from other assets5.2 5.3 
Net cash used by investing activitiesNet cash used by investing activities(9.0) (142.2) Net cash used by investing activities(1,369.0)(162.2)
Financing activitiesFinancing activitiesFinancing activities
Debt offering proceedsDebt offering proceeds650.0  —  Debt offering proceeds650.0 
Borrowings under credit facilitiesBorrowings under credit facilities—  607.4  Borrowings under credit facilities882.4 
Repayments under credit facilitiesRepayments under credit facilities—  (548.9) Repayments under credit facilities(808.5)
Purchase of common shares for treasuryPurchase of common shares for treasury(13.6) (26.9) Purchase of common shares for treasury(13.6)(26.9)
Cash dividends paidCash dividends paid(34.3) (30.7) Cash dividends paid(52.8)(45.7)
Repayment of long-term debtRepayment of long-term debt(4.2) (3.3) Repayment of long-term debt(6.0)(4.9)
Payments of withholding tax on share awardsPayments of withholding tax on share awards(1.6) (1.9) Payments of withholding tax on share awards(1.9)(2.0)
Debt financing costsDebt financing costs(9.7) (0.2) Debt financing costs(9.5)(0.2)
Equity offering proceeds, net of underwriting discount and issuance costsEquity offering proceeds, net of underwriting discount and issuance costs496.1  —  Equity offering proceeds, net of underwriting discount and issuance costs496.1 
Payment of acquisition date earnout liabilityPayment of acquisition date earnout liability(32.9) —  Payment of acquisition date earnout liability(50.8)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activitiesNet cash provided (used) by financing activities1,049.8  (4.5) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities1,011.5 (5.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cashEffect of exchange rate changes on cash(4.5) 1.9  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash1.4 (1.9)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents1,112.3  (45.4) 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(287.4)28.7 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of yearCash and cash equivalents at beginning of year864.7  170.9  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year864.7 170.9 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,977.0  $125.5  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$577.3 $199.6 
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4 AVIENT CORPORATION


Avient Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)
(In millions)
Common SharesShareholders’ Equity Common SharesShareholders’ Equity
Common
Shares
Common
Shares Held
in Treasury
Common
Shares
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained EarningsCommon
Shares Held
in Treasury
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Total Avient shareholders' equityNon-controlling InterestsTotal equityCommon
Shares
Common
Shares Held
in Treasury
Common
Shares
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained EarningsCommon
Shares Held
in Treasury
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Total Avient shareholders' equityNon-controlling InterestsTotal equity
Balance at January 1, 2020Balance at January 1, 2020122.2  (45.3) $1.2  $1,175.2  $1,001.2  $(1,043.1) $(82.6) $1,051.9  $0.8  $1,052.7  Balance at January 1, 2020122.2 (45.3)$1.2 $1,175.2 $1,001.2 $(1,043.1)$(82.6)$1,051.9 $0.8 $1,052.7 
Net incomeNet income—  —  —  —  32.8  —  —  32.8  —  32.8  Net income— — — — 32.8 — — 32.8 32.8 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss—  —  —  —  —  —  (10.7) (10.7) —  (10.7) Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — (10.7)(10.7)— (10.7)
Noncontrolling interest activityNoncontrolling interest activity—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (0.8) (0.8) Noncontrolling interest activity— — — — — — — (0.8)(0.8)
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
—  —  —  —  (18.7) —  —  (18.7) —  (18.7) 
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (18.7)— — (18.7)— (18.7)
Repurchase of common sharesRepurchase of common shares—  (1.0) —  —  —  (13.6) —  (13.6) —  (13.6) Repurchase of common shares— (1.0)— — — (13.6)— (13.6)— (13.6)
Common shares equity offeringCommon shares equity offering—  15.3  0.2  334.6  —  161.3  —  496.1  —  496.1  Common shares equity offering— 15.3 0.2 334.6 — 161.3 — 496.1 — 496.1 
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards—  0.2  —  (0.5) —  1.6  —  1.1  —  1.1  Share-based compensation and exercise of awards— 0.2 — (0.5)— 1.6 — 1.1 — 1.1 
OtherOther—  —  —  —  (0.3) —  —  (0.3) —  (0.3) Other— — — — (0.3)— — (0.3)— (0.3)
Balance at March 31, 2020Balance at March 31, 2020122.2  (30.8) $1.4  $1,509.3  $1,015.0  $(893.8) $(93.3) $1,538.6  $—  $1,538.6  Balance at March 31, 2020122.2 (30.8)$1.4 $1,509.3 $1,015.0 $(893.8)$(93.3)$1,538.6 $$1,538.6 
Net incomeNet income—  —  —  —  22.8  —  —  22.8  0.4  23.2  Net income— — — — 22.8 — — 22.8 0.4 23.2 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income—  —  —  —  —  —  4.8  4.8  —  4.8  Other comprehensive income— — — — — — 4.8 4.8 — 4.8 
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
—  —  —  —  (18.5) —  —  (18.5) —  (18.5) 
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (18.5)— — (18.5)— (18.5)
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards—  —  —  3.2  —  0.4  —  3.6  —  3.6  Share-based compensation and exercise of awards— — 3.2 — 0.4 — 3.6 — 3.6 
Balance at June 30, 2020Balance at June 30, 2020122.2  (30.8) $1.4  $1,512.5  $1,019.3  $(893.4) $(88.5) $1,551.3  $0.4  $1,551.7  Balance at June 30, 2020122.2 (30.8)$1.4 $1,512.5 $1,019.3 $(893.4)$(88.5)$1,551.3 $0.4 $1,551.7 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 1.7 — — 1.7 0.9 2.6 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — — — 60.1 60.1 — 60.1 
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (18.5)— — (18.5)— (18.5)
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards— — — 1.9 0.5 — 2.4 — 2.4 
Acquisitions/otherAcquisitions/other— — — — — — — — 12.8 12.8 
Balance at September 30, 2020Balance at September 30, 2020122.2 (30.8)1.4 $1,514.4 $1,002.5 $(892.9)$(28.4)$1,597.0 $14.1 $1,611.1 

(1) Dividends declared per share were $0.2025 and $0.4050$0.6075 for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.


5 AVIENT CORPORATION



Common SharesShareholders’ Equity Common SharesShareholders’ Equity
Common
Shares
Common
Shares  Held
in Treasury
Common
Shares
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained EarningsCommon
Shares  Held
in Treasury
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Total Avient shareholders' equityNon-controlling InterestsTotal equityCommon
Shares
Common
Shares  Held
in Treasury
Common
Shares
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained EarningsCommon
Shares  Held
in Treasury
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Total Avient shareholders' equityNon-controlling InterestsTotal equity
Balance at January 1, 2019Balance at January 1, 2019122.2  (44.5) $1.2  $1,166.9  $472.9  $(1,018.7) $(82.3) $540.0  $0.6  $540.6  Balance at January 1, 2019122.2 (44.5)$1.2 $1,166.9 $472.9 $(1,018.7)$(82.3)$540.0 $0.6 $540.6 
Net incomeNet income—  —  —  —  38.2  —  —  38.2  0.1  38.3  Net income— — — — 38.2 — — 38.2 0.1 38.3 
Other comprehensive gainOther comprehensive gain—  —  —  —  —  —  3.2  3.2  —  3.2  Other comprehensive gain— — — — — — 3.2 3.2 — 3.2 
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
—  —  —  —  (14.8) —  —  (14.8) —  (14.8) 
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (14.8)— — (14.8)— (14.8)
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards—  0.1  —  0.5  —  1.1  —  1.6  —  1.6  Share-based compensation and exercise of awards— 0.1 — 0.5 — 1.1 — 1.6 — 1.6 
Balance at March 31, 2019Balance at March 31, 2019122.2  (44.4) $1.2  $1,167.4  $496.3  $(1,017.6) $(79.1) $568.2  $0.7  $568.9  Balance at March 31, 2019122.2 (44.4)$1.2 $1,167.4 $496.3 $(1,017.6)$(79.1)$568.2 $0.7 $568.9 
Net incomeNet income—  —  —  —  42.1  —  —  42.1  —  42.1  Net income— — — — 42.1 — — 42.1 42.1 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss—  —  —  —  —  —  (0.3) (0.3) —  (0.3) Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — (0.3)(0.3)— (0.3)
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
—  —  —  —  (15.2) —  —  (15.2) —  (15.2) 
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (15.2)— — (15.2)— (15.2)
Repurchase of common sharesRepurchase of common shares—  (1.0) —  —  —  (26.9) —  (26.9) —  (26.9) Repurchase of common shares— (1.0)— — — (26.9)— (26.9)— (26.9)
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards—  0.1  —  1.8  —  0.7  —  2.5  —  2.5  Share-based compensation and exercise of awards— 0.1 — 1.8 — 0.7 — 2.5 — 2.5 
Balance at June 30, 2019Balance at June 30, 2019122.2  (45.3) $1.2  $1,169.2  $523.2  $(1,043.8) $(79.4) $570.4  $0.7  $571.1  Balance at June 30, 2019122.2 (45.3)$1.2 $1,169.2 $523.2 $(1,043.8)$(79.4)$570.4 $0.7 $571.1 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 43.0 — — 43.0 0.1 43.1 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss— — — — — — (10.2)(10.2)— (10.2)
Cash dividends declared (1)
Cash dividends declared (1)
— — — — (14.7)— — (14.7)— (14.7)
Share-based compensation and exercise of awardsShare-based compensation and exercise of awards— — 2.4 — 0.5 — 2.9 — 2.9 
Balance at September 30, 2019Balance at September 30, 2019122.2 (45.3)$1.2 $1,171.6 $551.5 $(1,043.3)$(89.6)$591.4 $0.8 $592.2 

(1) Dividends declared per share were $0.1950 and $0.3900$0.5850 for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively.

