10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________________________________________ 

Form 10-Q

_______________________________________________ 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended May 31, 2019

Commission File Number 1-15147

______________________________________________ 

OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________________________ 

Ohio	341897652
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

25435 Harvard Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122-6201

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (216) 682-7000

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock	OMN	The New 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 and 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  ý    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, interactive data file required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    YES  ý    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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	ý	Emerging growth company	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting 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. YES  ¨    NO  ý

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

At May 31, 2019, there were 44,842,246 outstanding shares of OMNOVA Solutions’ Common Stock, par value $0.10.

OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

Table of Contents

		Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and Six Months Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Three and Six Months Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	4
	Consolidated Balance Sheets – May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	6
	Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 31, 2019	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	30
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	30
Part II. Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	30
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	30
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	30
Item 6.	Exhibits	32
Signatures		33
Index to Exhibits		34

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
Net sales	$	205.7		$	206.3		$	374.6		$	385.0
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)	156.9			154.7			288.8			286.8
Gross profit	48.8			51.6			85.8			98.2
Other costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	30.2			28.0			58.9			57.1
Depreciation and amortization	7.8			7.3			15.9			14.5
Asset impairments	—			.4			—			.4
(Gain) loss on asset sales	(4.2		)	—			(4.1		)	—
Restructuring and severance	2.8			.2			3.9			1.5
Interest expense	5.2			4.6			10.2			9.7
Debt issuance costs write-off	—			—			—			.8
Acquisition and integration related expense	—			.3			.3			.9
Other (income) expense, net	(.2		)	(.1		)	(1.1		)	.2
Total other costs and expenses	41.6			40.7			84.0			85.1
Income (loss) before income taxes	7.2			10.9			1.8			13.1
Income tax (benefit) expense	1.6			2.5			.8			(2.6		)
Net income (loss)	$	5.6		$	8.4		$	1.0		$	15.7
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$	.13		$	.19		$	.02		$	.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$	.12		$	.19		$	.02		$	.35
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic	44.8			44.6			44.7			44.6
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted	45.6			44.9			45.6			44.9

See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss)	$	5.6		$	8.4		$	1.0		$	15.7
Components of other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translations:
Unrealized net change during the period	(4.9		)	(4.7		)	(1.2		)	1.0
Unrealized net change on intercompany foreign debt during the period	(.5		)	(.9		)	(.4		)	(.3		)
Tax effect	(.1		)	(.1		)	(.1		)	(.1		)
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	(5.5		)	(5.7		)	(1.7		)	.6
Post retirement benefit plans:
Actuarial net (gain) loss:
Amortization of net loss included in net periodic benefit cost	.9			1.1			1.7			2.2
Tax effect	—			—			(.2		)	—
Post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax	.9			1.1			1.5			2.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4.6		)	(4.6		)	(.2		)	2.8
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	1.0		$	3.8		$	.8		$	18.5

See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Unaudited)			(Audited)
	(Dollars in millions, except share amounts)
ASSETS:
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33.7		$	54.1
Accounts receivable, net	122.3			112.1
Inventories, net	82.9			78.8
Prepaid expenses and other	9.5			8.0
Total Current Assets	248.4			253.0
Property, plant and equipment, net	208.9			205.8
Intangible assets, net	51.1			53.5
Goodwill	70.2			70.9
Other non-current assets	5.3			6.0
Total Assets	$	583.9		$	589.2
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt	$	4.3		$	4.2
Accounts payable	93.2			101.1
Accrued payroll and personal property taxes	21.5			15.5
Employee benefits	3.4			2.9
Other current liabilities	9.1			10.1
Total Current Liabilities	131.5			133.8
Long-term debt	320.0			318.7
Post-retirement benefits other than pensions	5.1			5.3
Pension liabilities	49.8			51.6
Deferred income taxes	11.5			13.4
Other non-current liabilities	6.3			8.8
Total Liabilities	524.2			531.6
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; 15.0 million shares authorized; none outstanding	—			—
Common stock - $0.10 par value; 135.0 million shares authorized; 48.3 million shares issued; 44.8 and 44.9 million shares outstanding as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively	4.8			4.8
Additional contributed capital	348.0			345.9
Retained deficit	(144.9		)	(145.4		)
Treasury stock at cost - 3.5 and 3.4 million shares as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively	(25.6		)	(25.3		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(122.6		)	(122.4		)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	59.7			57.6
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	583.9		$	589.2

See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	1.0		$	15.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Gain) loss on asset sales	(4.1		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	15.9			14.5
Impairment of long-lived assets	—			.4
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees	.7			1.4
Non-cash stock compensation expense	1.8			1.8
Provision for uncollectible accounts	.1			.4
Provision for obsolete inventories	.7			.7
Deferred income taxes	(.6		)	(6.5		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(12.8		)	(15.1		)
Inventories	(5.8		)	(.8		)
Other current assets	(1.5		)	5.2
Current liabilities	7.9			3.6
Other non-current assets	(5.1		)	(7.6		)
Other non-current liabilities	(3.0		)	1.9
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	(4.8		)	15.6
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(18.7		)	(7.1		)
Proceeds from asset sales	5.5			—
Business acquisitions	(2.8		)	(.1		)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	(16.0		)	(7.2		)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	129.7			2.3
Repayment of debt obligations	(129.0		)	(44.4		)
Payments for debt refinancing	—			(1.0		)
Employee tax withholdings related to redemption of common shares	(.3		)	(.5		)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	.4			(43.6		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			.1
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents	(20.4		)	(35.1		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54.1			88.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	33.7		$	52.9
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	9.5		$	8.9
Income taxes	$	3.5		$	3.3

See notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of May 31, 2019

(Dollars In Millions, Except Share Data)

Note A – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (“OMNOVA Solutions”, "OMNOVA", the “Company”, "we", "us" or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The consolidated financial statements as of May 31, 2019 have been derived from the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements at that date and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature except as disclosed herein. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

The consolidation method is followed to report investments in subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process of these accounts.

A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and Management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2018, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Description of Business – The Company is an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals and engineered surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. The Company's products provide a variety of important functional and aesthetic benefits to hundreds of products that people use daily. The Company holds leading positions in key market categories, which have been built through innovative products, customized product solutions, strong technical expertise, well-established distribution channels, recognized brands, and long-standing customer relationships. The Company utilizes strategically-located manufacturing, technical and other facilities in North America, Europe, China, and Thailand to service a broad customer base. The Company has two business segments: Specialty Solutions, which is focused on the Company's higher growth specialty businesses, and Performance Materials, which is focused on the Company’s more mature businesses.

Specialty Solutions – The Specialty Solutions segment develops, designs, produces, and markets a broad line of specialty polymers for use in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, nonwovens, and oil & gas products, as well as laminates and films. These products are used in numerous applications, including architectural and industrial coatings; nonwovens used in hygiene products, filtration and construction; drilling additives for oil and gas exploration and production; elastomeric modification of plastic casings and hoses used in household and industrial products and automobiles; tapes and adhesives; sports surfaces; textile finishes; commercial building refurbishment; new construction; residential cabinets; flooring; ceiling tile; furnishings; manufactured housing; health care patient and common area furniture; and a variety of industrial films applications. The segment's products enhance our customers’ products performance, including stain, rust and aging resistance; surface modification; gloss; softness or hardness; dimensional stability; high heat and pressure tolerance; and binding and barrier (e.g. moisture, oil) properties.

The Specialty Solutions segment consists of Specialty Coatings & Ingredients, Oil & Gas, and Laminates & Films. The Specialty Coatings & Ingredients business line encompasses products that have applications for specialty coatings, nonwovens (such as disposable hygiene products, engine filters, roofing mat, and scrub pads), construction, adhesives, sealants, tape, floor care, textiles, graphic arts, and various other specialty applications. Oil & Gas applications include drilling fluid additives, which provide fluid loss control and sealing to enhance wellbore integrity, as well as cement additives for gas migration and fluid loss. The Laminates & Films product line applications include kitchen and bath cabinets, wall surfacing, manufactured

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housing and recreational vehicle interiors, flooring, commercial and residential furniture, retail display fixtures, home furnishings, commercial appliances, and a variety of industrial film applications.

Performance Materials – The Performance Materials segment serves mature markets with a broad range of emulsion polymers based primarily on styrene butadiene (SB), styrene butadiene acrylonitrile (SBA), styrene butadiene vinyl pyridine, high styrene pigments, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, styrene acrylic, calcium stearate, glyoxal, and bio-based chemistries. Performance Materials' custom-formulated products are tailored latexes, resins, binders, antioxidants, hollow plastic pigment, coated fabrics, and rubber reinforcing which are used in tire cord, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, carpet binders, paper coatings, and various other applications. Its products provide a variety of functional properties to enhance the Company’s customers’ products, including greater strength, adhesion, dimensional stability, ultraviolet resistance, improved processibility, and enhanced appearance.

The Performance Materials segment encompasses performance additives, paper coatings, carpet binders, and coated fabrics. This segment includes products that have applications in the paper coatings, paperboard, carpet binders, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, and tire cord industries. Paper and paperboard coatings are used in magazines, catalogs, direct mail advertising, brochures, printed reports, food cartons, household, and other consumer and industrial packaging. Carpet binders are used to secure carpet fibers to carpet backing and meet stringent manufacturing, environmental, odor, flammability, and flexible installation requirements. Tire cord is used in automotive tires. The Coated Fabrics product line applications include upholstery used in refurbishment and new construction for the commercial office, hospitality, health care, retail, education and restaurant markets, marine and transportation seating, commercial and residential furniture, automotive soft tops, and automotive after-market applications.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, which clarified existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. This standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require a certain amount of judgment. The provisions of this ASU may be applied retroactively or on a modified retrospective (cumulative effect) basis. The standard requires additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures identifying the nature, amount, timing and significant judgments impacting revenue from contracts with customers. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and utilized the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $0.5 million for the accounting impact of certain previously capitalized contract costs as of December 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments in this ASU also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 must be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in assets. The Company adopted ASU 2017-17 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company elected to use the practical expedient to use amounts disclosed in the 2018 consolidated financial statements as an estimate for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. As a result, selling, general, and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased with an offsetting increase to other (income) expense of $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.0 million in the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of ASU 2017-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies existing guidance related to accounting for cash receipts and cash payments and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarified existing guidance on the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for standard tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 must be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. This guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which applies targeted improvements to the hedge accounting guidance, including removing the requirement to record the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument in current period income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. Amendments from this ASU are to be applied prospectively, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year that begins on December 1, 2019. The Company will elect the optional transition method to account for finance and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, December 1, 2019, and the Company will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on the same date, if necessary. This optional transition method will not require any prior period restatements. We have substantially completed aggregating our worldwide lease contracts, engaged a consultant to assist with the lease review and implementation, and are implementing a new lease accounting system to support the accounting and disclosure requirements of this ASU. The Company continues to evaluate certain practical expedients available and implement controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 842. As the implementation project progresses, the Company will determine the extent of the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Note B – Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when control of the promised goods is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods in accordance with ASC 606. When recognizing revenue, the Company applies the following five-step approach: 1) identify the contract with a customer, 2) identify the performance obligations, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company considers confirmed customer purchase orders, which are typically governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts, from an accounting perspective, with its customers. Under the Company's standard contract terms and conditions, the only performance obligation is the delivery of products and the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the Company transfers control of the products to its customers. The Company may receive orders for products to be delivered over multiple dates that may extend across several reporting periods. The Company invoices its customers for each order and recognizes revenue for each distinct product upon shipment, once transfer of control has occurred. Payment terms used are standard for the industry and jurisdictions in which the Company operates. In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment, to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to receive. Discounts or rebates are specifically stated in customer contracts or invoices, and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms and past experience and typically are credited to customers based on achieving certain defined volume levels. The product price, as specified on the customer confirmed orders, is considered the standalone selling price. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company reviews material contracts to determine transfer of control based upon the business practices and legal requirements of each country.

