AVIENT CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 17, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 17, 2026
AVNT$45.47+0.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-18.
0001122976-25-000008
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-17.
0001122976-26-000039
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 58 previous paragraphs and 70 current paragraphs.
45 unchanged; 13 reworded; 11 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (11)
Current report
Changes to foreign trade policy, including new or increased tariffs and changing import/export regulations, could adversely affect our operating results, and the impacts could be material.
Current report
Changes in foreign trade policy, regulatory or economic conditions or in laws governing international trade could materially adversely affect our business. The U.S. has instituted certain changes, and may propose additional changes, in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on goods exported from the U.S. or imported into the U.S., and other government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries (such as Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union) where we conduct our business. Global trade disruption or significant introduction of trade barriers, together with any future downturns in the global economy, could further materially and adversely affect our financial performance.
Current report
As a result of policy changes and government proposals, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade. The new tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy have triggered retaliatory actions by affected countries, and foreign governments have instituted or are considering imposing tariffs and trade sanctions. Such changes have the potential to adversely impact the global economy, our industry and the global demand for our products, and as a result, could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current report
Our accruals for such costs and associated liabilities are subject to changes in estimates on which the accruals are based. For example, any amounts accrued for environmental matters reflect the best information available and our assumptions about remediation requirements at the applicable site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites. Changes in estimates on which accruals are based, unanticipated government actions, or changes in health, safety, environmental or chemical control regulations could result in higher costs.
Current report
We are currently involved in various legal proceedings, and may be subject to future claims or other liability that could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
Current report
From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings or in commercial disputes and other legal and regulatory proceedings related to our business. Additionally, our development, manufacture and sale of specialty materials, including those sold to medical, automotive, consumer packaging, and construction end markets, involves risk of exposure to product liability claims, warranty claims, product recalls and related adverse publicity. While management establishes reserves based on assessments of the contingencies related to legal claims asserted against the Company, subsequent developments may affect such assessments and our estimates of the loss contingency and require payments in excess of the Company's reserves. An adverse judgment or significant product liability, warranty, or recall action could result in substantial expenditures, affect consumer confidence in our products and divert management's attention from other matters. While we maintain product liability insurance, insurance coverage may not be adequate.
Current report
Failure to develop new products and protect our intellectual property could negatively impact our future performance and growth.
Current report
Innovation and product development are foundational to our strategy and important to our future growth. Failure to create or acquire new technologies and new products could negatively impact our ability to deliver strong financial results. We may face challenges in customer qualification and adoption of new technologies, and failure of our products to work as predicted could lead to liability and damage to customer relationships and our reputation. We continually apply for and obtain U.S. and foreign patents to protect the results of our research and development efforts. Failure to protect our intellectual property could negatively affect our future performance and growth.
Current report
Avient may be subject to risks relating to changes in tax rates, changes in global tax laws and regulations, or exposure to additional income tax liabilities.
Current report
Avient is subject to income taxes in many jurisdictions around the world. Income tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be affected materially by changes in the mix among earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, or changes in tax legislation, regulations, and policies. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to ongoing audits and litigation by tax authorities in the countries in which we operate. If these audits and/or litigation result in assessments different from amounts reserved, future financial results may include material unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities and cash taxes.
Reworded paragraphs (13)
Previous wording
We conduct a substantial portion of our business outside the U.S., with approximately 60% of our sales outside the U.S. We also have many facilities located outside the U.S., as detailed in Item 2, “Properties.” Accordingly, our business is subject to risks related to the differing legal, political, social and regulatory requirements, and economic conditions of many jurisdictions. Risks inherent in international operations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Current wording
We conduct a substantial portion of our business outside the U.S., with approximately 61% of our sales outside the U.S. We also have many facilities located outside the U.S., as detailed in Item 2, “Properties.” Accordingly, our business is subject to risks related to the differing legal, political, social and regulatory requirements, and economic conditions of many jurisdictions. Risks inherent in international operations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Previous wording
We could be adversely affected by violations of the FCPA, UK Bribery Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, as well as export controls and economic sanction laws. As a global company, we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption. While we have no basis to believe such actions are occurring, if we are found to be liable for FCPA, UK Bribery Act, export control or sanction violations, we could suffer from criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, including loss of export privileges or authorization needed to conduct aspects of our international business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have robust policies that require compliance with all laws and regulations and we strictly enforce those policies. It is always possible an employee's or agent's unlawful actions may avoid detection.