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.







6 AVIENT CORPORATION



Avient Corporation
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Form 10-Q instructions and in the opinion of management contain all adjustments, including those that are normal, recurring and necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 of Avient Corporation, formerly known as PolyOne Corporation. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Avient” and the “Company” mean Avient Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Operating results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be attained in subsequent periods or for the year ending December 31, 2020. Historical information has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the classification of discontinued operations. Discontinued operations are further discussed in Note 3, Discontinued Operations.
Accounting Standards Adopted
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Account Standards Update (ASU) 2016-03, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changed the impairment model for most financial instruments. Previous guidance required the recognition of credit losses based on an incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under ASU 2016-13, the Company is required to use a current expected credit loss (CECL) model that immediately recognizes an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of the update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings that was not material.

Note 2 — BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On December 19, 2019, we entered into a definitive share purchase agreement (the Agreement) withJuly 1, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of the equity interests in the global masterbatch business of Clariant AG, a corporation organized and existing under the lawslaw of Switzerland (Clariant), and through onethe masterbatch assets in India of our wholly owned subsidiaries, a definitive business transfer agreement (the BTA), with Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, a public limited company incorporated in India and an indirect majority-ownedmajority owned subsidiary of Clariant (Clariant India). Pursuant to the Agreement and the BTA, on July 1, 2020, we completed our acquisition of all of the equity interests in Clariant's global masterbatchThe business and Clariant India's masterbatch business assets in India. The businesses are collectively referred to as Clariant MB and the acquisitions are collectively referred to as the Clariant MB Acquisition. The Clariant MB Acquisition increased the Company's scale, product depth and geographic reach in its Color, Additives and Inks segment. Clariant MB has leading portfolios of solid and liquid masterbatches that include sustainable solutions for alternative energy, and reduced material requirements for packaging and light weighting. In connection with the completion of the Clariant MB Acquisition and effective as of June 30, 2020, the Company amended its existing Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Avient Corporation. In conjunction with its rebranding and new name, the Company also changed its ticker symbol from “POL” to “AVNT”, effective at the start of trading on July 13, 2020.
Total consideration paid by the Company to complete the Clariant MB Acquisition was $1.3 billion, net of cash, which includes preliminary working capital and net debt adjustments. Clariant's proposed net debt and working capital adjustment reflects a $44.0 million adjustment, representing a payment by the Company to Clariant. The review period for this proposed adjustment is further discussedstill open and the adjustment will likely be finalized prior to the end of the first quarter of 2021. To finance the purchase of Clariant MB, the Company used $496.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common shares in an underwritten public offering completed in February 2020 and $640.5 million in net proceeds from a senior unsecured notes offering completed in May 2020, and funded the balance using the net proceeds of the October 2019 sale of our Performance Products and Solutions business segment (PP&S). For additional details related to the sale of PP&S and the senior unsecured notes offering, refer to Note 14,3, Subsequent EventsDiscontinued Operations. and Note 9, Financing Arrangements, respectively.
The Clariant MB Acquisition is being accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805. As of September 30,

7 AVIENT CORPORATION


2020, the purchase accounting for the Clariant MB Acquisition is preliminary and the amounts recognized in the financial statements for the Clariant MB Acquisition are provisional. The purchase price allocation adjustments will be made throughout the end of Company’s measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. During the measurement period, we will continue to obtain information to assist in finalizing the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which may differ materially from the preliminary estimates. We are in the ongoing process of conducting a valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition, including the personal and real property, lease obligations, deferred taxes, pension and other post-employment benefit plan liabilities, and intangible assets. The provisional measurements and preliminary allocation of consideration transferred and determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, reflect estimates, judgments and assumptions made by management. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are subject to change upon final valuation.
The summarized preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:

July 1, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$145.1 
Accounts receivable170.8 
Inventories102.3 
Other current assets54.1 
Property267.6 
Goodwill570.1 
Intangible assets:
Customer relationships221.4 
Trade names and trademarks32.0 
Patents, technology and other273.9 
Operating lease assets33.6 
Other long-term assets1.1 
Short term debt(0.4)
Accounts payable(91.6)
Current operating lease obligations(3.1)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(81.9)
Long-term debt(6.7)
Non-current operating lease obligations(29.0)
Deferred tax liabilities(58.2)
Pension and other post retirement benefits(56.7)
Non-controlling interests(12.7)
Total purchase price consideration$1,531.7 

The intangible assets that have been acquired are being amortized over a period of 18 to 20 years.
Goodwill of $570.1 million was recorded and allocated to the Color, Additives and Inks segment. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to the expected synergies to be achieved from the business combination. We expect a portion of goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes.
The amounts of revenue and income from continuing operations before income taxes of Clariant MB since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the three months ended September 30, 2020 are $264.2 million and $18.3 million, respectively. Had the Clariant MB Acquisition occurred as of the beginning of fiscal 2019, sales and income from continuing operations before income taxes on a pro forma basis would have been as follows:


8 AVIENT CORPORATION


(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2020201920202019
Sales$924.5 $976.3 $2,782.6 $3,055.5 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes28.929.8146.578.4

The unaudited pro forma financial information has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the historical results with pro forma adjustments that assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2019. These unaudited pro forma results do not represent financial results realized, nor are they intended to be a projection of future results. In preparation of the pro forma financial information, we eliminated certain historical allocations made by Clariant as they do not represent the stand alone operations of Clariant MB and replaced them with costs more likely to occur as a part of Avient. This elimination removed expense of $7.5 million and $10.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, while the three months ended September 30, 2020 reflect actual results. The amortization of inventory step-up from the preliminary purchase price allocation was $10.5 million, and is reflected in Cost of sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Additionally, we incurred $9.6 million and $10.1 million of costs related to committed financing which are reflected in Interest expense, net in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The amounts associated with the amortization of inventory step-up and costs related to committed financing were removed from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and presented in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 pro forma financial information.

Costs incurred in connection with the Clariant MB Acquisition were $3.5 million and $15.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. These fees were charged to Selling and Administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Acquisitions
Our acquisitions of PlastiComp, Inc. (PlastiComp) on May 31, 2018 and Fiber-Line, LLC (Fiber-Line) on January 2, 2019 involve contingent earnout consideration. The PlastiComp earnout hashad a ceiling of $35.0 million whichthat was reached during the first quarter of 2020 and is reflected within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities onpaid in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.third quarter of 2020. The Fiber-Line earnout is based on 2 annual earnout periods, with the second earnout period target based on year-one results. Amounts related toThe second earnout period ends on December 31, 2020 and we expect settlement in 2021. A payment of $53.9 million associated with the first Fiber-Line earnout period were paidwas made in the first quarter of 2020. During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, earnoutthe Company recorded charges of $1.0$1.5 million were recordedand $2.5 million, respectively, associated with the earnouts within Selling and administrative expenseon the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income that were primarily attributable to improved earnings from the acquisitions. No additional earnout adjustments were recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Note 3 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On October 25, 2019, Avient divested its Performance Products and Solutions business segment (PP&S)PP&S to SK Echo Group S.à r.l..r.l. We received total proceeds from the divestiture of $768.9 million, which were net of cash transaction costs and included a working capital adjustment of $7.1 million received in the first quarter of 2020. Upon completion of the transaction, we recognized an after-tax gain of $457.7 million during 2019, which is included

7 AVIENT CORPORATION


in the (Loss) incomeIncome (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Avient has continuing involvement with the former PP&S business following the close of the transaction. The Company entered into a four-year distribution agreement with the former PP&S business to be the exclusive distributor for certain products, under terms that were similar prior to the disposal transaction. Avient and the former PP&S business have also entered into contract manufacturing and supply agreements for certain products for a two-year period. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, our net cash outflow related to the agreements was approximately $32$45.4 million.
The following table summarizes the major line items constituting pretaxpre-tax income of discontinued operations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2020201920202019
Sales$—  $155.6  $—  $304.9  
Cost of sales—  (123.3) —  (244.4) 
Selling and administrative expense(0.1) (6.6) (0.5) (13.5) 
(Loss) income of discontinued operations before income taxes(0.1) 25.7  (0.5) 47.0  
Income tax benefit (expense)(0.1) (6.8) —  (12.3) 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$(0.2) $18.9  $(0.5) $34.7  

9 AVIENT CORPORATION


Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Sales$$143.1 $$448.0 
Cost of sales(114.0)(358.4)
Selling and administrative expense(8.2)(0.5)(21.7)
Income (loss) of discontinued operations before income taxes20.9 (0.5)67.9 
Income tax expense(1.4)(13.7)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$$19.5 $(0.5)$54.2 