9

The Company enters into various payment terms with its customers by the type and location of the customer and the products offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and when payment is due is not significant. The amount of shipping and handling fees invoiced to our customers at the time our product is shipped is included in net sales as we are the principal in those activities. Sales tax, valued-added tax, and other taxes collected from the Company's customers and remitted to governmental authorities, where applicable, are excluded from net sales. The Company records returns as a reduction to sales when incurred. Generally, customers do not have a unilateral right to return products. The Company primarily offers an assurance-type standard warranty that the product will conform to the specifications as designed for a period of time or period of usage after delivery. These warranties do not represent a separate performance obligation.

There were no changes in amounts previously reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of ASC 606.

The following table summarizes disaggregated net sales by geographic region and reportable segment for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019:

	United States		Asia		Europe		Total
Three months ended May 31, 2019	(Dollars in millions)
Specialty Solutions	$	77.0	$	15.1	$	50.2	$	142.3
Performance Materials	40.4		14.5		8.5		63.4
Total net sales	$	117.4	$	29.6	$	58.7	$	205.7
Six months ended May 31, 2019
Specialty Solutions	$	142.7	$	26.4	$	85.9	$	255.0
Performance Materials	75.6		28.6		15.4		119.6
Total net sales	$	218.3	$	55.0	$	101.3	$	374.6

Note C – Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Company is exposed primarily to credit, interest rate, and foreign currency rate risks, which arise in the normal course of business.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the potential financial loss resulting from the failure of a customer or counterparty to settle its financial and contractual obligations with the Company as and when they fall due. The primary credit risk for the Company is its accounts receivable, which are generally unsecured. The Company has established credit limits for customers and monitors their balances to mitigate its risk of loss. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using the Company's products. There was no single customer that represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales during the three and six month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018. There was no single customer who represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at May 31, 2019 or November 30, 2018.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s Term Loan B, Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, and various foreign subsidiary borrowings, all of which bear interest at variable rates, approximating market interest rates.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

The Company incurs foreign currency rate risk on sales and purchases denominated in other than the functional currency. The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily the Euro, Great Britain Pound Sterling, Renminbi, and Thai Baht.

Foreign currency exchange contracts are used by the Company to manage risks from the change in market exchange rates on cash payments by the Company's foreign subsidiaries and U.S. Dollar cash holdings in foreign locations. These forward contracts are used on a continuing basis for periods of approximately 30 days, consistent with the underlying hedged transactions. Hedging intends to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on the Company’s operating results. The

10

counterparties to these instruments are investment-grade financial institutions and the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. The Company maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. Such instruments are not purchased or sold for trading purposes. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and changes in fair value of these instruments are recognized in earnings immediately. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including the impact of foreign currency contracts, that were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, as a component of other income (loss), were gains of $0.1 million for each of the six-month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Derivative Instruments

The Company recognizes the fair value of qualifying derivative instruments as either an asset or a liability within its Consolidated Balance Sheets. For derivative instruments not designated as hedges, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in earnings each reporting period. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to transfer an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a hierarchy of valuation inputs to measure fair value.

The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels:

Level 1 inputs—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 inputs—Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 inputs—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to value assets and liabilities as appropriate. The following financial assets and liabilities are measured and presented at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018:

	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in millions)
Fair value measurements - May 31, 2019:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Fair value measurements - November 30, 2018:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6
Total liabilities	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6

⁽¹⁾ Contingent consideration obligations arise from business or product line acquisitions. The fair values are based on a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis reflecting an estimated achievement of specified performance measures of the acquired product lines. Contingent consideration is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or other non-current liabilities based on contractual payment dates.

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the first six months of 2019 are summarized as follows:

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	Contingent Consideration
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at November 30, 2018	$	.6
Adjustments	(.6		)
Balance at May 31, 2019	$	—

There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the first six months of 2019 or 2018. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company removed the contingent consideration liability based on its expected value. Changes in expected value are recognized in other income within the consolidated statements of operations.

The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan B at May 31, 2019 approximated $300.0 million, which is slightly less than its book value of $300.4 million as a result of prevailing market rates on the Company’s debt. The fair value of the Term Loan B is based on market price information and is measured using the last available trade of the instrument on a secondary market in each respective period and therefore is considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value is not indicative of the amount that the Company would have to pay to redeem these instruments since they are infrequently traded and are not callable at this value. The carrying value of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company's capital lease obligation approximates its carrying amount based on estimated borrowing rates to discount the future cash flows to their present value.

Note D - Restructuring and Severance

The following table is a summary of restructuring and severance charges for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Severance Expense:
Specialty Solutions	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	.7
Performance Materials	1.2		.1		1.9		.1
Corporate	.2		.1		.2		.7
Total Severance Costs	1.4		.2		2.1		1.5
Facility Closure Costs:
Performance Materials	1.4		—		1.8		—
Total Restructuring and Severance Costs	$	2.8	$	.2	$	3.9	$	1.5

Costs for restructuring plans are recognized as a component of restructuring and severance expense within the consolidated statements of operations. The Company initiated the following restructuring plans:

2018 Restructuring Plan

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company announced its plan to close its styrene butadiene manufacturing facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, moving production to its Mogadore, Ohio facility. The Company recorded $3.7 million of restructuring and severance expenses in fiscal 2019 related to this plan, which is expected to be fully paid during the third quarter of 2019. Total expense incurred to date for this plan is $5.5 million, of which $2.8 million has been paid as of May 31, 2019. The Company sold the Green Bay, Wisconsin facility in May 2019 for $4.9 million, recognizing a gain of $4.4 million within the consolidated statement of operations. This gain is included in the Performance Materials segment operating results. This plan is substantially complete.

2017 Restructuring Plan

The Company incurred $0.2 million of restructuring and severance expenses in the first six months of 2019 related to the One OMNOVA initiative announced during the first quarter of 2017. This initiative was focused on improving functional excellence in marketing, sales, operations, supply chain and technology, as well as various corporate functions. The plan was

12

designed to reduce complexity and drive consistency across the global enterprise through a standardized, integrated business system. Total expense incurred for this initiative was $5.4 million, all of which has been paid as of May 31, 2019. This plan is substantially complete.

The following table summarizes the Company's liabilities related to restructuring and severance activities:

	November 30, 2018		2019				May 31, 2019
			Provision		Payments
	(Dollars in millions)
Total	$	1.1	$	3.9	$	2.3	$	2.7

The Company may incur future costs related to its restructuring activities, as processes are continually evaluated to enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations, and to ensure competitiveness across its businesses and across geographic areas. Future costs could include costs related to closed facilities and restructuring plan implementation costs and these will be recognized as incurred.

Note E – Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, U.S. federal tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law which, among other changes: reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate effective January 1, 2018 from 35% to 21%; repealed the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”); imposed a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings not previously subject to U.S. taxation; provides a U.S. federal tax exemption on future distributions of foreign earnings; and beginning in fiscal 2019, creates a new minimum tax on certain foreign-sourced earnings.

The Tax Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Potential impacts of GILTI can either be treated as a period expense in the period incurred or considered in the determination of the Company’s deferred tax balances. The Company will account for GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period cost.

At November 30, 2018, the Company had provisionally estimated minimal income inclusion for the transition tax related to foreign earnings on which U.S. income taxes were previously deferred. As permitted under SAB 118 guidance, the Company adjusted the income inclusion related to transition tax to $27.7 million during the first quarter of 2019. The adjustment was the result of additional analysis, changes in interpretation and assumptions, as well as additional regulatory guidance that was issued subsequent to the Tax Act enactment. The Company completed the analysis of the impact of the Tax Act in accordance with SAB 118 and the amount is no longer considered provisional. The Company intends to utilize existing net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLC's") to offset the income inclusion, and therefore will have no cash taxes related to the transition tax.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively and income tax expense of $0.8 million and income tax benefit of $2.6 million for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2019 was similar to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2018 was similar to the U.S. blended federal statutory tax rate of 22.2%. The Company's effective tax rate for the first six months of 2019 was different than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized. The Company's effective tax rate for the first six months of 2018 was different than its U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to discrete items related to the Tax Act. These items included a $4.1 million income tax benefit related to the re-measurement of the U.S. deferred taxes as the U.S. federal tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% and a $0.9 million income tax benefit associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance against the existing AMT credit carryforward as it is refundable under the Tax Act. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018, the Company recognized a $0.8 million income tax benefit related to the impact of a French tax rate change on the Company’s deferred tax liabilities. The French tax rate was reduced to 25.0% beginning in 2022 and the Company's deferred tax liabilities were reduced to appropriately reflect this legislation as a current period tax benefit. These discrete tax benefits were partially offset by losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized.

As of May 31, 2019, the Company has $65.4 million of U.S. federal NOLC's, $8.1 million of U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards, $0.1 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, $0.3 million of AMT credit carryforwards, and $78.9 million of state NOLC's. The $65.4 million of U.S. NOLC's reflects the impact of the $27.7 million utilization for transition tax as part of U.S. tax reform. Due to the NOLC's, cash tax payments in the U.S. are expected to be minimal for the foreseeable future. The majority of the federal, state, and local NOLC's will expire in tax years 2024 through 2034 while the foreign tax credit carryforwards will expire in the tax years 2020 through 2022, and the capital loss carryforwards will expire beginning in tax year 2022. The Company has a valuation allowance against the U.S. federal and state NOLC's and the U.S. federal capital loss carryforward. As of May 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $52.2 million of foreign NOLC's of which $32.1 million

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have an indefinite carryforward period. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance against the $32.1 million foreign NOLC's which have an indefinite carryforward period as the Company does not anticipate utilizing these carryforwards.

The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by various tax authorities. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer open to audits by U.S. and foreign jurisdictions for years prior to 2014.

Note F – Earnings Per Share

The following table summarizes the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share, assuming dilution:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	5.6	$	8.4	$	1.0	$	15.7
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted average shares outstanding	44.8		44.6		44.7		44.6
Effect of dilutive securities	.8		.3		.9		.3
Denominator for dilutive earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	45.6		44.9		45.6		44.9
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$	.13	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$	.12	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35

There are no anti-dilutive securities for the periods presented.

Note G – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables reflect the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

14

Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance February 28, 2019	$	(28.8	)	$	(89.2	)	$	(118.0	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.5		)	—			(5.5		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			.9			.9
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance February 28 , 2018	$	(16.8	)	$	(101.1	)	$	(117.9	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.7		)	—			(5.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.1			1.1
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018
Balance November 30, 2018	$	(32.6	)	$	(89.8	)	$	(122.4	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1.7		)	—			(1.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.5			1.5
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance November 30, 2017	$	(23.1	)	$	(102.2	)	$	(125.3	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	.6			—			.6
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			2.2			2.2
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)

^(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit plans were included in net periodic benefit expense.