Current wording
We could be adversely affected by violations of the FCPA, UK Bribery Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, as well as export controls and economic sanction laws. As a global company, we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption. While we have no basis to believe such actions are occurring, if we are found to be liable for FCPA, UK Bribery Act, export control or sanction violations, we could suffer from criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, including loss of export privileges or authorization needed to conduct aspects of our international business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have robust policies that require compliance with all laws and regulations and we strictly enforce those policies. However, it is always possible an employee's or agent's unlawful actions may avoid detection.
Previous wording
Several factors have in the past and may in the future affect the demand for and supply of our products and services, including:
Current wording
Several factors have in the past and may in the future affect the demand for and supply of of products and services, including:
Previous wording
•economic downturns, inflation or other volatility in the significant end markets that we serve;
Current wording
•economic downturns, inflation or other uncertainty or volatility in the significant end markets that we serve;
Previous wording
•declines in general economic conditions or reductions in industrial production growth rates, both domestically and globally, which could impact customer demand and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us;
Current wording
•declines in general economic conditions or reductions in industrial production growth rates, both domestically and globally, which could impact customer confidence and demand, and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us;
Previous wording
•changes in environmental regulations that limit our ability to sell our products and services in specific markets;
Current wording
•changes in environmental regulations that limit our ability to purchase materials or sell our products and services in specific markets;
Previous wording
The occurrence of an operating problem at our facilities may have a material adverse effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility or on our operations as a whole, during and after the period of these operating difficulties. Operating problems may cause personal injury and/or loss of life, customer attrition and severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage. We are subject to present claims and potential future claims with respect to workplace exposure, workers’ compensation and other matters. Our property and casualty insurance, which we believe are of the types and in the amounts that are customary for the industry, may not fully insure us against all potential hazards that are incident to our business or otherwise could occur.
Current wording
The occurrence of an operating problem at our facilities may have a material adverse effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility, or on our operations as a whole, during and after the period of these operating difficulties. Operating problems may cause personal injury and/or loss of life, customer attrition and severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage. Our property and casualty insurance, which we believe are of the types and in the amounts that are customary for the industry, may not fully insure us against all potential hazards that are incident to our business or otherwise could occur.
Previous wording
Our operations on, and ownership of, real property are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations at the national, state and local governmental levels (including, but not limited to, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008). The nature of our business exposes us to compliance costs and risks of liability under these laws and regulations due to the production, storage, transportation, recycling or disposal and/or sale of materials that can cause contamination and other harm to the environment or personal injury if they are improperly handled and released. Environmental compliance requirements imposed on us and our vendors may significantly increase the costs of these activities involving raw materials, energy, finished products and wastes. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, criminal or civil sanctions, damages, and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations for violations of these laws.
Current wording
Our operations on, and ownership of, real property are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations at the national, state and local governmental levels (including, but not limited to, the Regulation, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the Classification, Labeling, and Packaging Regulation (CLP), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008). The nature of our business exposes us to compliance costs and risks of liability under these laws and regulations due to the production, storage, transportation, recycling or disposal and/or sale of materials that can cause contamination and other harm to the environment or personal injury if they are improperly handled and released. Environmental compliance requirements imposed on us and our vendors may significantly increase the costs of these activities involving raw materials, energy, finished products and wastes. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, criminal or civil sanctions, damages, and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations for violations of these laws.
Previous wording
The cost of our electricity, fuel, logistics and raw materials may not correlate with changes in the prices we receive for our products, either in the direction of the price change or in absolute magnitude. Electricity and raw materials costs represent a substantial part of our manufacturing costs. Most of the raw materials we use are commodities and the price of each can fluctuate widely for a variety of reasons, including changes in availability because of major capacity additions or reductions or significant facility operating problems. Other external factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, trade barriers due to geopolitical tensions, can also cause fluctuations in raw materials prices, which could negatively impact demand for our products and cause volatility in our results.