The following table presents the depreciation, amortization, and capital expenditures of our discontinued operations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019. NaN such amounts were recorded for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020.
(In millions)(In millions)Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
(In millions)Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization$3.8  $7.6  Depreciation and amortization$1.8 $9.4 
Capital ExpendituresCapital Expenditures4.7  7.2  Capital Expenditures4.0 11.2 

Note 4 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows: 
(In millions)(In millions)Specialty Engineered MaterialsColor, Additives and InksDistributionTotal(In millions)Specialty Engineered MaterialsColor, Additives and InksDistributionTotal
Balance at December 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 2019$236.3  $447.8  $1.6  $685.7  Balance at December 31, 2019$236.3 $447.8 $1.6 $685.7 
Acquisition of businessesAcquisition of businesses570.1 570.1 
Currency translationCurrency translation(0.7) 0.2  —  (0.5) Currency translation0.1 24.1 24.2 
Balance at June 30, 2020$235.6  $448.0  $1.6  $685.2  
Balance at September 30, 2020Balance at September 30, 2020$236.4 $1,042.0 $1.6 $1,280.0 

Indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following: 
As of June 30, 2020 As of September 30, 2020
(In millions)(In millions)Acquisition CostAccumulated AmortizationCurrency TranslationNet(In millions)Acquisition CostAccumulated AmortizationCurrency TranslationNet
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships$286.8  $(96.2) $(0.9) $189.7  Customer relationships$508.2 $(102.8)$10.4 $415.8 
Patents, technology and otherPatents, technology and other244.0  (87.0) (1.3) 155.7  Patents, technology and other549.9 (94.6)12.4 467.7 
Indefinite-lived trade namesIndefinite-lived trade names109.5  —  —  109.5  Indefinite-lived trade names109.5 — 109.5 
TotalTotal$640.3  $(183.2) $(2.2) $454.9  Total$1,167.6 $(197.4)$22.8 $993.0 


8 AVIENT CORPORATION


 As of December 31, 2019
(In millions)Acquisition CostAccumulated AmortizationCurrency TranslationNet
Customer relationships$286.8 $(89.1)$(1.0)$196.7 
Patents, technology and other244.0 (79.6)(1.3)163.1 
Indefinite-lived trade names109.5 — — 109.5 
Total$640.3 $(168.7)$(2.3)$469.3 

Note 5 — LEASING ARRANGEMENTS
We lease certain manufacturing facilities, warehouse space, machinery and equipment, vehicles and information technology equipment under operating leases. The majority of our leases are operating leases. Finance leases are immaterial to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating lease assets and obligations are reflected

10 AVIENT CORPORATION


within Operating lease assets, net, Current operating lease obligations, and Non-current operating lease obligations, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those payments are incurred. The components of lease cost from continued operations recognized within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)(In millions)Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Location2020201920202019(In millions)Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Location2020201920202019
Lease cost:Lease cost:Lease cost:
Operating lease costOperating lease costCost of sales$2.4  $2.8  $4.2  $5.5  Operating lease costCost of sales$4.4 $2.6 $9.3 $7.8 
Operating lease costOperating lease costSelling and administrative expense4.3  3.3  9.1  6.5  Operating lease costSelling and administrative expense5.4 2.7 14.5 9.6 
Total operating lease costTotal operating lease cost$6.7  $6.1  $13.3  $12.0  Total operating lease cost$9.8 $5.3 $23.8 $17.4 

We often have options to renew lease terms for buildings and other assets. The exercise of lease renewal options are generally at our sole discretion. In addition, certain lease arrangements may be terminated prior to their original expiration date at our discretion. We evaluate renewal and termination options at the lease commencement date to determine if we are reasonably certain to exercise the option on the basis of economic factors. The weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019 was 3.95.4 years and 4.35.9 years, respectively.
The discount rate implicit within our leases is generally not determinable and, therefore, the Company determines the discount rate based on its incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate for our leases is determined based on lease term and currency in which lease payments are made, adjusted for impacts of collateral. The weighted average discount rates used to measure our operating lease liabilities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019 was 4.3%were 3.0% and 4.7%5.2%, respectively.
Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities:
As of June 30, 2020As of September 30, 2020 Operating Leases
(In millions)(In millions)Operating Leases(In millions)
20202020$12.4  2020$8.1 
2021202118.2  202125.8 
2022202213.4  202219.4 
202320239.1  202313.5 
202420245.0  20247.8 
ThereafterThereafter7.7  Thereafter17.8 
Total lease paymentsTotal lease payments65.8  Total lease payments92.4 
Less amount of lease payment representing interestLess amount of lease payment representing interest(6.8) Less amount of lease payment representing interest(4.1)
Total present value of lease paymentsTotal present value of lease payments$59.0  Total present value of lease payments$88.3 


9 AVIENT CORPORATION


Note 6 — INVENTORIES, NET
Components of Inventories, net are as follows: 
(in millions)(in millions)As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019(in millions)As of September 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Finished productsFinished products$140.8  $157.6  Finished products$163.7 $157.6 
Work in processWork in process9.3  8.0  Work in process17.7 8.0 
Raw materials and suppliesRaw materials and supplies91.4  95.3  Raw materials and supplies130.0 95.3 
Inventories, netInventories, net$241.5  $260.9  Inventories, net$311.4 $260.9 


11 AVIENT CORPORATION


Note 7 — PROPERTY, NET
Components of Property, net are as follows: 
(in millions)(in millions)As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019(in millions)As of September 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Land and land improvementsLand and land improvements$32.8  $32.8  Land and land improvements$91.6 $32.8 
BuildingsBuildings236.6  231.8  Buildings335.6 231.8 
Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment757.4  748.9  Machinery and equipment898.3 748.9 
Property, grossProperty, gross1,026.8  1,013.5  Property, gross1,325.5 1,013.5 
Less accumulated depreciationLess accumulated depreciation(626.0) (606.1) Less accumulated depreciation(651.0)(606.1)
Property, netProperty, net$400.8  $407.4  Property, net$674.5 $407.4 

Note 8 — INCOME TAXES
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act, among other things, includes certain income tax provisions for individuals and corporations, including certain provisions for the amount of interest expense that can be deducted. Pursuant to the CARES Act, the Company expects to be able to deduct all U.S. interest expense incurred in 2020.
We continue to recognize the tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) as an expense in the period the tax is incurred and we have included a provisional estimate for GILTI in our estimated annual effective tax rate.
During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, the Company’s effective tax rate of 25.1%51.9% and 25.9%27.6%, respectively, was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to foreign withholding tax liability accrued associated with the future repatriation of certain current year foreign earnings, the U.S. GILTI tax and certain other non-deductible items. The impact on the effective rate was significant during the third quarter of 2020 because of the low pre-tax income as a result of the impacts associated with the Clariant MB Acquisition. These items were partially offset by the benefit of the U.S. research and development tax credit and favorable mix of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates.
During the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, the Company’s effective tax rate of 24.0% and 26.1%, respectively,16.3% was abovebelow the Company'sU.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to thelower statutory tax rate differences on foreign earnings, reversal of uncertain tax positions due to tax audit settlements and U.S. research and development tax credits, which were partially offset by state taxes, GILTI tax, unfavorable tax effects of foreign valuation allowances state taxes and certain other non-deductible items. These
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company’s effective tax rate of 23.1% was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to state taxes, GILTI tax, unfavorable tax effects of foreign valuation allowances, and certain other non-deductible items, which were partially offset by the benefitlower statutory tax rate differences on foreign earnings, reversal of theuncertain tax positions due to tax audit settlements, and U.S. research and development tax credit and favorable mix of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates.credits.

Note 9 — FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Debt consists of the following instruments:
As of June 30, 2020 (in millions)Principal AmountUnamortized discount and debt issuance costNet DebtWeighted average interest rate
As of September 30, 2020 (in millions)As of September 30, 2020 (in millions)Principal AmountUnamortized discount and debt issuance costNet DebtWeighted average interest rate
Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022$—  $—  $—  — %Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022$$$%
Senior secured term loan due 2026Senior secured term loan due 2026621.2  8.7  612.5  2.81 %Senior secured term loan due 2026619.6 8.3 611.3 2.51 %
5.25% senior notes due 20235.25% senior notes due 2023600.0  3.1  596.9  5.25 %5.25% senior notes due 2023600.0 2.8 597.2 5.25 %
5.75% senior notes due 20255.75% senior notes due 2025650.0  8.9  641.1  5.75 %5.75% senior notes due 2025650.0 8.8 641.2 5.75 %
Other DebtOther Debt17.2  —  17.2  Other Debt24.2 24.2 
Total DebtTotal Debt1,888.4  20.7  1,867.7  Total Debt1,893.8 19.9 1,873.9 
Less short-term and current portion of long-term debtLess short-term and current portion of long-term debt18.0  —  18.0  Less short-term and current portion of long-term debt18.7 18.7 
Total long-term debt, net of current portionTotal long-term debt, net of current portion$1,870.4  $20.7  $1,849.7  Total long-term debt, net of current portion$1,875.1 $19.9 $1,855.2 