Note H – Shareholders' Equity

The following tables reflect the changes in shareholders' equity for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

15

	Number of Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Additional Contributed Capital		Retained Deficit			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders' Equity
	(Dollars and shares in millions)
Balance November 30, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.9	$	(145.4	)	$	(25.3	)	$	(122.4	)	$	57.6
Net income (loss)							(4.6		)							(4.6		)
Foreign currency translations													3.8			3.8
Adjustment for accounting change							(.5		)							(.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.6			.6
Share-based compensation					.3											.3
Other	(.1	)								(.2		)				(.2		)
Balance February 28, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	346.2	$	(150.5	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(118.0	)	$	57.0
Net income (loss)							5.6									5.6
Foreign currency translations													(5.5		)	(5.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.9			.9
Share-based compensation					1.5											1.5
Other					.3					(.1		)				.2
Balance May 31, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	348.0	$	(144.9	)	$	(25.6	)	$	(122.6	)	$	59.7
Balance November 30, 2017	44.8		$	4.8	$	343.4	$	(159.2	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(125.3	)	$	38.2
Net income (loss)							7.3									7.3
Foreign currency translations													6.3			6.3
Adjustment for accounting change							(6.9		)							(6.9		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.5											.5
Other					.5					(.5		)				—
Balance February 28, 2018	44.8		$	4.8	$	344.4	$	(158.8	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(117.9	)	$	46.5
Net income (loss)							8.4									8.4
Foreign currency translations													(5.7		)	(5.7		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.4											.4
Other	.1				.3											.3
Balance May 31, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.1	$	(150.4	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(122.5	)	$	51.0

Note I – Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. U.S. inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and represented approximately $44.8 million, or 41.8%, and $47.6 million, or 45.9%, of gross inventories at May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively. The remaining portion of inventories, which are located outside of the U.S., are valued using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or an average cost method. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to final year-end LIFO inventory valuations. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. Inventories, net, consisted of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Raw materials and supplies	$	34.7		$	35.0
Work-in-process	5.3			5.3
Finished goods	67.0			63.5
Inventories, gross	107.0			103.8
LIFO reserve	(16.7		)	(18.1		)
Obsolescence reserve	(7.4		)	(6.9		)
Inventories, net	$	82.9		$	78.8

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Note J – Debt and Credit Lines

Debt obligations due within the next twelve months consist of the following:

	May 31, 2019		November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023, current portion (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	3.5	$	3.5
Capital lease obligations, current portion	.8		.7
Total	$	4.3	$	4.2

The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023 (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	300.4		$	302.1
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due 2021 (interest at 4.25% and 3.88%, respectively)	14.7			12.0
Capital lease obligations	15.2			15.6
Gross debt	330.3			329.7
Less: current portion	(4.3		)	(4.2		)
Unamortized original issue discount	(1.9		)	(2.1		)
Debt issuance costs	(4.1		)	(4.7		)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	320.0		$	318.7

The weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s short-term debt was 5.74% and 5.04% during the second quarters of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Term Loan B        

The Company's $350.0 million Term Loan B ("Term Loan B") matures on August 26, 2023 and is primarily secured by all real property, plant, and equipment of the Company's U.S. facilities and fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by the material U.S. subsidiaries of the Company. The Term Loan B contains affirmative and negative covenants, including a requirement to maintain a net debt leverage ratio of 5.0 to 1.0, limitations on additional debt, certain investments, and acquisitions outside of the Company’s line of business. The Company is in compliance with its Term Loan B covenants as of May 31, 2019.

The Company's Term Loan B has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. The Term Loan B agreement permits the Company to request additional term loans or incremental equivalent debt borrowings (the “Additional Term Loans”) in a maximum aggregate amount equal to the greater of (a) $120.0 million and (b) an aggregate principal amount such that, on a pro forma basis (giving effect to any Additional Term Loans), the Company’s senior secured net debt leverage ratio will not exceed 4.0 to 1.0.

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

The Company has a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility") which matures on August 26, 2021. The Facility is secured by U.S. accounts receivable, inventory, and intangible assets. The Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, similar to the Term Loan B, including limitations on additional debt, certain investments and acquisitions outside of the Company’s line of business. If the average excess availability of the Facility falls below $25.0 million during any fiscal quarter, the Company must then maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.1 to 1.0 as defined in the agreement. The Company was in compliance with this requirement at May 31, 2019. At May 31, 2019 there was a balance of $13.0 million borrowed under the Facility and the amount available for borrowing under the Facility was $53.1 million.

Eurodollar Revolving Loan

The Company has a €16.0 million Eurodollar Revolving Loan ("Revolver") to provide additional liquidity and working capital flexibility in Europe. The terms of the Revolver are similar to the Company's U.S. Facility, including the maturity date of August 26, 2021. The Revolver contains a €9.0 million expansion feature the Company may exercise in the future to gain additional liquidity should secured collateral of accounts receivable increase. At May 31, 2019 there was €1.5 million borrowed under the Revolver and the amount available for borrowing under the Revolver was €9.3 million.

17

Other Debt

The Company has borrowing facilities at certain of its foreign subsidiaries, which consist of overdraft lines, working capital credit lines, and facilities for the issuance of letters of credit and short-term borrowing needs. Total borrowing capacity for these facilities was $11.8 million and $7.0 million as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively. These facilities support commitments made in the ordinary course of business.

Capital Lease Obligations

At May 31, 2019, the Company had net assets under capital leases totaling $14.3 million, which are included in property, plant, and equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under the Company's capital leases together with the present value of the net future minimum lease payments as of May 31, 2019:

Year Ending November 30:	(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	.7
2020	1.5
2021	1.5
2022	1.4
2023	1.4
Thereafter	15.2
Total minimum lease payments	21.7
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	(.5		)
Net minimum lease payments	21.2
Less: Amount representing interest	(6.0		)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	15.2

Debt Issuance Costs and Original Issue Discounts

Debt issuance costs and original issue discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company's debt are being amortized over the respective terms of the underlying debt, including any amendments. Total amortization expense of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts is included as a component of interest expense and was $0.3 million for both the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, and $0.7 million and $0.6 million for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During the quarter ended February 28, 2018, the Company made a $40.0 million prepayment and determined that this constituted a partial extinguishment of debt and as such, wrote-off $0.8 million of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts.

Note K – Share-Based Employee Compensation

The Company provides compensation benefits to employees under the OMNOVA Solutions 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which was approved by shareholders on March 22, 2017. The Plan permits the Company to grant to officers, key employees and non-employee directors of the Company incentives directly linked to the price of OMNOVA Solutions’ common shares. The Plan authorizes the issuance of Company common shares in the aggregate for (a) awards of options rights to purchase Company common shares, (b) performance shares and performance units, (c) restricted shares, (d) restricted share units, or (e) appreciation rights. Shares granted under the Plan may be either newly issued shares or treasury shares or both. As of May 31, 2019, approximately 1.9 million Company common shares remained available for grants under the Plan. All options granted under the Plan are granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. Additionally, the Plan provides that the term of any option granted under the Plan may not exceed 10 years. Prior to March 22, 2017, the Company granted equity compensation under the OMNOVA Solutions Third Amended and Restated 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, which had substantially similar features.

The Company grants Performance Share Units ("PSU's") to its executive officers. The PSU's provide recipients the right to receive the Company's common shares if specified performance goals, including a performance goal relative to peers, are met over a three fiscal year measurement period. Each grantee receives a target grant of PSU's, but may earn between 0% and 200% (or in the case of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, between 0% and 160% for awards granted prior to 2019, and between 0% and 143% for grants made in 2019) of the target grant depending on the Company's performance against the stated performance goals.

18

Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period). The fair value of Restricted Share Awards ("RSA's"), Restricted Share Units ("RSU's"), and PSU's are determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the date of grant. RSU's entitle the holder to receive one ordinary share for each RSU at vesting, generally over a three year period from the date of grant. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by the Company.

Compensation expense for all share-based payments included in general and administrative expense was $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

As of May 31, 2019, there was $4.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements.

A summary of the RSA, RSU, and PSU activity for 2019 follows:

	Share Awards & Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested at December 1, 2018	1,350,313		$	8.11
Granted	489,699		$	7.60
Vested	(96,343	)	$	5.24
Canceled and Forfeited	(18,384	)	$	8.03
Nonvested at May 31, 2019	1,725,285		$	8.13

The Company also provides eligible employees the opportunity to purchase Company common shares through payroll deductions under the OMNOVA Solutions Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). The purchase price for common shares purchased from the Company will be 85% of the closing price of the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on the investment date. Participants may contribute funds to the ESPP, not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars in any calendar year. If a participant terminates his or her employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, the participant's participation will immediately terminate, uncommitted funds will be applied to the purchase of common shares, and the participant's account will be converted to a regular brokerage account. As of May 31, 2019, there were approximately 43,000 purchased by eligible participants through the ESPP.

Note L – Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), local statutory law, or as determined by the Board of Directors. The plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for a U.S. non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans. Future service benefits are frozen for all participants under the Company's U.S. defined benefit plan. All benefits earned by affected employees through the dates on which such benefits were frozen have become fully vested with the affected employees eligible to receive benefits upon retirement, as described in the Plan document.

Net periodic benefit cost (income) consisted of the following for the three and six month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018:

19

	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	.7		$	.7		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	2.6			2.2			—			—
Expected return on plan assets	(3.9		)	(3.9		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1.2			1.3			(.3		)	(.2		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	.6		$	.3		$	(.3	)	$	(.2	)
	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	1.4		$	1.3		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	5.1			4.5			.1			.1
Expected return on plan assets	(7.8		)	(7.8		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	2.3			2.7			(.6		)	(.5		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	1.0		$	.7		$	(.5	)	$	(.4	)

Service cost is recorded in SG&A, while other components of net periodic pension costs are recorded in Other (Income) Expense. Service cost represents plan administration expenses. The Company expects to contribute approximately $6.4 million to its pension plans during fiscal 2019. There were no contributions made during the first six months of 2019.

The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan. Participation in this plan is voluntary and is available to substantially all U.S. salaried employees and to certain groups of U.S. hourly employees. Company contributions to this plan are based on either a percentage of employee contributions or on a specified amount per hour based on the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Company contributions are made in cash. Expense for this plan was $1.4 million for both the first six months of 2019 and 2018.

Note M – Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims, proceedings, and lawsuits related to products, services, contracts, employment, environmental, safety, intellectual property, and other matters. The ultimate resolution of such claims, proceedings, and lawsuits is inherently unpredictable and, as a result, the Company’s estimates of liability, if any, are subject to change. Actual results may materially differ from the Company’s estimates and an unfavorable resolution of any matter could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows of the Company. However, subject to the above and taking into account such amounts, if any, as are accrued from time to time on the Company’s balance sheet, the Company does not believe, based on the information currently available to it, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Note N – Business Segment Information

The Company's two reporting segments are Specialty Solutions and Performance Materials. These two reporting segments were determined based on products and services provided as defined under ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Accounting policies of the segments are the same as the Company’s accounting policies. The Company’s reporting segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on certain differences in their operations, technology, and marketing strategies.

Segment operating profit represents net sales less applicable costs, expenses and provisions for restructuring and severance costs, asset write-offs and acquisition and integration related expenses relating to operations. However, Management excludes restructuring and severance costs, asset write-offs, and acquisition and integration related costs when evaluating the results and allocating resources to the segments.

Segment operating profit excludes certain unallocated corporate headquarters expenses. Corporate headquarters expense includes the cost of providing and maintaining the corporate headquarters functions, including salaries, rent, travel and entertainment expenses, depreciation, utility costs, outside services, and amortization of deferred financing costs.