Current wording
The cost of our electricity, fuel, logistics and raw materials may not correlate with changes in the prices we receive for our products, either in the direction of the price change or in absolute magnitude. Electricity and raw materials costs represent a substantial part of our manufacturing costs. We source certain strategic raw materials that may be difficult to replace or for our customers to requalify, which could result in the need to accept price increases. Most of the raw materials we use are commodities and the price of each can fluctuate widely for a variety of reasons, including changes in availability because of major capacity additions or reductions or significant facility operating problems. Other external factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, trade barriers due to geopolitical tensions, can also cause fluctuations in raw materials prices, which could negatively impact demand for our products and cause volatility in our results.
Previous wording
We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business, including communicating with employees and customers, ordering and managing materials from suppliers, shipping products to customers, and analyzing and reporting results of operations. In addition, some of our systems, tools and resources use, integrate, or will integrate some form of artificial intelligence, which has the potential to result in bias, miscalculations, data errors, intellectual property infringement and other unintended consequences. Further, we store sensitive data, including proprietary business information, intellectual property and confidential employee or other personal data, on our servers and databases. Cybersecurity breaches, global information systems security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. We continue to update our infrastructure, security tools, employee training and processes to protect against security incidents, including both external and internal threats, and to prevent their recurrence; however, our systems, networks and products may nevertheless be vulnerable to advanced persistent threats or other types of system failures. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats and system failures could lead to the compromising of confidential information and communications, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could cause customers to cancel orders or otherwise adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations. We have experienced targeted and non-targeted cybersecurity attacks in the past and we could experience similar incidents in the future. To date, no cybersecurity incident or attack has had a material impact on our business or consolidated financial statements.
Current wording
Cybersecurity breaches, global information systems security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime, including from threat actors who are increasingly leveraging AI for cyberattacks, pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. We continue to update our infrastructure, security tools, employee training and processes to protect against security incidents, including both external and internal threats, and to prevent their recurrence; however, our systems, networks and products may nevertheless be vulnerable to advanced persistent threats or other types of system failures. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats and system failures could lead to the compromising of confidential information and communications, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could cause customers to cancel orders or otherwise adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations. We have experienced targeted and non-targeted cybersecurity attacks in the past and we could experience similar incidents in the future. To date, no cybersecurity incident or attack has had a material impact on our business or consolidated financial statements.
Previous wording
We are subject to risks associated with climate change and potential climate change legislation, regulation and international agreements.
Current wording
We are subject to risks associated with climate change and climate change legislation, regulation and international agreements.
Previous wording
Carbon emissions have become the subject of an increasing amount of state and local, regional, national, and international attention. Growing concerns about climate change have resulted and may continue to result in the imposition of additional regulations or restrictions to which we may become subject. These regulatory developments related to climate change and climate disclosure and diligence, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, could increase our operating and compliance costs, thereby impacting our business and consolidated financial statements.
Current wording
Carbon emissions have become the subject of state and local, regional, national, and international attention. Concerns about climate change have resulted and may continue to result in the imposition of additional regulations or restrictions to which we may become subject. These regulatory developments related to climate change and climate disclosure and diligence, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, could increase our operating and compliance costs, thereby impacting our business and consolidated financial statements.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill of $1,659.7 million. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a material negative change in relationships with customers, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions could result in goodwill impairment charges, which could adversely impact our results of operations. For additional information on the results of our annual impairment testing, see Note 3, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, we had goodwill of $1,757.6 million. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a material negative change in relationships with customers, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions could result in goodwill impairment charges, which could adversely impact our results of operations. For additional information on the results of our annual impairment testing, see Note 2, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business, including communicating with employees and customers, ordering and managing materials from suppliers, shipping products to customers, and analyzing and reporting results of operations. Avient's IT capabilities are delivered through a combination of internal and external services and service providers. In addition, some of our systems, tools and resources use, integrate, or will integrate some form of artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to result in bias, miscalculations, data errors, and intellectual property infringement, and introduces additional risk associated with unauthorized access to our intellectual property, data security events, and disruption to our business. Further, we store sensitive data, including proprietary business information, intellectual property and confidential employee or other personal data, on our servers and databases.