1012 AVIENT CORPORATION


As of December 31, 2019 (in millions)As of December 31, 2019 (in millions)Principal AmountUnamortized discount and debt issuance costNet DebtWeighted average interest rateAs of December 31, 2019 (in millions)Principal AmountUnamortized discount and debt issuance costNet DebtWeighted average interest rate
Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022$—  $—  $—  3.90 %Senior secured revolving credit facility due 2022$$$3.90 %
Senior secured term loan due 2026Senior secured term loan due 2026624.5  9.8  614.7  4.01 %Senior secured term loan due 2026624.5 9.8 614.7 4.01 %
5.25% senior notes due 20235.25% senior notes due 2023600.0  3.7  596.3  5.25 %5.25% senior notes due 2023600.0 3.7 596.3 5.25 %
Other DebtOther Debt18.3  —  18.3  Other Debt18.3 18.3 
Total DebtTotal Debt1,242.8  13.5  1,229.3  Total Debt1,242.8 13.5 1,229.3 
Less short-term and current portion of long-term debtLess short-term and current portion of long-term debt18.4  —  18.4  Less short-term and current portion of long-term debt18.4 18.4 
Total long-term debt, net of current portionTotal long-term debt, net of current portion$1,224.4  $13.5  $1,210.9  Total long-term debt, net of current portion$1,224.4 $13.5 $1,210.9 

On May 13, 2020, the Company entered into an indenture (the Indenture) with U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the Trustee), relating to the issuance by the Company of $650 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the Notes). The Notes were sold on May 13, 2020 in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act), have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company received $640.8net proceeds of $640.5 million from the Notes offering, net of debt issuance costs, which were recorded on the balance sheet and are being amortized into Interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income over the term of the debt. Also included in Interest expense, net in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, are costs associated with committed financing of $9.6 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to the Clariant MB acquisition.
The Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum, which areis payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2020. The Notes will mature on May 15, 2025. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company.
The agreements governing our senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured term loan, and the indentures and credit agreements governing other debt, contain a number of customary financial and restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to: consummate asset sales, incur additional debt or liens, consolidate or merge with any entity or transfer or sell all or substantially all of our assets, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, make investments, enter into transactions with affiliates, create dividend or other payment restrictions with respect to subsidiaries, make capital investments and alter the business we conduct. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants.
The estimated fair value of Avient’s debt instruments at JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $1,932.3$1,940.6 million and $1,271.8 million, respectively. The fair value of Avient’s debt instruments was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities and represent Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy.

Note 10 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating income is the primary measure that is reported to our chief operating decision maker (CODM) for purposes of allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Operating income at the segment level does not include: corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to segments; intersegment sales and profit eliminations; charges related to specific strategic initiatives such as the consolidation of operations; restructuring activities, including employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant closure and phase-in costs; executive separation agreements; share-based compensation costs; asset impairments; environmental remediation costs, along with related gains from insurance recoveries, and other liabilities for facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of joint ventures and equity investments; actuarial gains and losses associated with our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; and certain other items that are not included in the measure of segment profit or loss that is reported to and reviewed by our CODM. These costs are included in Corporate and eliminations.
Avient has 3 reportable segments: (1) Color, Additives and Inks; (2) Specialty Engineered Materials; and (3) Distribution.

1113 AVIENT CORPORATION


Segment information for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
(In millions)(In millions)Sales to
External
Customers
Total SalesOperating
Income
Sales to
External
Customers
Total SalesOperating
Income
(In millions)Sales to
External
Customers
Total SalesOperating
Income
Sales to
External
Customers
Total SalesOperating
Income
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks$225.9  $226.8  $32.3  $266.0  $267.5  $42.3  Color, Additives and Inks$492.1 $493.8 $50.5 $244.7 $246.3 $38.4 
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials146.3  158.8  17.0  180.3  195.3  24.9  Specialty Engineered Materials156.6 174.1 24.7 169.6 183.0 19.5 
DistributionDistribution234.6  238.8  14.6  301.9  306.6  20.1  Distribution272.1 276.9 17.5 291.0 295.9 18.8 
Corporate and eliminationsCorporate and eliminations2.3  (15.3) (25.9) —  (21.2) (41.2) Corporate and eliminations3.7 (20.3)(59.2)(19.9)(33.6)
TotalTotal$609.1  $609.1  $38.0  $748.2  $748.2  $46.1  Total$924.5 $924.5 $33.5 $705.3 $705.3 $43.1 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020Six Months Ended June 30, 2019Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
(In millions)(In millions)Sales to External CustomersTotal SalesOperating IncomeSales to External CustomersTotal SalesOperating Income(In millions)Sales to External CustomersTotal SalesOperating IncomeSales to External CustomersTotal SalesOperating Income
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks$481.3  $483.3  $72.8  $528.1  $530.8  $81.8  Color, Additives and Inks$973.4 $977.1 $123.3 $772.8 $777.1 $120.2 
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials315.5  344.1  39.3  356.1  385.2  45.4  Specialty Engineered Materials472.1 518.2 64.0 525.7 568.2 64.9 
DistributionDistribution518.0  528.3  34.0  614.6  623.9  39.6  Distribution790.1 805.2 51.5 905.6 919.8 58.4 
Corporate and eliminationsCorporate and eliminations5.8  (35.1) (55.3) —  (41.1) (73.6) Corporate and eliminations9.5 (55.4)(114.5)(61.0)(107.2)
TotalTotal$1,320.6  $1,320.6  $90.8  $1,498.8  $1,498.8  $93.2  Total$2,245.1 $2,245.1 $124.3 $2,204.1 $2,204.1 $136.3 
Total Assets Total Assets
(In millions)(In millions)As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019(In millions)As of September 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks$1,193.9  $1,215.8  Color, Additives and Inks$2,980.3 $1,215.8 
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials755.6  774.0  Specialty Engineered Materials727.3 774.0 
DistributionDistribution242.8  235.6  Distribution242.5 235.6 
Corporate and eliminationsCorporate and eliminations2,144.7  1,047.9  Corporate and eliminations759.8 1,047.9 
Total assetsTotal assets$4,337.0  $3,273.3  Total assets$4,709.9 $3,273.3 

Note 11 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have been notified by federal and state environmental agencies and by private parties that we may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) in connection with the environmental investigation and remediation of certain sites. While government agencies frequently assert that PRPs are jointly and severally liable at these sites, in our experience, the interim and final allocations of liability costs are generally made based on the relative contribution of waste. We may also initiate corrective and preventive environmental projects of our own to ensure safe and lawful activities at our operations. We believe that compliance with current governmental regulations at all levels will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2007, the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky (Court) in the case of Westlake Vinyls, Inc. v. Goodrich Corporation, et al., held that Avient must pay the remediation costs at the former Goodrich Corporation Calvert City facility (now largely owned and operated by Westlake Vinyls, Inc. (Westlake Vinyls)), together with certain defense costs of Goodrich Corporation. The rulings also provided that Avient can seek indemnification for contamination attributable to Westlake Vinyls.
Following the rulings, the parties to the litigation agreed to settle all claims regarding past environmental costs incurred at the site. The settlement agreement provides a mechanism to pursue allocation of future remediation costs at the Calvert City site to Westlake Vinyls. We will adjust our accrual, in the future, consistent with any such future allocation of costs. Additionally, we continue to pursue available insurance coverage related to this matter and recognize gains as we receive reimbursement.
The environmental obligation at the site arose as a result of an agreement between The B.F. Goodrich Company (n/k/a Goodrich Corporation) and our predecessor, The Geon Company, at the time of the initial public offering in