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The following table summarizes operations by segment and a reconciliation of segment sales to consolidated sales and segment operating profit to income (loss) before income taxes:

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net Sales:
Specialty Solutions	$	142.3		$	128.8		$	255.0		$	238.0
Performance Materials	63.4			77.5			119.6			147.0
Total Net Sales	$	205.7		$	206.3		$	374.6		$	385.0
Segment Operating Profit:
Specialty Solutions	$	20.0		$	21.9		$	29.3		$	35.5
Performance Materials	.8			.1			(2.0		)	2.2
Total segment operating profit	20.8			22.0			27.3			37.7
Interest expense	(5.2		)	(4.6		)	(10.2		)	(9.7		)
Corporate expenses	(8.4		)	(6.5		)	(15.3		)	(14.9		)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	7.2		$	10.9		$	1.8		$	13.1

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

OMNOVA Solutions Inc. became an independent, publicly-traded company on October 1, 1999, when it was spun off by GenCorp Inc., its former parent company. OMNOVA Solutions is incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, and its headquarters is located at 25435 Harvard Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122-6201.

OMNOVA Solutions is a global innovator of performance enhancing chemistries and surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. Our products provide a variety of important functional and aesthetic benefits to hundreds of products that people use daily. We hold leading positions in key market categories, which have been built through innovative products, customized product solutions, strong technical expertise, well-established distribution channels, recognized brands, and long-standing customer relationships. We have strategically located manufacturing, technical and other facilities globally to service our broad customer base.

OMNOVA operates two business segments: Specialty Solutions and Performance Materials. Financial information relating to the Company’s business segments is included in Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.

Specialty Solutions – The Specialty Solutions segment consists of three business lines: Specialty Coatings & Ingredients, Oil & Gas, and Laminates & Films. The Specialty Solutions segment develops, designs, produces, and markets a broad line of specialty products for use in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, laminates, films, nonwovens, and oil & gas products. These products are used in numerous applications, including architectural and industrial coatings; nonwovens used in hygiene products, filtration and construction; drilling additives for oil and gas drilling, cementing and fracking; elastomeric modification of plastic casings and hoses used in household and industrial products and automobiles; tapes and adhesives; sports surfaces; textile finishes; commercial building refurbishment; new construction; residential cabinets; flooring; ceiling tile; furnishings; manufactured housing; health care patient and common area furniture; and a variety of industrial films applications. The segment's products improve the performance of customers’ products, including stain, rust and aging resistance; surface modification; gloss; softness or hardness; dimensional stability; high heat and pressure tolerance; and binding and barrier (e.g. moisture, oil) properties.

Specialty Coatings & Ingredients. OMNOVA Specialty Coatings & Ingredients is a leading global supplier of polymers, waterborne and solvent borne dispersions, elastomers, and other specialty chemicals for a variety of product categories. Applications for our specialty polymers and chemicals include: specialty coatings; nonwovens (such as disposable hygiene products, engine filters, roofing mat, scrub pads); construction; adhesives; tape; floor care; textiles; graphic arts; home & personal care; and various other specialty applications. Our focus is on developing unique products for custom applications that address specific customer needs, including enhanced functionality, improved durability, high temperature, chemical and UV resistance, corrosion resistance, improved environmental performance, and improved processibility.

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Oil & Gas. OMNOVA's Oil & Gas is a leading supplier of specialty wellbore chemicals used in demanding applications all over the world. We offer a wide range of solutions including fluid loss control and sealing, emulsifiers, lubricants, and rheological modifiers for drilling fluids. The business also offers flow control and properties enhancement in cementing operations, gel additives for hydraulic fracturing fluids, and strengthening agents. We design unique polymers that meet conventional and unconventional drilling and completion requirements.

Laminates & Films. OMNOVA's Laminates & Films business line is a leading supplier of vinyl, paper, and specialty laminates, and performance films. Our laminates are used as alternatives to wood, paint, stone, stainless steel, high pressure laminates, and thermally fused laminates in markets where durability, design, and cost are key requirements. We offer our customers a broad range of designs and textures, as well as proprietary coating technology that provides enhanced durability and scratch and stain resistance. Applications for our laminates include: kitchen and bath cabinets; manufactured housing and recreational vehicle interiors; flooring; commercial and residential furniture; retail display fixtures; home furnishings; consumer appliances; bath and spa surrounds; food service tables; wall protection; and architectural accents. Films applications include: luxury vinyl tile (LVT); awnings; tents; flooring; promotional graphics; medical products; movie screens; decking; ceiling tile; and shower pan liners. A key strength of our laminates business is our coating technology, including ultraviolet, melamine, urethane, and thermally cured coatings, which provide greater durability for high-wear applications. In addition, our laminates business has differentiated itself in the market as a single-source supplier through its harmony programTM of integrated vinyl and paper laminate designs for the furniture and cabinet industries by building a unique library of matched vinyl and paper laminate designs, with a variety of patterns and textures, and developing rapid make-to-order production capabilities. We also offer SURF(X)® 3D Laminates for multi-dimensional applications for the office and health care furniture and retail display fixture and food service markets. These laminates offer a cost effective alternative to high pressure laminates, thermally fused melamine and real wood veneers. They provide furniture makers with design flexibility in rounded surfaces, eliminating the need for unsightly and expensive edge-banding, and providing enhanced cleanability/disinfection and durability with increased chip and crack resistance.

Performance Materials – The Performance Materials segment serves mature markets including plastics, paper, carpet and coated fabrics with a broad range of polymers based primarily on styrene butadiene (SB), styrene butadiene acrylonitrile (SBA), styrene butadiene vinyl pyridine, high styrene pigments, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, styrene acrylic, calcium stearate, glyoxal, and bio-based chemistries. Performance Materials' custom-formulated products are tailored latexes, resins, binders, antioxidants, hollow plastic pigment, coated fabrics, and rubber reinforcing which are used in tire cord, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, carpet, paper, and various other applications. Its products provide a variety of functional properties to enhance the Company’s customers’ products, including greater strength, adhesion, dimensional stability, ultraviolet resistance, improved processibility, and enhanced appearance.

Paper and Carpet. OMNOVA Solutions is an innovative supplier of custom-formulated SB and SBA latex and hollow plastic pigments for carpet, paper and paperboard coatings. Applications for our products include paper and paperboard coatings used in specialty papers, food cartons, household and other consumer and industrial packaging, magazines, catalogs, direct mail advertising, and brochures. Our products for the carpet industry secure carpet fibers to the carpet backing and adhere the primary backing to the secondary backing, while meeting the stringent manufacturing, environmental, odor, flammability, and flexible installation requirements of our customers. Our strong historical position in residential carpeting has been enhanced by new products to serve that market, as well as innovations in commercial carpet backing binders that provide moisture barrier and other properties, enabling the replacement of higher cost polyurethane binders.

Performance Additives. OMNOVA is also a leading global supplier of vinyl pyridine latex which is used in bonding fabric to rubber for tire and belting applications. In addition, the Company is a leading global supplier of antioxidants used in polymer stabilization and synthetic latex gloves.

Coated Fabrics. OMNOVA Solutions is a leading North American and Asian supplier of vinyl and urethane coated fabrics for transportation, marine, commercial, residential, and health care applications. Our durable coated fabrics are well-suited for demanding, high-use environments and offer a cost effective alternative to other surfacing materials, such as leather and textile fabrics. Applications for our coated fabrics include: transportation seating (automotive OEM, bus and other mass transit, marine, and motorcycle); automotive aftermarket applications; contract and health care furniture; residential applications; stadium and arena seating; and healthcare equipment. A key differentiator for our coated fabrics products is our PreFixx® protective coating, long recognized for delivering the industry's best-in-class performance.

The Company primarily sells its products directly to manufacturers, and has manufacturing facilities in the United States, France, Portugal, China, and Thailand. For additional information about the Company's business (other than the description of the Company's reporting segments), please refer to Item 1 Business of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company has historically experienced stronger sales and income in its second, third, and fourth quarters, comprised of the three-month periods ending May 31, August 31, and November 30. Performance in the first quarter (December through

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February) has historically been affected by generally lower levels of customer manufacturing, construction, and refurbishment activities during the holidays and cold weather months.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), its CEO, evaluates performance and allocates resources by operating segment. Segment information has been prepared in accordance with authoritative guidance promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The Company’s two operating segments were determined based on the products and services provided. Accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A of the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. For a reconciliation of the Company’s segment operating performance information, please refer to the Business Segment Information footnote of the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Raw Materials

A majority of the Company’s raw materials are derived from petrochemicals and chemical feedstocks, where prices can be cyclical and volatile. Styrene, a key raw material component, is generally available worldwide, and OMNOVA has supply contracts with several producers. OMNOVA believes there is adequate global capacity to serve demand. OMNOVA’s styrene purchases for 2018 and estimated purchases for 2019 and an estimated range of market prices are as follows:

	Pounds Purchased (in millions)	Market Price Range Per Pound
2019 (estimated)	85	$0.43 - $0.53
2018	102	$0.53 - $0.73

Butadiene, a key raw material component, is generally available worldwide. OMNOVA has supply contracts with several producers. At times, when the demand of butadiene exceeds supply, it is sold on an allocated basis. OMNOVA’s butadiene purchases for 2018 and estimated purchases for 2019 and an estimated range of market prices are as follows:

	Pounds Purchased (in millions)	Market Price Range Per Pound
2019 (estimated)	76	$0.41 - $0.56
2018	77	$0.36 - $0.79

The Company negotiates pricing with the majority of its customers based on the cost of the raw material components of the products being purchased and the value-added performance attributes of those products. The Company's pricing objective, which may or may not be met, is to recover raw material price increases for its non-indexed contracts within three months. OMNOVA also has sales price index contracts with customers that represents less than 18% of its net sales.

Key Indicators

Key economic measures relevant to the Company include global economic growth rates, discretionary spending for durable goods, oil and gas consumption and drilling levels, U.S. commercial real estate occupancy rates, U.S. office furniture sales, manufactured housing shipments (including recreational vehicles), housing starts and sales of existing homes, and forecasts of raw material pricing for certain petrochemical feed stocks. Key Original Equipment Manufacturer ("OEM") industries, which provide a general indication of demand drivers to the Company, include commercial and residential construction and refurbishment, automotive and tire production, furniture, flooring, and ABS manufacturing. These measures provide general information on trends relevant to the demand for the Company’s products, but the trend information does not necessarily directly correlate with demand levels in the markets which ultimately use the Company’s products in part because the Company's market share is relatively small in a number of specialty markets.

Key operating measures utilized by the business segments include: orders; sales and pricing; working capital days; inventory; productivity; plant utilization; new product vitality; cost of quality; order fill-rates, which provide key indicators of business trends; and safety and other internal metrics. These measures are reported on various cycles including daily, weekly and monthly, depending on the needs established by operating management.

Key financial measures utilized by Management to evaluate the results of its businesses and to understand the key variables impacting the current and future results of the Company include sales and pricing; gross profit; SG&A; adjusted operating profit (loss); adjusted net income (loss); consolidated earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and

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amortization (“EBITDA”) as set forth in the Net Leverage Ratio in the Company’s $350,000,000 Term Loan B agreement; Adjusted EBITDA, working capital; operating cash flows; capital expenditures; cash interest expense; adjusted earnings per share; and applicable ratios, such as inventory turnover; working capital turnover; return on sales and assets; and leverage ratios. These measures, as well as objectives established by the Company's Board of Directors, are reviewed at monthly, quarterly, and annual intervals and compared with historical periods.