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1993. Under the agreement, The Geon Company agreed to indemnify Goodrich Corporation for certain environmental costs at the site. Neither Avient nor The Geon Company ever operated the facility.
Since 2009, Avient, along with respondents Westlake Vinyls, and Goodrich Corporation, have worked with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on the investigation of contamination at the site as well as the evaluation of potential remedies to address the contamination. The USEPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) in September 2018, selecting a remedy consistent with our accrual assumptions. In April 2019, the respondents signed an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the USEPA to conduct the remedial actions at the site. In February 2020, the 3 companies signed the agreed Consent Decree and remedial action Work Plan, which are currently under USEPA/Department of Justice final review. Our current reserve of $97.2$108.2 million is consistent with the USEPA's estimates contained in the ROD.
On March 13, 2013, Avient acquired Spartech Corporation (Spartech). One of Spartech's subsidiaries, Franklin-Burlington Plastics, Inc. (Franklin-Burlington), operated a plastic resin compounding facility in Kearny, New Jersey, located adjacent to the Passaic River. The USEPA requested that companies located in the area of the lower Passaic River, including Franklin-Burlington, cooperate in an investigation of contamination of approximately 17 miles of the lower Passaic River Study Area (LPRSA). In response, Franklin-Burlington and approximately 70 other companies (collectively, the Cooperating Parties) agreed, pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the USEPA, to assume responsibility for development of a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study of the LPRSA. Franklin-Burlington has not admitted to any liability or agreed to bear any other costs for remediation or natural resource damage.
In 2015, the Cooperating Parties submitted to the USEPA a remedial investigation report and feasibility study for the LPRSA and are currently engaged in technical discussions with the USEPA regarding those documents. Neither of those documents contemplates who is responsible for remediation or how such costs might be allocated to PRPs. In March 2016, the USEPA issued a ROD selecting a remedy for an 8-mile portion of the LPRSA at an estimated and discounted cost of $1.4 billion. On March 31, 2016, the USEPA sent a Notice of Potential Liability to over 100 companies, including Franklin-Burlington, and several municipalities for this 8-mile portion. In September 2016, the USEPA reached an agreement with Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC), which orders OCC to conduct the remedial design for the lower 8-mile portion of the Passaic River. In September 2017, the USEPA sent a letter to over 80 companies, including Franklin-Burlington, indicating that the USEPA would engage the recipients in an allocation process for the lower 8 miles of the LPRSA and has engaged a third-party allocator as part of that process. Along with other parties, Franklin-Burlington is participating in the development of this allocation process with the allocator retained by the USEPA, and this process is expected to continue through at least 2020. On June 30, 2018, OCC, independent of the USEPA, filed suit against 100 named entities, including Franklin-Burlington, seeking contribution for past and future costs associated with the remediation of the lower 8-mile portion of the LPRSA.
Based on the currently available information, we have not identified evidence that Franklin-Burlington contributed any ofmaterially to the primary contaminants of concern tocontamination into the lower Passaic River. A timeline as to when an allocation of the remedial costs may be determined is not yet known and any final allocation to Franklin-Burlington has not been determined. As a resultBased upon the information provided to it as part of these uncertainties, we are unablethe allocation process for the lower eight miles of the LPRSA, Franklin-Burlington has determined that the current best estimate of any allocation of the liability that may be assigned to estimate a liability related to this matter and, as of June 30, 2020, we haveFranklin-Burlington will not accrued for costs of remediation relatedbe material to the lower Passaic River.consolidated financial statements.
During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, Avient recognized $3.1$15.8 million and $3.5$19.3 million of expense related to environmental remediation costs, compared to $1.9$6.4 million and $4.0$10.4 million recognized during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, Avient received $8.5 million and $8.7 million of insurance recoveries for previously incurred environmental costs, respectively. NaN such reimbursements were recovered duringcosts. During thethree and six nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019,. Avient received $4.0 million of insurance recoveries for previously incurred environmental costs. These expenses and insurance recoveries are included within Cost of sales within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Insurance recoveries are recognized as a gain when received.
Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include accruals totaling $109.6$122.3 million and $112.0 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, based on our estimates of probable future environmental expenditures relating to previously contaminated sites. These undiscounted amounts are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accruals represent our best estimate of probable future costs that we can reasonably estimate, based upon currently available information and technology and our view of the most likely remedy. Depending upon the results of future testing, completion and results of remedial investigation and feasibility studies, the ultimate remediation alternatives undertaken, changes in regulations, technology development, new information, newly

15 AVIENT CORPORATION


discovered conditions and other factors, it is reasonably possible that we could incur additional

13 AVIENT CORPORATION


costs in excess of the amount accrued at JuneSeptember 30, 2020. However, such additional costs, if any, cannot be currently estimated.
Avient is subject to a broad range of claims, administrative and legal proceedings such as lawsuits that relate to contractual allegations, tax audits, product claims, personal injuries, and employment related matters. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome or cost of these matters, the Company believes theyour current reserves are appropriate and these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 12 — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures we may enter into various derivative transactions. We formally assess, designate and document, as a hedge of an underlying exposure, the qualifying derivative instrument that will be accounted for as an accounting hedge at inception. Additionally, we assess both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in the hedging transaction are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures. In accordance with ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12), that ongoing assessment will be done qualitatively for highly effective relationships.
Net Investment Hedge
During October and December 2018, as a means of mitigating the impact of currency fluctuations on our euro investments in foreign entities, we executed a total of 6 cross currency swaps, in which we will pay fixed-rate interest in euros and receive fixed-rate interest in U.S. dollars with a combined notional amount of 250.0 million euros and which mature in March 2023. ThisIn August and September 2020, we executed an additional 5 cross currency swaps, which are structured similarly to those executed in 2018. These swaps have a combined notional amount of 677.0 million euros, which mature in May 2025. These effectively convertsconvert a portion of our U.S. dollar denominated fixed-rate debt to euro denominated fixed-rate debt. That conversion resulted in gains of $2.0$2.8 million and $4.1$6.9 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, compared to gains of $2.0$2.1 million and $4.1$6.2 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. These gains were recognized within Interest expense, net within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
We designated the cross currency swaps as net investment hedges of our net investment in our European operations under ASU 2017-12 and applied the spot method to these hedges. The changes in fair value of the derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recognized within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) to offset the changes in the values of the net investment being hedged. For the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, a loss of $2.8$11.7 million and a gainloss of $6.0$5.7 million were recognized within translation adjustments in AOCI, net of tax, compared to gains of $0.3$8.1 million and $4.9$13.0 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
In August 2018, we entered into 2 interest rate swaps with a combined notional amount of $150.0 million to manage the variability of cash flows in the interest rate payments associated with our existing LIBOR-based interest payments, effectively converting $150.0 million of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate. We began to receive floating rate interest payments based upon one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR and in return are obligated to pay interest at a fixed rate of 2.732% until November 2022. We have designated these interest rate swap contracts as cash flow hedges pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The net interest payments accrued each month for these highly effective hedges are reflected in net income as adjustments of interest expense and the remaining change in the fair value of the derivatives is recorded as a component of AOCI. The amount of expense recognized within Interest expense, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $0.8$1.0 million and $1.2$2.2 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, compared to $0.1 million and $0.2$0.3 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. For the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, a gain of $0.2$0.8 million and a loss of $3.2$2.4 million were recognized in AOCI, net of tax, compared to losses of $1.9$0.4 million and $2.9$3.3 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively.
All of our derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. We determine the fair value of our derivatives based on valuation methods, which project future cash flows and discount the future amounts present value using market based observable inputs, including interest rate curves and foreign currency rates.


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The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
(In millions)(In millions)Balance Sheet LocationAs of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019(In millions)Balance Sheet Location
As of
September 30, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
AssetsAssetsAssets
Cross Currency Swaps (Net Investment Hedge)Cross Currency Swaps (Net Investment Hedge)Other non-current assets$22.8  $14.7  Cross Currency Swaps (Net Investment Hedge)Other non-current assets$7.2 $14.7 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Interest Rate Swap (Cash Flow Hedge)Interest Rate Swap (Cash Flow Hedge)Other non-current liabilities$9.4  $5.1  Interest Rate Swap (Cash Flow Hedge)Other non-current liabilities$8.4 $5.1 

Note 13 — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
In the second quarter of 2020, we offered lump sum payments to certain eligible participants of our US Qualified Pension Plan (the Plan), which resulted in a settlement as defined by ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. The settlement triggered an interim remeasurement of the Plan’s assets and benefit obligations. As a result, we recorded a gain of $6.9 million, inclusive of the gain recognized on settlement and the mark-to-market remeasurement gain, within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in the Other Income, net line item.

Note 14 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 1, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of all the equity interests in the global masterbatch business of Clariant AG and the masterbatch business assets in India of Clariant India as part of the Clariant MB Acquisition. The Clariant MB Acquisition increases the Company's scale, product depth and geographic reach in its Color, Additives and Inks segment. Clariant MB has leading portfolios of solid and liquid masterbatches that include sustainable solutions for alternative energy, and reduced requirements for packaging and light weighting. In connection with the completion of the Clariant MB Acquisition and effective as of June 30, 2020, the Company amended its existing Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Avient Corporation. In conjunction with its rebranding and new name, the Company also changed it's ticker symbol from "POL" to "AVNT" effective at the start of trading on July 13, 2020.
Total consideration paid by the Company to complete the Clariant MB Acquisition was $1.4 billion, net of cash, which is preliminary and subject to working capital and net debt adjustments. To finance the all-cash purchase, the Company used $496.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common shares in an underwritten public offering completed in February 2020, $640.8 million in net proceeds from a senior unsecured notes offering that was completed in May 2020, with the balance from the net proceeds of the October 2019 sale of PP&S. For additional details related to the sale of PP&S and the senior unsecured notes offering, refer to Note 3, Discontinued Operations and Note 9, Financing Arrangements, respectively. The Clariant MB Acquisition will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and the purchase price will be allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities. Given the timing of the Clariant MB Acquisition, a preliminary price allocation is not yet available.
Unaudited, estimated pro forma net sales and net income were approximately $4.0 billion and $58.0 million, respectively, for fiscal year 2019. The unaudited pro forma net sales and net income amounts assume that the Clariant MB Acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of fiscal year 2019. This unaudited pro forma information is preliminary and subject to change, is for informational purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the Clariant MB Acquisition been consummated at the beginning of the 2019, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Total acquisition-related costs incurred to date in connection with the Clariant MB Acquisition are $16.7 million, of which $7.9 million and $11.6 million were incurred in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. These costs were charged to Selling and administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
In connection with the Clariant MB Acquisition, on December 19, 2019, we had entered into a Commitment Letter (the Commitment Letter) with a number of banks (the Commitment Parties), pursuant to which the Commitment Parties provided a 12-month commitment for a $1.15 billion senior unsecured bridge loan facility (the Bridge Facility) for purposes of funding the Clariant MB Acquisition. In lieu of borrowing under the Bridge Facility, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of PP&S, the net proceeds from the issuance of common shares in an underwritten public offering, and the net proceeds from a senior unsecured notes offering to finance the Clariant MB Acquisition, as described above. In connection with the closing of the Clariant MB Acquisition and pursuant to the Commitment Letter, on July 1, 2020, we paid a net fee of $9.7 million to the Commitment Parties.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our Business
We are a premier provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Our products include specialty engineered materials, advanced composites, color and additive systems and polymer distribution. We are also a highly specialized developer and manufacturer of performance enhancing additives, liquid colorants, and fluoropolymer and silicone colorants. Headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, we have employees at sales, manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. We provide value to our customers through our ability to link our knowledge of polymers and formulation technology with our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to provide value-added solutions to designers, assemblers and processors of plastics (our customers). When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Avient” and the “Company” mean Avient Corporation, formerly known as PolyOne Corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Highlights and Executive Summary
A summary of Avient’s sales, operating income, net income and net income attributable to Avient common shareholders follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In millions)(In millions)2020201920202019(In millions)2020201920202019
SalesSales$609.1  $748.2  $1,320.6  $1,498.8  Sales$924.5 $705.3 $2,245.1 $2,204.1 
Operating incomeOperating income38.0  46.1  90.8  93.2  Operating income33.5 43.1 124.3 136.3 
Net income from continuing operationsNet income from continuing operations23.4  23.2  56.5  45.7  Net income from continuing operations2.6 23.6 59.1 69.3 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(0.2) 18.9  (0.5) 34.7  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxesIncome (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— 19.5 (0.5)54.2 
Net incomeNet income$23.2  $42.1  $56.0  $80.4  Net income$2.6 $43.1 $58.6 $123.5 
Net income attributable to Avient common shareholdersNet income attributable to Avient common shareholders$22.8  $42.1  $55.6  $80.3  Net income attributable to Avient common shareholders$1.7 $43.0 $57.3 $123.3 