Results of Operations for the Three months ended May 31, 2019 Compared to the Three months ended May 31, 2018

The Company's net sales in the second quarter of 2019 were $205.7 million compared to $206.3 million in the second quarter of 2018, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 0.3%. The acquisition of OMNOVA Portugal during the fourth quarter of 2018 accounted for $16.3 million of current quarter sales. The Specialty Solutions business segment revenue increased $13.5 million, or 10.5%, and the Performance Materials business revenue decreased by $14.1 million, or 18.2%. Contributing to the net sales decrease of $0.6 million in 2019 were lower price/mix of $2.5 million and unfavorable foreign currency of $4.3 million, which were partially offset by favorable volume of $6.2 million.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2019 was $48.8 million with a gross profit margin of 23.7%, compared to gross profit of $51.6 million and a gross profit margin of 25.0% in the second quarter of 2018. The decrease in gross profit dollars resulted from lower volumes within Performance Materials primarily due to the Company's continued strategic transition away from the commodity paper coatings market, which was partially offset by improved volumes in coatings and antioxidants.

SG&A in the second quarter of 2019 was $30.2 million, compared to $28.0 million in the second quarter of 2018. The $2.2 million, or 7.9%, increase primarily reflects increased costs related to personnel, outside services and OMNOVA Portugal.

Interest expense in the second quarter of 2019 was $5.2 million, compared to $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2018. The increase of $0.6 million, or 13.0%, was primarily attributed to a higher average outstanding debt balance and increased interest rates.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2019 was similar to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Company's effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2018 was similar to the U.S. blended federal statutory tax rate of 22.2%.

Net income for the second quarter of 2019 was $5.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $8.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, during the same quarter in the prior year.

Segment Discussion

The following Segment Discussion presents information used by the Company in assessing the results of operations by business segment. The Company believes that this presentation is useful for providing the investor with an understanding of the Company’s business and operating performance because these measures are used by the CODM in evaluating performance and allocating resources.

The following table reconciles segment sales to consolidated net sales and segment operating profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes:

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	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net Sales:
Specialty Solutions	$	142.3		$	128.8
Performance Materials	63.4			77.5
Consolidated Net Sales	$	205.7		$	206.3
Segment Operating Profit:
Specialty Solutions	$	20.0		$	21.9
Performance Materials	.8			.1
Total Segment Operating Profit	20.8			22.0
Interest expense	(5.2		)	(4.6		)
Corporate expense	(8.4		)	(6.5		)
Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	7.2		$	10.9

Specialty Solutions

Specialty Solutions' net sales increased $13.5 million, or 10.5%, to $142.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 from $128.8 million in the second quarter of 2018. The improvement was primarily driven by favorable volume of $16.3 million, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $2.8 million, compared to the same quarter last year. Volumes were up in coatings (when including the impact of the Company's September 2018 Portugal acquisition), adhesives & sealants, oil & gas, and decorative laminates These volume increases were partially offset by declines in home & personal care, performance films, and nonwovens, when compared to the same quarter last year. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact across all markets.

Segment operating profit was $20.0 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $21.9 million for the second quarter of 2018. The decrease of $1.9 million, or 8.7%, from the second quarter of 2018 was due to unfavorable manufacturing costs, which were partially offset by favorable price/mix primarily in oil & gas. The lower margins were driven by the timing of raw material price changes. Segment operating profit also includes items that Management excludes when evaluating the results of the Company's segments. Those items for the second quarter of 2019 included a $0.2 million favorable adjustment to acquisition and integration expenses. Those items for the second quarter of 2018 were $0.1 million of asset impairment, facility and other closure costs.

Performance Materials

Performance Materials net sales decreased $14.1 million, or 18.2%, to $63.4 million during the second quarter of 2019, compared to $77.5 million during the second quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable volume of $10.2 million, foreign currency exchange of $1.5 million, and price/mix of $2.8 million, compared to the same quarter last year. Volumes were down in paper, carpet, tire cord and antioxidants, which were partially offset by increases in coated fabrics and contract manufacturing, when compared to the same quarter last year. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact across all markets.

Segment operating profit was $0.8 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to an operating profit of $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2018. The increase of $0.7 million from the second quarter of 2018 was due to favorable SG&A, partially offset by lower volume and margins. The lower margins were driven by the timing of raw material price changes. Segment operating profit also includes items that Management excludes when evaluating the results of the Company's segments. Those items for the second quarter of 2019 were $1.4 million of facility closure costs, $1.2 million of restructuring and severance, $0.4 million of accelerated depreciation, $0.1 million of acquisition and integration costs and a $4.3 million gain on sale of assets. Those items for 2018 included $0.4 million of asset impairment charges and $0.1 million of restructuring and severance charges.

Corporate

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Corporate expenses were $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $6.5 million in the second quarter of 2018. SG&A expenses were higher during the current year resulting primarily from acquisition and integration related charges.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended May 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended May 31, 2018

The Company's net sales in the first six months of 2019 were $374.6 million, compared to $385.0 million in the first six months of 2018. The acquisition of OMNOVA Portugal during the fourth quarter of 2018 accounted for $28.7 million of current year sales. The Specialty Solutions business segment sales increased $17.0 million, or 7.1%, and Performance Materials business segment sales decreased by $27.4 million, or 18.6%. Contributing to the net sales decrease in 2019 were lower volumes of $5.6 million, primarily in paper, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $5.4 million, which were partially offset by favorable price/mix of $0.6 million.

Gross profit in the first six months of 2019 was $85.8 million with a gross profit margin of 22.9%, compared to $98.2 million and 25.5% in the first six months of 2018. The decrease from the comparable first six months period resulted from unfavorable foreign exchange for both Specialty Solutions and Performance Materials, unfavorable price and volume for Performance Materials, which were partially offset by favorable volume and pricing within Specialty Solutions.

SG&A in the first six months of 2019 was $58.9 million, or 15.7% of net sales, compared to $57.1 million, or 14.8% of net sales, in the first six months of 2018. The $1.8 million increase in expense for the first six months of 2019 reflects increased costs related to personnel, outside services and OMNOVA Portuga.

Interest expense was $10.2 million in the first six months of 2019, compared to $9.7 million for the first six months of 2018. The increase in the current year is primarily due to a higher average outstanding debt balance and increased interest rates.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.8 million and an income tax benefit of $2.6 million for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first six months of 2019 was different than its U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized. The Company's effective tax rate for the first six months of 2018 was different than its U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to discrete items related to the Tax Act that were recorded in the first quarter of 2018. These items included a $4.1 million income tax benefit related to the re-measurement of the U.S. deferred taxes as the U.S. federal tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21% and a $0.9 million income tax benefit associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance against the existing AMT credit carryforward as it is refundable under the Tax Act. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018, the Company recognized a $0.8 million income tax benefit related to the impact of a French tax rate change on the Company’s deferred tax liabilities. These discrete tax benefits were partially offset by losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized.

The Company generated net income of $1.0 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the first six months of 2019, compared to net income of $15.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the first six months of 2018.

Segment Discussion

The following table reconciles segment sales to consolidated net sales and segment operating profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes:

	Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net Sales:
Specialty Solutions	$	255.0		$	238.0
Performance Materials	119.6			147.0
Consolidated Net Sales	$	374.6		$	385.0
Segment Operating Profit:
Specialty Solutions	$	29.3		35.5
Performance Materials	(2.0		)	2.2
Total Segment Operating Profit	27.3			37.7
Interest expense	(10.2		)	(9.7		)
Corporate expense	(15.3		)	(14.9		)
Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	1.8		$	13.1

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Specialty Solutions

Specialty Solutions net sales increased $17.0 million, or 7.1%, to $255.0 million in the first six months of 2019 from $238.0 million in the first six months of 2018. The improvement was driven by increased volume of $17.9 million and favorable price/mix of $2.0 million, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $2.9 million, compared to the first six months of 2018. Volumes were favorable in coatings, adhesives & sealants and decorative laminates but down in performance films, elastic modifiers, home & personal care, and nonwovens, compared to the first six months of 2018. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact across all markets.

Segment operating profit was $29.3 million for the first six months of 2019, compared to $35.5 million for the first six months of 2018. Segment operating profit decreased $6.2 million, or 17.5%, in the first six months of 2019 as a result of unfavorable manufacturing and raw material costs, which were partially offset by favorable price/mix. Segment operating profit also includes items which management excludes when evaluating the results of the Company's segments. Those items for the first six months of 2019 consisted of a $0.1 million favorable adjustment to acquisition and integration related charges. Those items for 2018 included $0.7 million of restructuring and severance, $0.4 million of acquisition and integration related expense, and $0.1 million of asset impairment, and facility closure costs.

Performance Materials

Performance Materials' net sales decreased $27.4 million, or 18.6%, to $119.6 million during the first six months of 2019, compared to $147.0 million during the first six months of 2018. The decrease was driven primarily from lower volumes of $23.6, unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $2.5 million and unfavorable price/mix of $1.3 million. Volumes increased within coated fabrics and antioxidants, but decreased in paper, carpet, tire cord and reinforcing resins, compared to the first six months of 2018. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact.

This segment generated an operating loss of $2.0 million in the first six months of 2019 compared to operating profit of $2.2 million in the first six months of 2018. Segment operating profit also includes items which management excludes when evaluating the results of the Company's segments. Those items for the first six months of 2019 consisted of $1.9 million of restructuring and severance charges, $1.8 million of asset impairment charges, and facility closure costs, $1.0 million of accelerated depreciation on production transfer, $0.1 million of acquisition and integration related charges, and $4.3 million gain on sale of assets. Those items for the first six months of 2018 included $0.4 million of asset impairment charges, and facility closure costs and other, $0.2 million of environmental charges, and $0.1 million of restructuring and severance expense.

Corporate

Corporate expenses were $15.3 million in the first six months of 2019, compared to $14.9 million in the first six months of 2018 as a result of acquisition and integration initiatives.

Financial Resources

	Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(4.8	)	$	15.6		$	(20.4	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	(16.0	)	$	(7.2	)	$	(8.8	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$	.4		$	(43.6	)	$	44.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(20.4	)	$	(35.1	)	$	14.7

Cash used in operating activities was $4.8 million during the first six months of 2019 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $15.6 million for the first six months of 2018. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities is generally due to lower operating income and increased inventory.

Cash used in investing activities was $16.0 million during the first six months of 2019 compared to $7.2 million in the first six months of 2018. Cash use in both 2019 and 2018 was primarily for ongoing capital expenditures and business acquisitions. The Company expects approximately $35.0 million of capital expenditures during 2019. Capital expenditures are planned principally for asset replacement, new production capability, cost reduction, safety and productivity improvements and environmental protection. The Company expects to fund remaining capital expenditures with cash flow generated from operations.

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Cash provided by financing activities was $0.4 million during the first six months of 2019 compared to cash used in financing activities of $43.6 million during the first six months of 2018. Cash use in 2019 decreased as a result of a $40.0 million debt prepayment made during the first six months of 2018.

The Company’s cash balance of $33.7 million as of May 31, 2019 consists of $1.6 million in the U.S., $21.5 million in Asia, and $10.6 million in Europe. The Company is not aware of any restrictions regarding the repatriation of its non-U.S. cash, however, repatriation of cash from certain countries may have certain tax consequences and may not be able to be completed in a timely manner.

The Company believes that its cash flows from operations, together with existing credit facilities and cash on hand will be adequate to fund its cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Share Repurchase Program

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million of the Company's common stock. The Company may use various methods to make the repurchases, including open market repurchases, negotiated block transactions, or open market solicitations for shares, all or some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing of repurchases will depend upon several factors including market and business conditions, and repurchases may be discontinued at any time. No repurchases have been made under this authorization as of May 31, 2019.

Debt

Information regarding the Company's debt is disclosed in the Debt and Credit Lines footnote to the Company's Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Significant Accounting Policies and Management Judgments

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues, and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. The Company periodically reviews its estimates and judgments including those related to product returns, accounts receivable, inventories, litigation and environmental reserves, pensions, and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and judgments under different assumptions.

Information with respect to the Company’s significant accounting policies and management judgments which the Company believes could have the most significant effect on the Company’s reported results and require subjective or complex judgments by management is contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, as filed with the SEC. The Company has not made any changes in estimates or judgments that have had a significant effect on the reported amounts.

Environmental Matters

The Company’s policy is to conduct its businesses with due regard for the preservation and protection of the environment. The Company devotes significant resources and management attention to comply with environmental laws and regulations. The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2019 reflects reserves for environmental remediation of $1.4 million. The Company’s estimates are subject to change and actual results may materially differ from the Company’s estimates. Management believes, on the basis of presently available information, that resolution of known environmental matters will not materially affect liquidity, capital resources, or the consolidated financial condition of the Company.

Employee Matters

At May 31, 2019, the Company employed approximately 1,900 employees globally. Approximately 12% of the Company’s U.S. employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements in the United States. In addition, certain of our foreign employees are also covered by collective bargaining agreements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

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New accounting pronouncements impacting the Company are disclosed in the Basis of Presentation note to the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes descriptions of our current business, operations, assets and other matters affecting the Company as well as “forward-looking statements” as defined by federal securities laws. All forward-looking statements by the Company, including verbal statements, are intended to qualify for the protections afforded forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectation, judgment, belief, assumption, estimate or forecast about future events, circumstances or results and may address business conditions and prospects, strategy, capital structure, debt and cash levels, sales, profits, earnings, markets, products, technology, operations, customers, raw materials, claims and litigation, financial condition, and accounting policies among other matters. Words such as, but not limited to, “will,” “may,” “should,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “seeks,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “optimistic,” “likely,” “would,” “could,” “committed,” and similar expressions or phrases identify forward-looking statements.

All descriptions of our business, operations and assets, as well as all forward-looking statements, involve risks and uncertainties. Many risks and uncertainties are inherent in business generally and the markets in which the Company operates or proposes to operate. Other risks and uncertainties are more specific to the Company’s businesses including businesses the Company acquires. There also may be risks and uncertainties not currently known to us. The occurrence of any such risks and uncertainties and the impact of such occurrences is often not predictable or within the Company’s control. Such impacts could adversely affect the Company’s business, operations or assets as well as the Company's results and the value of your investment in OMNOVA and, in some cases, such effect could be material. Certain risks and uncertainties facing the Company are described below or elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

All written and verbal descriptions of our business, operations and assets and all forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on the Company’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the risks, uncertainties, and cautionary statements contained and referenced herein.

All such descriptions and any forward-looking statement speak only as of the date on which such description or statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, other than that imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any such description or forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Risks and uncertainties that may adversely affect our business, operations, assets, or other matters affecting the Company and may cause actual results and the value of your investment in OMNOVA to materially differ from expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the Company's exposure to general economic, business, and industry conditions; (2) changes in raw material prices and availability; (3) extraordinary events such as natural disasters, political disruptions, terrorist attacks and acts of war; (4) the risk of doing business in foreign countries and markets; (5) the highly competitive markets the Company serves and continued consolidations among its competitors and customer base; (6) extensive and increasing governmental regulation, including environmental, health and safety regulations; (7) the Company's inability to protect its intellectual property or successfully defend itself from intellectual property claims; (8) claims and litigation; (9) changes in accounting policies, standards, and interpretations; (10) the actions of activist shareholders; (11) risks inherent in the operation of manufacturing facilities; (12) the Company's inability to achieve or achieve in a timely manner the objectives and benefits of cost reduction initiatives; (13) the Company's ability to develop and commercialize new products that can be value priced; (14) the Company's ability to identify and complete strategic transactions; (15) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired companies; (16) information system failures and breaches in security; (17) the Company's use of purchase orders rather than long-term contracts for most of its business; (18) the disproportionate impact of certain product lines on the Company's operating profitability; (19) customer credit risk; (20) continued increases in healthcare costs; (21) the Company's ability retain or attract key employees; (22) the Company's ability to renew collective bargaining agreements with employees on acceptable terms and the risk of work stoppages; (23) the Company's contribution obligations under its U.S. pension plan; (24) the Company's reliance on foreign financial institutions to hold some of its funds; (25) the effect of goodwill impairment charges; (26) the volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares; (27) the Company's substantial debt position; (28) a decision to incur additional debt; (29) the operational and financial restrictions contained in the Company's debt agreements; (30) the effects of a default under the Company's term loan or revolving credit facility; (31) the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its outstanding debt; and (32) potential changes in the LIBOR calculation method and the expected phase-out of LIBOR.

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We provide greater detail regarding these risks and uncertainties in our 2018 Form 10-K and subsequent filings, which are available online at www.omnova.com and www.sec.gov.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on its long-term debt obligations. As described in the Debt and Credit Lines note to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company’s debt bears interest at variable rates. Total borrowings for the Company's variable rate debt were $315.1 million as of May 31, 2019. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Company’s outstanding debt was 5.62% as of May 31, 2019. A hypothetical increase or decrease of 100 basis points would impact the Company’s interest expense on its variable rate debt by $3.2 million annually.

The Company is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company has an accumulated currency translation loss of $34.3 million as of May 31, 2019, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of May 31, 2019 and based on this evaluation, has determined that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of such date. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims, proceedings and lawsuits related to products, services, contracts, employment, environmental, safety, intellectual property, and other matters. The ultimate resolution of such claims, proceedings, and lawsuits is inherently unpredictable and, as a result, the Company’s estimates of liability, if any, are subject to change. Actual results may materially differ from the Company’s estimates and an unfavorable resolution of any matter could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows of the Company. However, subject to the above and taking into account such amounts, if any, as are accrued from time to time on the Company’s balance sheet, the Company does not believe, based on the information currently available to it, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018. Those risk factors, in addition to the other information set forth in this report, could materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Additional unrecognized risks and uncertainties may materially adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

From time to time, the Company may seek to retire, repurchase, or exchange its outstanding debt or capital securities through various methods including open market repurchases, negotiated block transactions, or open market solicitations for shares, all or some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. Such transactions, if any, depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity and capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors, and may involve material amounts.

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The following table summarizes the Company’s activity related to its common shares for the three months ended May 31, 2019.

Month	Total Number of shares repurchased (a)	Average price paid per share	Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
March 1 -31	—	N/A	—	$	20,000,000
April 1 - 30	—	N/A	—	$	20,000,000
May 1 -31	—	N/A	—	$	20,000,000
Total	—	N/A	—

(a) Share repurchases resulted from common shares deemed surrendered by employees in connection with the Company’s stock compensation and benefit plans to satisfy tax obligations.

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Item 6. Exhibits

10.1	Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan, effective April 8, 2019. (x)
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Company's Chief Executive Officer.(x)
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Company's Chief Financial Officer.(x)
32.1	Section 1350 Certification of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.(x)
101	The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2019, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; and (v) the Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

(x) Filed herewith.

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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.

		OMNOVA Solutions Inc.
Date:	July 2, 2019	By	/s/ Paul F. DeSantis
			Paul F. DeSantis Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date:	July 2, 2019	By	/s/ Donald B. McMillan
			Donald B. McMillan Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
10.1	Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan, effective April 8, 2019. (x)
31.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101	The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2019, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018; and (v) the Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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EX-10.1

Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan

1. Purpose.  The purpose of the Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan (the “Plan”) of OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (the “Company”) is to attract and retain qualified executives for the Company by providing Plan participants with the opportunity to receive severance benefits in the event of certain terminations of employment.

2.Background and Effective Date.  The Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan was adopted by the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company on March 22, 2018, effective from April 1, 2018, as an amendment and restatement of the Company’s prior Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan, which became effective on June 13, 2000 and previously had been amended and restated effective January 1, 2009. The Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan was amended effective as of December 18, 2018, and hereby is further amended and restated as set forth herein as the Plan, effective as of April 8, 2019 (the “Effective Date”).

3.Duration.  The Plan will remain in effect until terminated by the Committee in accordance with Section 11 hereof.

4.Definitions.  For purposes of this Plan, the following defined terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a)“ACA” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(b) hereof.

(b)“Affiliate” means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship or other trade or business that is considered a single employer with the Company by virtue of Section 414 of the Code, such that it (i) is part of a “controlled group of corporations” (within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code) with the Company, (ii) is “under common control” (within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code) with the Company, or (iii) is a member of an “affiliated service group” (within the meaning of Section 414(m) of the Code) with the Company.

(c)“Applicable Benefit Continuation Period” means the period of time specified in a Participant’s Participation Agreement during which the Participant may receive continued health and welfare benefits following a Qualifying Termination.

(d)“Applicable Severance Multiplier” means the multiplier contained in a Participant’s Participation Agreement that is used to determine the amount of severance the Participant may be eligible to receive if a Qualifying Termination occurs.

(e)“Committee” means the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or a successor committee thereto, or such other committee of the Board of Directors of the Company consisting solely of two or more “independent directors” (within the meaning of applicable stock exchange rules).

(f)“Cause” means, for purposes of this Plan only, (i) if the Participant is a party to a duly authorized and written employment agreement or severance agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliates, executed by an officer of the Company, and such agreement provides for a definition of “cause”, the definition of “Cause” set forth in such agreement or (ii) otherwise, any of the following:

(1)The Participant’s commission of, conviction for, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony, or any offense involving fraud, embezzlement, or theft;

(2)The Participant’s willful misconduct, grossly negligent conduct, or act of moral turpitude that substantially and adversely affects the Company’s business or reputation;

(3)The Participant’s violation of the Company’s Business Conduct Policies; or

(4)Commission of or participation in a Harmful Activity by the Participant.

(g)“Change in Control” means any of the following events:

(1)A change in the ownership of the Company, such that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as determined under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder), acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

(2)Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as determined under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30 percent or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

(3)A majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5); or

(4)A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, such that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as determined under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets of the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions.

(h)“COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.

(i)“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(j)“Company” has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.

(k)“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.

(l)“Eligible Employee” means any full-time employee of the Company who is recommended by the chief executive officer to the Committee to be a key employee who should be eligible to participate in the Plan. Eligible Employees shall be limited to a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of Sections 201, 301, and 404 of ERISA

(m)“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(n)“Excise Tax” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) hereof.

(o)“Good Reason” means, for purposes of this Plan: (i) for a Participant who is a party to a duly authorized and written employment agreement or severance agreement with the Company or any of its

Affiliates, executed by an officer of the Company, that specifies a meaning for such term, “Good Reason” as defined in such agreement; or (ii) for any other Participant, the occurrence of any of the following without the Participant’s written consent:

(A) a material adverse change to the Participant’s reporting lines, including a change such that a Participant no longer reports directly and solely to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or a successor parent company);

(B) an aggregate reduction in the Participant’s annual base salary greater than 15%;

(C) a material reduction in the Participant’s aggregate annual and long-term incentive opportunity;

(D) the relocation of the Executive’s principal work location more than fifty miles from the Executive’s current work location;

(E) any material breach by the Company of any obligation under this Plan or under any duly authorized and written employment or severance agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates, which has been executed by an officer of the Company; or

(F) a material reduction in the Participant’s authority, duties, title or responsibilities (other than temporarily while the Participant is physically or mentally incapacitated, on paid leave at the request of the Company (or any successor company) in connection with any pending investigation or as required by applicable law);

provided, in any case, that the Participant has: (x) delivered written notice to the Committee within forty-five (45) days of the Participant first learning of the existence of any circumstance set forth in items (A) through (F), above but in no event shall notice be delivered later than ninety (90) days following the initial occurrence of such circumstance; (y) provided the Committee with thirty (30) days to consider whether it agrees or does not agree that the circumstances specified in the Participant’s written notice satisfy any of items (A) through (F) above or to cure the circumstances specified in the Participant’s written notice; and (z) terminated his or her employment with the Company (or a successor company) within the thirty (30) days following the earlier of: (1) the expiration, without cure, of the Committee’s cure period or (2) the date of the Committee’s written notice to the Participant contending either that the circumstances specified in the Participant’s written notice do not satisfy any of items (A) through (F) above or that such circumstances have been cured.