Recent Developments
COVID-19
We are closely monitoring the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business, including how it will impact our employees, customers, supply chain and distribution network. Although we are unable to predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at this time, the pandemic has adversely affected, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, our business, the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. While we concluded there were no indicators of impairment as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, any significant sustained adverse change in financial results or macroeconomic conditions could result in future impairments of long-lived assets. The extent to which our operations may continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the outbreak and actions by government authorities to contain the outbreak or treat its impact. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown.
Clariant MB Acquisition
On July 1, 2020, the Company completed the Clariant MB Acquisition. The Clariant MB Acquisition increasesincreased the Company's scale, product depth and geographic reach in its Color, Additives and Inks segment. Clariant MB includeshas leading portfolios of solid and liquid masterbatches along with supporting services that are aligned with the megatrends of the future, includinginclude sustainable solutions for alternative energy, and reduced material requirements for packaging and light weighting. In connection with the completion of the Clariant MB Acquisition and effective as of June 30, 2020, the Company amended its existing Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Avient Corporation. In conjunction with its rebranding and new name, the Company also changed its ticker symbol from "POL" to "AVNT", effective at the start of trading on July 13, 2020.
Total consideration paid by the Company to complete the Clariant MB Acquisition was $1.4$1.3 billion, net of cash acquired, which isincludes preliminary and subject to working capital and net debt adjustments. To finance the all-cash purchase of Clariant MB, the Company used $496.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common shares in an underwritten public offering completed in February 2020 $640.8and $640.5 million in net proceeds from a senior unsecured notes offering that was completed in May 2020, withand funded the balance fromusing the net proceeds of the October 2019 sale of PP&S.

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Results of Operations — The three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30,Variances —
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Six Months Ended June 30,Variances —
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30,Variances —
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Nine Months Ended September 30,Variances —
Favorable (Unfavorable)
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)(Dollars in millions, except per share data)20202019Change%
Change
20202019Change%
Change
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)20202019Change%
Change
20202019Change%
Change
SalesSales$609.1  $748.2  $(139.1) (18.6)%$1,320.6  $1,498.8  $(178.2) (11.9)%Sales$924.5 $705.3 $219.2 31.1 %$2,245.1 $2,204.1 $41.0 1.9 %
Cost of salesCost of sales459.4  572.9  113.5  19.8 %999.4  1,155.4  156.0  13.5 %Cost of sales714.3 544.8 (169.5)(31.1)%1,713.7 1,700.2 (13.5)(0.8)%
Gross marginGross margin149.7  175.3  (25.6) (14.6)%321.2  343.4  (22.2) (6.5)%Gross margin210.2 160.5 49.7 31.0 %531.4 503.9 27.5 5.5 %
Selling and administrative expenseSelling and administrative expense111.7  129.2  17.5  13.5 %230.4  250.2  19.8  7.9 %Selling and administrative expense176.7 117.4 (59.3)(50.5)%407.1 367.6 (39.5)(10.7)%
Operating incomeOperating income38.0  46.1  (8.1) (17.6)%90.8  93.2  (2.4) (2.6)%Operating income33.5 43.1 (9.6)(22.3)%124.3 136.3 (12.0)(8.8)%
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net(16.2) (16.2) —  — %(25.6) (32.1) 6.5  20.2 %Interest expense, net(29.7)(15.5)(14.2)(91.6)%(55.3)(47.6)(7.7)(16.2)%
Other income, netOther income, net9.5  0.7  8.8  nm11.1  0.8  10.3  nmOther income, net1.5 0.6 0.9 nm12.6 1.4 11.2 nm
Income from continuing operations before income taxesIncome from continuing operations before income taxes31.3  30.6  0.7  2.3 %76.3  61.9  14.4  23.3 %Income from continuing operations before income taxes5.3 28.2 (22.9)(81.2)%81.6 90.1 (8.5)(9.4)%
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(7.9) (7.4) (0.5) (6.8)%(19.8) (16.2) (3.6) (22.2)%Income tax expense(2.7)(4.6)1.9 41.3 %(22.5)(20.8)(1.7)(8.2)%
Net income from continuing operationsNet income from continuing operations23.4  23.2  0.2  0.9 %56.5  45.7  10.8  23.6 %Net income from continuing operations2.6 23.6 (21.0)(89.0)%59.1 69.3 (10.2)(14.7)%
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(0.2) 18.9  (19.1) nm(0.5) 34.7  (35.2) nm
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxesIncome (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— 19.5 (19.5)nm(0.5)54.2 (54.7)nm
Net incomeNet income23.2  42.1  (18.9) (44.9)%56.0  80.4  (24.4) (30.3)%Net income2.6 43.1 (40.5)(94.0)%58.6 123.5 (64.9)(52.6)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.4) —  (0.4) nm(0.4) (0.1) (0.3) nmNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.9)(0.1)(0.8)nm(1.3)(0.2)(1.1)nm
Net income attributable to Avient common shareholdersNet income attributable to Avient common shareholders$22.8  $42.1  $(19.3) (45.8)%$55.6  $80.3  $(24.7) (30.8)%Net income attributable to Avient common shareholders$1.7 $43.0 $(41.3)(96.0)%$57.3 $123.3 $(66.0)(53.5)%
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:
Earnings per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:Earnings per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operationsContinuing operations$0.25  $0.30  $0.63  $0.59  Continuing operations$0.02 $0.31 $0.64 $0.89 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations—  0.24  —  0.45  Discontinued operations— 0.25 — 0.71 
TotalTotal$0.25  $0.54  $0.63  $1.04  Total$0.02 $0.56 $0.64 $1.60 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Avient common shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operationsContinuing operations$0.25  $0.30  $0.63  $0.58  Continuing operations$0.02 $0.30 $0.64 $0.89 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations—  0.24  (0.01) 0.45  Discontinued operations— 0.26 (0.01)0.69 
TotalTotal$0.25  $0.54  $0.62  $1.03  Total$0.02 $0.56 $0.63 $1.58 
nm - not meaningful

Sales
Sales decreased $139.1increased $219.2 million, or 18.6%31.1%, and $178.2$41.0 million, or 11.9%1.9%, in the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, as sales growth in Asia as well as strength ina result of the packaging and healthcare end markets could not overcome the impacts of COVID-19 in Europe and North America. Unfavorable foreign exchange resulted in a 1.3% and 1.2% reduction to sales, respectively.Clariant MB Acquisition which was partially offset by COVID related demand weakness.
Cost of sales
As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreasedincreased from 76.6%77.2% in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 to 75.4%77.3% in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, primarily as a resultcharge of $15.8 million for environmental remediation and $10.5 million of expense associated with the fair market value step-up of inventory acquired with Clariant MB offset the benefit of improved mix, costlower raw material costs, and costs containment and an insurance reimbursement of prior incurred environmental costs of $8.5 million received in the second quarter of 2020.

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activities.
As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased from 77.1% in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 to 75.7%76.3% in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, primarily as a result of the aforementioned charges in the three months ended September 30, 2020, which were offset by improved mix, lower raw material costs, cost containment, and an insurance reimbursement of prior incurred environmental costs of $8.5 million received in the second quarter of 2020.