(p)“Harmful Activity” means the Participant’s:

(i)Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of the Company’s confidential or non-public information or trade secrets;

(ii)Soliciting, recruiting, inducing, encouraging, or attempting to solicit, recruit, induce or encourage, whether directly or through others, any employee of the Company to leave the Company’s employment; or

(iii)Material breach or violation of any agreement between the Participant and the Company.

(q)“Net Benefit” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) hereof.

(r)“OMNOVA Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 6 hereof.

(s)“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.

(t)“Participation Agreement" means the form of participation agreement for the Plan most recently issued to Participant.

(u)“Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.

(v)“Qualifying Termination” means (i) the unilateral termination of a Participant's employment by the Company (or any successor company) excluding: (A) a termination for Cause or (B) a termination following a leave of absence exceeding six months without a return to active employment; or (ii) a Participant’s termination of his or her employment with the Company (or any successor company) for Good Reason within twenty fourth months after a Change in Control.

(w)“Section 409A” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a)(i) hereof.

(x)“Separation Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(c) hereof.

(y)“Separation Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6 hereof.

(z)“Severance Pay” has the meaning set forth in Section 7 hereof.

(aa)“Specified Employee Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a)(ii) hereof.

5.Participants.  

(a)Participation.  Each Eligible Employee of the Company who (i) is designated by the Committee, (ii) receives a Participation Agreement from the Company, and (iii) executes and returns such Participation Agreement to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement shall be a “Participant” in the Plan.

(b)No Right to Employment.  Nothing in the Plan will interfere with or limit the right of the Company to terminate any Participant’s employment at any time and for any reason.

(c)No Right to Transfer or Assign Plan Benefits.  Benefits under this Plan are intended for the exclusive benefit of the Participants. Present and future payments or benefits cannot be subjected to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or charge (except as required by law), and any attempt to do so shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent a Participant has satisfied the conditions to receive benefits hereunder but is deceased before such benefits can be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a Participant’s benefits under the Plan may be paid to his or her estate or otherwise paid pursuant to the Participant’s will.

6.Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation. As a condition to becoming a Participant in the Plan, during a Participant’s employment and for one (1) year following the termination of the Participant’s employment for any reason (including a Qualifying Termination) (such date, the “Separation Date”), the Participant agrees not to, without the prior written consent of the Committee:

(a)directly or indirectly, engage in, or assist any other person or entity to engage in, any business that competes with any business in which any member of the Company’s, its divisions’, affiliates’, or successors’ (collectively, the “OMNOVA Group”) is engaging, or in which any member of the OMNOVA Group has substantial plans to engage as of the Separation Date, provided that: (i) this restriction shall not apply to the ownership by the Participant of not more than one percent (1%) of any class of the publicly traded securities of any entity; and (ii) following the date of the Participant’s separation from the Company for any reason this restriction shall not apply to any geographical area where, as of the Separation Date, the OMNOVA Group is not conducting substantial business, is not providing substantial products or services, or did not have substantial plans to provide such products or services; and (iii) following the Separation Date this restriction shall not apply to any business acquired after the Separation Date by any member of the OMNOVA Group or owned by any acquirer of any member of the OMNOVA Group, which business, does not compete with any

OMNOVA Group business or any business as to which the OMNOVA Group had a substantial plan to enter, as such OMNOVA Group business and plans existed on the Separation Date.

(b)directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or seek to entice away from any member of the OMNOVA Group, or offer employment or any consulting or other service arrangement to, or otherwise interfere with the business relationship of any member of the OMNOVA Group with, any person who is employed by any member of the OMNOVA Group; or (ii) interfere with the business relationship of any member of the OMNOVA Group with any person or entity who is a customer or client of, supplier to or other party having material business relations with any member of the OMNOVA Group.

7. Severance Benefits.  If a Participant experiences a Qualifying Termination, then, subject to Section 8 hereof, the Company will provide the Participant with the following:

(a)a gross aggregate amount of severance pay equal to the product of (i) the Participant’s Applicable Severance Multiplier and (ii) the sum of (A) the Participant’s gross annual base salary as of the date of the Qualifying Termination and (B) the target amount of the Participant’s annual incentive under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (or such other Company-sponsored annual incentive plan applicable to the Participant) for the year of the Qualifying Termination (“Severance Pay”). In the event of a Qualifying Termination for Good Reason within 24 months after a Change in Control, for the purpose of determining the amount of any Severance Pay, the amount of the Participant’s base salary or target annual incentive shall be the higher of (i) the Participant’s base salary and target annual incentive in effect on the date of the Qualifying Termination and (ii) the Participant’s base salary and target annual incentive in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control. Severance Pay will be paid to the Participant promptly, but no later than the next OMNOVA payroll date, as a lump sum in accordance with and subject to OMNOVA’s customary payroll practices (including with respect to tax withholding).

(b)medical, dental and life insurance benefit continuation for the Applicable Benefits Continuation Period. Such benefit continuation shall be at the same levels in effect as of the date of the Participant’s Qualifying Termination, and the Company will pay any required medical and dental benefit contributions on behalf of the Participant during the Applicable Benefits Continuation Period; provided that if the Company’s payment of medical and dental benefits contributions under this section would violate the nondiscrimination or other regulations under the Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”) or otherwise violate or result in the imposition of penalties under applicable law or regulation, the Company may reform this section in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA or such other applicable law or regulation, but consistent with the intent of the Company to pay for the cost of such benefits hereunder. At the expiration of the Applicable Benefits Continuation Period, the Participant will be eligible for medical and dental benefit continuation under COBRA for 18 months, subject to payment of COBRA rates by the Participant. For life insurance benefit continuation, the Company will pay any required benefit contributions on behalf of the Participant during the Benefit Continuation Period; provided, however, that if the Participant is a Specified Employee, then to the extent required by Section 409A such required premium contributions will not be paid by the Company until six months following the Qualifying Termination (at which time all required premium contributions during such six-month period shall be reimbursed to the Participant in a single lump sum payment). The Participant shall be responsible for paying the required benefit contributions for the continuation of life insurance benefits through cash payment to the Company or through the withholding by the Company of the amount of such contributions from any other payments due to the Participant from the Company; and

(c)reasonable executive outplacement assistance, as determined in the Company’s discretion exercised in good faith from time to time, for expenses actually incurred by a Participant, in a form provided to other Plan participants, for a period not to exceed twelve months following the Qualifying Termination. The Company shall reimburse outplacement expenses within thirty days following submission of appropriate substantiation of such expenses to the Company, but in no event shall such reimbursement occur later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such expenses are incurred.

8.Conditions to Severance Benefits.  A Participant’s entitlement to any severance benefits under Section 7 hereof will be subject to:

(a)The Participant executing and delivering to the Company his or her Participation Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof;

(b)The Participant experiencing a Qualifying Termination;

(c)The Participant executing a separation agreement and release (“Separation Agreement”) in a customary form satisfactory to the Company in its sole, reasonable discretion, with such separation agreement and release becoming effective and irrevocable within sixty days following the Participant’s Qualifying Termination. Any such Separation Agreement will include, without limitation: (i) a release of claims in favor of the Company, its affiliates, and their respective officers and directors; and (ii) customary confidentiality, cooperation, and non-disparagement provisions; and

(d)The Participant complying with the non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions of Section 6 hereof.

9.Plan Administration.  

(a)Administrator.  The Plan shall be administered by the Committee,

(b)Authority.  Subject to Section 9(c) below, the Committee has the exclusive right, power and authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, to administer and interpret the Plan. The Committee has all powers reasonably necessary to carry out its responsibilities under the Plan including (but not limited to) the sole and absolute discretionary authority to:

(i)administer the Plan according to its terms and to interpret Plan provisions;

(ii)resolve and clarify inconsistencies, ambiguities, and omissions in the Plan and among and between the Plan and other related documents;

(iii)take all actions and make all decisions regarding questions of eligibility and entitlement to benefits, and benefit amounts;

(iv)make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan;

(v)process and approve or deny all claims for benefits; and

(vi)decide or resolve any and all questions, including benefit entitlement determinations and interpretations of the Plan, as may arise in connection with the Plan.

(c)Decisions Binding.  All determinations and decisions made in good faith by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and resolutions of the Committee made in good faith shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its Affiliates, shareholders, Nonemployee Directors, employees, Participants and their respective estates. No member of the Committee shall be liable hereunder for any action taken or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan.

(d)Delegation by the Committee.  The Committee, in its sole discretion, may delegate all or part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more directors and/or officers of the Company.

10.Claims Procedures.  

(a)Initial Claims.  A Participant who believes he or she is entitled to a payment under the Plan that has not been received may submit a written claim for benefits to the Plan within sixty days after the Participant's Qualifying Termination. Claims should be addressed and sent to:

Compensation & Organization Committee

c/o Corporate Secretary

OMNOVA Solutions Inc.

25435 Harvard Road

Beachwood, Ohio 44122

If the Participant's claim is denied, in whole or in part, the Participant will be furnished with written notice of the denial within ninety days after the Committee’s receipt of the Participant's written claim, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, in which case a period not to exceed 180 days will apply. If such an extension of time is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the Participant before the termination of the initial 90-day period and will describe the special circumstances requiring the extension, and the date on which a decision is expected to be rendered. Written notice of the denial of the Participant's claim will contain the following information:

(i)the specific reason or reasons for the denial of the Participant's claim;

(ii)references to the specific Plan provisions on which the denial of the Participant's claim was based;

(iii)a description of any additional information or material required by the Committee to reconsider the Participant's claim (to the extent applicable) and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and

(iv)a description of the Plan's review procedures and time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the Participant's right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following a benefit claim denial on review.

(b)Appeal of Denied Claims.  If the Participant's claim is denied and he or she wishes to submit a request for a review of the denied claim, the Participant or his or her authorized representative must follow the procedures described below:

(i)Upon receipt of the denied claim, the Participant (or his or her authorized representative) may file a request for review of the claim in writing with the Committee. This request for review must be filed no later than sixty days after the Participant has received written notification of the denial.

(ii)The Participant has the right to submit in writing to the Committee any comments, documents, records or other information relating to his or her claim for benefits.

(iii)The Participant has the right to be provided with, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all pertinent documents, records and other information that is relevant to his or her claim for benefits.

(iv)The review of the denied claim will take into account all comments, documents, records and other information that the Participant submitted relating to his or her claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial denial of his or her claim.

(c)Committee’s Response to Appeal. The Committee will provide the Participant with written notice of its decision within sixty days after the Committee’s receipt of the Participant's written claim for review.