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Selling and administrative expense
Selling and administrative expense decreased $17.5increased $59.3 million during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, driven primarily by lower employee costs, reduced travel expenses and discretionary spending, and favorable foreign exchange, partly offset by acquisition related costs.the Clariant MB Acquisition.
Selling and administrative expense decreased $19.8increased $39.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, driven primarily by lower employee costs, reduced travel expenses and discretionary spending, and favorable foreign exchange.the Clariant MB Acquisition.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net, remained unchangedincreased $14.2 million during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, as lower average outstanding variable debt balances were offset by interest expense related to our senior unsecured notes offering completed in May 2020.2020 and committed financing fees of $9.6 million incurred related to the acquisition of Clariant MB.
Interest expense, net, decreased $6.5increased $7.7 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, as interest expense related to our senior unsecured notes offering completed in May 2020 wasand $10.1 million of committed financing fees related to the Clariant MB Acquisition were offset by lower average outstanding variable debt balances as well as interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents from our equity issuance completed in February of 2020 along with the divestment of PP&S.&S in October 2019.
Other Income, net
All components of net periodic benefit cost, except for service costs, are presented here.herein. The increase in Other Income, net for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 was primarily driven by a pension settlement gain, and resulting gain on the interim remeasurement of the Plan’s assets and benefit obligations, totaling $6.9 million. For further detail, see Note 13, Employee Benefit Plans, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Income taxes
During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, the Company’s effective tax rate was 25.1%51.9% and 25.9%27.6%, respectively, compared to 24.0%16.3% and 26.1%23.1% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. TheFor the three months ended September 30, 2020, a rate comparison to the respective prior period in 2019 was not meaningful due to the amount of pre-tax income for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020. The rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was slightly higher due to net tax on uncertain tax positions in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 in which an increase in the U.S. GILTI tax. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the rateuncertain tax position was slightly lowerreleased due to favorable mix of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates.effectively being settled.

SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating income is the primary measure that is reported to our chief operating decision maker (CODM)CODM for purposes of allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Operating income at the segment level does not include: corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to segments; intersegment sales and profit eliminations; charges related to specific strategic initiatives such as the consolidation of operations; restructuring activities, including employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant closure and phase-in costs; executive separation agreements; share-based compensation costs; asset impairments; environmental remediation costs, along with related gains from insurance recoveries, and other liabilities for facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of joint ventures and equity investments; actuarial gains and losses associated with our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; and certain other items that are not included in the measure of segment profit or loss that is reported to and reviewed by our CODM. These costs are included in Corporate and eliminations.
Avient has three reportable segments: (1) Color, Additives and Inks; (2) Specialty Engineered Materials; and (3) Distribution. Our segments are further discussed in Note 10, Segment Information, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sales and Operating Income — The three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019
Three Months Ended June 30,Variances — Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Six Months Ended June 30,Variances — Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30,Variances — Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Nine Months Ended September 30,Variances — Favorable
(Unfavorable)
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)20202019Change%  Change20202019Change%  Change(Dollars in millions)20202019Change%  Change20202019Change%  Change
Sales:Sales:Sales:
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks$226.8  $267.5  $(40.7) (15.2)%$483.3  $530.8  $(47.5) (8.9)%Color, Additives and Inks$493.8 $246.3 $247.5 100.5 %$977.1 $777.1 $200.0 25.7 %
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials158.8  195.3  (36.5) (18.7)%344.1  385.2  (41.1) (10.7)%Specialty Engineered Materials174.1 183.0 (8.9)(4.9)%518.2 568.2 (50.0)(8.8)%
DistributionDistribution238.8  306.6  (67.8) (22.1)%528.3  623.9  (95.6) (15.3)%Distribution276.9 295.9 (19.0)(6.4)%805.2 919.8 (114.6)(12.5)%
Corporate and eliminationsCorporate and eliminations(15.3) (21.2) 5.9  27.8 %(35.1) (41.1) 6.0  14.6 %Corporate and eliminations(20.3)(19.9)(0.4)(2.0)%(55.4)(61.0)5.6 9.2 %
Total SalesTotal Sales$609.1  $748.2  $(139.1) (18.6)%$1,320.6  $1,498.8  $(178.2) (11.9)%Total Sales$924.5 $705.3 $219.2 31.1 %$2,245.1 $2,204.1 $41.0 1.9 %
Operating income:Operating income:Operating income:
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks$32.3  $42.3  $(10.0) (23.6)%$72.8  $81.8  $(9.0) (11.0)%Color, Additives and Inks$50.5 $38.4 $12.1 31.5 %$123.3 $120.2 $3.1 2.6 %
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials17.0  24.9  (7.9) (31.7)%39.3  45.4  (6.1) (13.4)%Specialty Engineered Materials24.7 19.5 5.2 26.7 %64.0 64.9 (0.9)(1.4)%
DistributionDistribution14.6  20.1  (5.5) (27.4)%34.0  39.6  (5.6) (14.1)%Distribution17.5 18.8 (1.3)(6.9)%51.5 58.4 (6.9)(11.8)%
Corporate and eliminationsCorporate and eliminations(25.9) (41.2) 15.3  37.1 %(55.3) (73.6) 18.3  24.9 %Corporate and eliminations(59.2)(33.6)(25.6)(76.2)%(114.5)(107.2)(7.3)(6.8)%
Total Operating IncomeTotal Operating Income$38.0  $46.1  $(8.1) (17.6)%$90.8  $93.2  $(2.4) (2.6)%Total Operating Income$33.5 $43.1 $(9.6)(22.3)%$124.3 $136.3 $(12.0)(8.8)%
Operating income as a percentage of sales:Operating income as a percentage of sales:Operating income as a percentage of sales:
Color, Additives and InksColor, Additives and Inks14.2 %15.8 %(1.6) % points15.1 %15.4 %(0.3) % pointsColor, Additives and Inks10.2 %15.6 %(5.4)% points12.6 %15.5 %(2.9)% points
Specialty Engineered MaterialsSpecialty Engineered Materials10.7 %12.7 %(2.0) % points11.4 %11.8 %(0.4) % pointsSpecialty Engineered Materials14.2 %10.7 %3.5 % points12.4 %11.4 %1.0 % points
DistributionDistribution6.1 %6.6 %(0.5) % points6.4 %6.3 %0.1  % pointsDistribution6.3 %6.4 %(0.1)% points6.4 %6.3 %0.1 % points
TotalTotal6.2 %6.2 %—  % points6.9 %6.2 %0.7  % pointsTotal3.6 %6.1 %(2.5)% points5.5 %6.2 %(0.7)% points

Color, Additives and Inks    
Sales decreasedincreased by $40.7$247.5 million, or 15.2%100.5%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019. Improved pricing and mix, as well as a record quarter in Asia, were more than offsetSales increased by weakness in Europe and North America as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfavorable foreign exchange reduced sales by 1.8%.
Sales decreased by $47.5$200.0 million, or 8.9%25.7%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019. GainsThese increases were driven by the Clariant MB Acquisition.
On a pro forma basis to include Clariant MB in all periods, sales decreased by 4.9% in the packagingthree months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019, as gains in the healthcare and healthcareconsumer discretionary end markets, as well as improved pricing and mix, were more than offset by weakness in the automotive and inks end markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On a pro forma basis to include Clariant MB in all periods, sales decreased 7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, driven primarily by weakness in demand in automotive and consumer end markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfavorable foreign exchange reduced sales by 1.7%.
Operating income decreased $10.0increased $12.1 million, or 23.6%31.5%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and $9.02019. Operating income increased $3.1 million, or 11.0%2.6%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019. These increases were driven by the Clariant MB Acquisition partially offset by lower sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a pro forma basis to include Clariant MB in all periods, operating income decreased by 9.9% in the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019. On a pro forma basis to include Clariant MB in all periods, operating income decreased 6.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.The benefit of expanded margins driven by early capture of integration synergies, improved mix, and lower raw material input costs, pricing actions, andas well as lower discretionary spending was not enoughover the comparable periods, helped to overcomepartially offset the demand decline as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specialty Engineered Materials
Sales decreased $36.5$8.9 million, or 18.7%4.9%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, largely driven by lower demand in North America and Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.pandemic, which offset improvements in Composites demand.

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Sales decreased by $41.1$50.0 million, or 10.7%8.8%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, as growth in the first quarter growthand in Composites was more than offset by second quarterthe continued negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating income decreased $7.9increased $5.2 million, or 31.7%26.7%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 due to higher mix of composite sales as well as lower raw material cost and $6.1lower discretionary spending.
Operating income decreased $0.9 million, or 13.4%1.4%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 largely due toas lower raw material costs and discretionary spending were more than offset by the negative volume impact of COVID-19.the COVID-19 pandemic.


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Distribution
Sales decreased $67.8$19.0 million, or 22.1%6.4%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and $95.6$114.6 million, or 15.3%12.5%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, due to lower volume associated with COVID-19 combined with lower average selling prices, driven by lower raw material costs.price, as well as demand impact related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating income decreased $5.5$1.3 million, or 27.4%6.9%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and $5.6$6.9 million, or 14.1%11.8%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 as a result of the lower volume associated with COVID-19.the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corporate and Eliminations
Operating income decreased $15.3$25.6 million, or 37.1%76.2%, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 due to higher environmental remediation costs in 2020 and $18.3expense associated with the fair market value step-up of inventory acquired with Clariant MB, partially offset by the receipt of an insurance reimbursement in the third quarter of 2019 for previously incurred environmental costs. Operating income decreased $7.3 million, or 24.9%6.8%, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 primarily as a resultdue to the aforementioned charges, offset by greater insurance reimbursements of an insurance reimbursement of priorpreviously incurred environmental costs, of $8.5 million,lower acquisition earnout adjustments, and lower discretionary spending.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our objective is to finance our business through operating cash flow and an appropriate mix of debt and equity. By laddering the maturity structure, we avoid concentrations of debt maturities, reducing liquidity risk. We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt with cash and/or exchanges for equity securities, in open market purchases, or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.transactions. We may also seek to repurchase our outstanding common shares. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved have been and may continue to be material.
As we cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our customers and suppliers, the potential future negative financial impact to our results cannot be reasonably estimated, but could be material. We are actively managing the business to maintain cash flow and we have significant liquidity. We believe that these factors will allow us to meet our anticipated funding requirements.
The following table summarizes our liquidity as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(In millions)(In millions)As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019(In millions)As of September 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,977.0  $864.7  Cash and cash equivalents$577.3 $864.7 
Revolving credit availabilityRevolving credit availability260.9  281.1  Revolving credit availability254.7 281.1 
LiquidityLiquidity$2,237.9  $1,145.8  Liquidity$832.0 $1,145.8 

After giving effect to cash payments in July 2020, in the aggregate amount of $1,520.7 million, consisting of $1,375.7 million for the Clariant MB Acquisition and $145.0 million of tax payments primarily associated with the PP&S divestiture, our pro forma liquidity as of June 30, 2020, would have been $717.2 million.
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, approximately 14%68% of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents resided outside the United States.
Expected sources of cash in 2020 include cash from operations and available liquidity under our revolving credit facility, if needed. Expected uses of cash in 2020 include the acquisition of Clariant MB, integration costs related to the Clariant MB Acquisition, interest payments, cash taxes, dividend payments, share repurchases, environmental remediation costs, capital expenditures, and capital expenditures.debt repayment. Capital expenditures are currently estimated to be approximately $45.0$65.0 million in 2020, which was reduced from our previously disclosed estimate of $65 million as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.2020.

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Cash Flows
The following describes the significant components of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019.
Operating ActivitiesIn the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $76.0$68.7 million as compared to net cash usedprovided by operating activities of $99.4$198.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, as lower earnings driven by COVID-19 along withprimarily due to a $21$38.1 million earnout payment, and a $142.0 million payment of taxes associated with the gain on sale of PP&S more than offset the benefit from lower working capital of $10.7 million.capital.
Investing ActivitiesNet cash used by investing activities during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 of $9.0$1,369.0 million primarily reflects $1,342.7 million related to the Clariant MB Acquisition, capital expenditures of $21.3$38.6 million, partially offset by the receipt of the working capital settlement of $7.1 million related to the PP&S divestiture, as well as $5.2 million cash proceeds from other assets.

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Net cash used by investing activities during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 of $142.2$162.2 million primarily reflects $119.6 million for the acquisition of Fiber-Line and $26.5$47.9 million of capital expenditures.
Financing ActivitiesNet cash provided by financing activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 of $1,049.8$1,011.5 million million primarily reflects $496.1 million of net proceeds received from the issuance of common shares in an underwritten public offering that we completed in February 2020 and $640.8$640.5 million of net proceeds from the senior unsecured notes offering completed in May 2020, offset by $34.3$52.8 million of dividends paid, repurchases of our outstanding common shares of $13.6 million, and the payment of the Fiber-Line acquisition date earnout liabilityliabilities of $32.9$50.8 million.
Net cash used by financing activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 of $4.5$5.8 million primarily reflects $45.7 million of dividends paid and repurchases of our outstanding common shares of $26.9 million offset by net borrowingsborrrowings of $58.5$73.9 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility, offset by $30.7 million of dividends paid and $26.9 million of share repurchases.facility.
Debt
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, our principal amount of debt totaled $1,888.4$1,893.8 million. Aggregate maturities of the principal amount of debt for the current year, next fivefour years and thereafter, are as follows:
(In millions)(In millions)(In millions)
20202020$14.2  2020$12.7 
202120217.5  20218.2 
202220227.2  20228.4 
20232023607.0  20238.5 
202420247.0  2024608.5 
ThereafterThereafter1,245.5  Thereafter1,247.5 
Aggregate maturitiesAggregate maturities$1,888.4  Aggregate maturities$1,893.8 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all customary financial and restrictive covenants pertaining to our debt. For additional information regarding our debt, please see Note 9, Financing Arrangements to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
We have future obligations under various contracts relating to debt and interest payments, operating leases, pension and post-retirement benefit plans and purchase obligations. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, there were no material changes to these obligations as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.


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CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as "will," “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial condition, performance and/or sales. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions; prospective changes in raw material costs, product pricing or product demand; future performance; estimated capital expenditures; results of current and anticipated market conditions and market strategies; sales efforts; expenses; the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and environmental liabilities; and financial 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;
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, 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 achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the Clariant MB Acquisition, including any expected synergies;
our ability to successfully integrate Clariant MB and achieve the expected results ofstrategic and other objectives relating to the Clariant MB Acquisition including, without limitation, the Clariant MB Acquisition being accretive;accretive and any expected synergies;
amounts for cash and non-cash charges related to the restructuring plan 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, 2019 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports on Forms 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes to exposures to market risk as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures
Avient’s management, under the supervision of and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Avient’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based upon this evaluation, Avient’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, its disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
The Company acquiredcompleted the Clariant MB Acquisition on July 1, 2020 subsequent to the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, and has not yet included Clariant MB in its assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. The Company is currently integrating Clariant MB into its operations, compliance programs and internal control processes. Accordingly, pursuant to the SEC's general guidance that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of an assessment in the year of acquisition, the scope of our assessment of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures does not include Clariant MB. Clariant MB constituted approximately 9.1% of the Company's total assets (inclusive of acquired intangible assets) as of September 30, 2020, and approximately 11.7% of the Company's net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There were no changes in Avient’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

We will engage in a restructuring plan related to the ongoing integration of the Clariant MB Acquisition. The restructuring plan is expected to enable us to better serve customers, improve efficiency and deliver anticipated synergy-related cost savings in connection with the Clariant MB Acquisition. As result of the restructuring plan, we expect to incur material charges for exit and disposal activities under generally accepted accounting principles.

We expect to achieve a run rate of $75 million in synergies by the end of the third year following the Clariant MB Acquisition. In connection with achieving those synergies, we anticipated that we would need to take restructuring activities in integrating Clariant MB, and since that time we have been evaluating such actions.

We expect that the full restructuring plan will be implemented over a multi-year period and anticipate that we will incur approximately $75 million of charges in connection with the restructuring plan over this period. We intend to treat charges related to the restructuring plan as special items and they are comprised of the following:

Approximately $55 million of cash charges, primarily related to facility and administrative function restructuring costs; and

Approximately $20 million of non-cash charges, primarily related to accelerated depreciation.

We also expect to invest approximately $35 million in additional capital expenditures to support these changes.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding certain legal proceedings can be found in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The disclosure below modifies the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. These risks, along with those previously disclosed, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Risks Relating to COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
We are closely monitoring the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business, including how it will impactimpacts our customers, employees, supply chain, and distribution network. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact that it may have on our business, future results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The extent to which our operations may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the outbreak and actions by government authorities to contain the outbreak or treat its impact. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown. The continued spread of COVID-19 could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in a number of ways in the future, including but not limited to:
shutdowns or slowdowns of our production facilities;
disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to obtain raw materials, packaging and other sourced materials due to labor shortages, governmental restrictions or the failure of our suppliers, distributors or manufacturers to meet their obligations to us;
increases in raw material and commodity costs;
the inability of a significant portion of our workforce, including our management team, to work as a result of illness or government restrictions.

In response to the pandemic, we began implementing changes in our business in March 2020 designed to protect the health and well-being of our employees and customers and to support appropriate physical distancing and other health and safety protocols. We implemented remote, alternate and flexible work arrangements where possible, including implementing split shifts at facilities and remote work options for non-essential on-site functions, enhanced cleaning and sanitary procedures, implemented domestic and international travel restrictions, implemented return to work and visitor screening protocols, and postponed or canceled hosting or attending large events.
The impact of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.


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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The table below sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common shares during the period indicated.
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedWeighted Average Price Paid Per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program (1)
AprilJuly 1 to April 30July 31— $— — 1,107,472 
MayAugust 1 to MayAugust 31— — — 1,107,472 
JuneSeptember 1 to JuneSeptember 30— — — 1,107,472 
Total— $— — 
(1) On August 18, 2008, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a common shares repurchase program authorizing Avient to purchase up to 10.0 million of its common shares. On October 11, 2011 and October 23, 2012, we further announced that our Board of Directors had increased the common shares repurchase authorization by an additional 5.3 million common shares and 13.2 million common shares, respectively. On May 16, 2016, we announced that we would increase our common share buyback by 7.3 million to 10.0 million. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, approximately 1.1 million common shares remained available for purchase under these authorizations. Purchases of common shares may be made by open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions and may be made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans and accelerated share repurchases. The repurchase program has no expiration and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which one or more directors or executive officers of the registrant may be participants.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
July 22,November 3, 2020AVIENT CORPORATION
/s/ Bradley C. RichardsonJamie A. Beggs
Bradley C. RichardsonJamie A. Beggs
ExecutiveSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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