There may be special circumstances which require an extension of this sixty-day period. In any such case, the Committee will notify the Participant in writing within the sixty-day period and the final decision will be made no later than one hundred and twenty days after the Committee’s receipt of the Participant's written claim for review. The Committee’s decision on the Participant's claim for review will be communicated to the Participant in writing and will clearly state:

(i)the specific reason or reasons for the denial of the Participant's claim;

(ii)reference to the specific Plan provisions on which the denial of the Participant's claim is based;

(iii)a statement that the Participant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, the Plan and all documents, records, and other information relevant to his or her claim for benefits; and

(iv)a statement describing the Participant's right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA.

(d)Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies. The exhaustion of these claims procedures is mandatory for resolving every claim and dispute arising under the Plan. As to such claims and disputes:

(i)no claimant shall be permitted to commence any legal action to recover benefits or to enforce or clarify rights under the Plan under Section 502 or Section 510 of ERISA or under any other provision of law, whether or not statutory, until these claims procedures have been exhausted in their entirety; and

(ii)in any such legal action, all explicit and implicit determinations by the Committee (including, but not limited to, determinations as to whether the claim, or a request for a review of a denied claim, was timely filed) shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted by law.

11.Amendment and Termination.  The Committee may terminate, amend or modify the Plan at any time and for any reason, with or without notice; provided, however, that no such termination, amendment, or modification shall adversely affect a Participant’s rights to benefits under this Plan: (a) if all of the requirements of Section 8 hereof have been satisfied by the Participant at the time of such proposed termination, amendment, or modification; or (b) if such termination, amendment, or modification occurs within a period of three months prior to, or twenty-four months following, a Change in Control.

12.Limitation of Liability.  The Committee and each member thereof shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to it or him by any officer or employee of the Company, the Company's certified public accountants, consultants or any other agent assisting in the administration of the Plan. Members of the Committee and any officer or employee of the Company acting at the direction or on behalf of the Committee shall not be personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company with respect to any such action or determination.

13.Right of Set-Off and Other Remedies.  The Company may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, set off of any amounts payable to it by the Participant against any amounts that the Company may owe to the Participant from time to time under the Plan; provided, however, that, except to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code, such offset shall not apply to amounts that are a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

14.Coordination with Other Plans, Agreements, and Benefits.

(a)Neither this Plan nor any payment or benefit provided for or paid under this Plan shall affect any payment, award, or benefit which is or may become payable under the Annual Incentive Plan or the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (or their successors), which payments, awards, or benefits shall be governed by their respective applicable plan terms and any agreements related thereto.

(b)Payments and benefits received under this Plan will not be included in a Participant’s compensation or earnings for purposes of determining benefits, including pension benefits, under any other employee benefit plan of the Company.

(c)To the extent (and only to the extent) that a payment or benefit that is to be provided under this Plan has been paid or provided for the same purpose under the terms of another applicable plan, program, agreement or arrangement, including any employment or severance agreement between the Participant and the Company, then the payment under this Plan shall be deemed to have been satisfied by the payment made under such applicable plan, program, agreement or arrangement.

15.Tax Matters.

(a)Section 409A Compliance.  

(i)General Compliance.  This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with such intent. Payments and benefits provided under this Plan may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments to be made under this Plan upon a Qualifying Termination shall only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A. In the event any provision of this Plan fails to satisfy Section 409A, then such provision shall be reformed so as to comply with Section 409A. Further, if and to the extent that the Company determines that it is necessary, in order to comply with Section 409A with respect to any Participant who also participates in a Company plan, program, agreement, or arrangement described in Section 14(c) hereof, the Company may require that any amount payable under this Plan be paid at the time and in the form applicable for payments of a similar type (even if in a different amount) under such plan, program, arrangement, or agreement.

(ii)Specified Employees.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, if any payment or benefit provided to a Participant in connection with his or her termination of employment is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and the Participant is determined to be a “specified employee” as defined for purposes of Section 409A, then notwithstanding any provisions of this Plan such payment or benefit shall not be paid until the first payroll date to occur following the six-month anniversary of the Qualifying Termination or, if earlier, on the Executive’s death (the “Specified Employee Payment Date”). The aggregate of any payments that would otherwise have been paid before the Specified Employee Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the Specified Employee Payment Date and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.

(iii)Reimbursements.  To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Plan shall be provided in accordance with the following: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (ii) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to the Participant on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense

was incurred; and (iii) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(b)Section 280G.  If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Participant under this Plan (whether individually or in the aggregate) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 15(b), be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making such payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Participant of such payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Participant if such payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will such payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of such payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Participant under this Plan, net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. The calculation of the Net Benefit and any reduction under this Section 15(b) shall be performed by a nationally-recognized accounting firm selected by the Company, and any reduction made pursuant to this Section 15(b) shall be made in a manner determined by the Company that is consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.

(c)No Tax Gross-Ups.  In no event shall any provision of this Plan be construed to require the Company to provide any gross-up for the tax consequences of any provisions of, or payments or benefits under, this Agreement.

(d)Withholding.  The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.

(e)Payment Timing and Release of Claims. In the event that the 60 day period in which a Participant must provide an effective and irrevocable Separation Agreement pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan begins in one calendar year and ends in the next calendar year, then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, payment of any benefits under this Plan shall be made (or shall commence) in the later of such two calendar years.

16.Severability.  Any term or provision of this Plan which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without thereby rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Plan in any other jurisdiction.

17.Governing Law.  To the extent not pre-empted by federal law, the Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the state of Ohio without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding to enforce the provisions of the Plan will be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of Ohio, county of Cuyahoga, and each party consents to the venue and jurisdiction of such court. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.

* * * * *

[Signature page to Participation Agreement]

25435 Harvard Road

Beachwood, OH 44122

Tel:216-682-7000

Fax:216-453-0102

www.omnova.com

[Date]

By Hand Delivery

[Name]

[Title]

[Address]

Re: Participation Agreement for OMNOVA Solutions Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan

Dear [Name],

The Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) of OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (the “Company”) hereby extends to you the opportunity to be a Participant in the OMNOVA Solutions Second Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan (the “Plan”). The Committee approved the Plan effective as of _____________, 2019, replacing the OMNOVA Solutions Amended and Restated Corporate Officers’ Severance Plan.

A Participant in the Plan is eligible to receive, and the Company is obligated to pay, severance benefits if the Participant’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances, as described in the Plan. The Plan is designed to provide a severance payment, health and welfare benefit continuation, and outplacement assistance in the event of a qualifying termination of employment.

Your participation and eligibility for, and the Company’s obligation to pay, benefits under the Plan are at all times subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan document, a copy of which is attached and the terms of which are incorporated by reference into this Participation Agreement. Defined terms used herein but not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan document.

If you accept the opportunity to be a Participant in the Plan by signing and returning this Participation Agreement as specified below:

1. In the case of a Qualifying Termination occurring within 24 months following a Change in Control (which may include your termination of your employment for Good Reason), your Applicable Severance Multiplier shall be two and your Applicable Benefits Continuation Period shall be twenty-four months; or

2. For all other Qualifying Terminations (which shall not include your termination of your employment for Good Reason), your Applicable Severance Multiplier shall be one and your Applicable Benefits Continuation Period shall be twelve months.

By signing this Participation Agreement, you acknowledge and agree that your right to receive, and the Company’s obligation to provide, any benefits under the Plan is subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, including your compliance with the non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of Section

6 of the Plan and the timely execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release and the satisfaction of the other conditions to severance benefits set out in Section 8 of the Plan.

Please indicate your acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Participation Agreement by signing this Participation Agreement where indicated below, and returning it to Frank Esposito within ten (10) business days of the date first set forth above.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Title]

Accepted by:    ______________________________    Date:    ______________________________________                [Name]

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Anne P. Noonan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	July 2, 2019	/s/ Anne P. Noonan
		Name: Anne P. Noonan
		Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Paul F. DeSantis, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	July 2, 2019	/s/ Paul F. DeSantis
		Name: Paul F. DeSantis
		Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

Date:	July 2, 2019	/s/ Anne P. Noonan
		Name:	Anne P. Noonan
		Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Paul F. DeSantis
Name:	Paul F. DeSantis
Title:	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 31, 2019
Entity File Number	1-15147
Entity Registrant Name	OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC
Entity Tax Identification Number	341897652
Trading Symbol	OMN
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | shares	44,842,246
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.10
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--11-30
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0001090061
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

XML

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 205.7	$ 206.3	$ 374.6	$ 385.0
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)	156.9	154.7	288.8	286.8
Gross profit	48.8	51.6	85.8	98.2
Selling, general and administrative	30.2	28.0	58.9	57.1
Depreciation and amortization	7.8	7.3	15.9	14.5
Asset impairments	0.0	0.4	0.0	0.4
(Gain) loss on asset sales	4.2	0.0	4.1	0.0
Restructuring and severance	2.8	0.2	3.9	1.5
Interest expense	5.2	4.6	10.2	9.7
Debt issuance costs write-off	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.8
Acquisition and integration related expense	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.9
Other (income) expense, net	(0.2)	(0.1)	(1.1)	0.2
Total other costs and expenses	41.6	40.7	84.0	85.1
Income (loss) before income taxes	7.2	10.9	1.8	13.1
Income tax (benefit) expense	1.6	2.5	0.8	(2.6)
Net income (loss)	$ 5.6	$ 8.4	$ 1.0	$ 15.7
Earnings Per Share
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$ 0.13	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ 0.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$ 0.12	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ 0.35
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic	44.8	44.6	44.7	44.6
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted	45.6	44.9	45.6	44.9

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 5.6	$ 8.4	$ 1.0	$ 15.7
Foreign currency translations:
Unrealized net change during the period	(4.9)	(4.7)	(1.2)	1.0
Unrealized net change on intercompany foreign debt during the period	(0.5)	(0.9)	(0.4)	(0.3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	(5.5)	(5.7)	(1.7)	0.6
Post retirement benefit plans:
Amortization of net loss included in net periodic benefit cost	0.9	1.1	1.7	2.2
Tax effect	0.0	0.0	(0.2)	0.0
Post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax	0.9	1.1	1.5	2.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4.6)	(4.6)	(0.2)	2.8
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1.0	$ 3.8	$ 0.8	$ 18.5

XML

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33.7	$ 54.1
Accounts receivable, net	122.3	112.1
Inventories, net	82.9	78.8
Prepaid expenses and other	9.5	8.0
Total Current Assets	248.4	253.0
Property, plant and equipment, net	208.9	205.8
Intangible assets, net	51.1	53.5
Goodwill	70.2	70.9
Other non-current assets	5.3	6.0
Total Assets	583.9	589.2
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt	4.3	4.2
Accounts payable	93.2	101.1
Accrued payroll and personal property taxes	21.5	15.5
Employee benefits	3.4	2.9
Other current liabilities	9.1	10.1
Total Current Liabilities	131.5	133.8
Long-term debt	320.0	318.7
Post-retirement benefits other than pensions	5.1	5.3
Pension liabilities	49.8	51.6
Deferred income taxes	11.5	13.4
Other non-current liabilities	6.3	8.8
Total Liabilities	524.2	531.6
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; 15.0 million shares authorized; none outstanding	0.0	0.0
Common stock - $0.10 par value; 135.0 million shares authorized; 48.3 million shares issued; 44.8 and 44.9 million shares outstanding as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively	4.8	4.8
Additional contributed capital	348.0	345.9
Retained deficit	(144.9)	(145.4)
Treasury stock at cost - 3.5 and 3.4 million shares as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively	(25.6)	(25.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(122.6)	(122.4)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	59.7	57.6
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 583.9	$ 589.2

XML

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.1	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	135,000,000	135,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,300,000	48,300,000
Treasury stock, shares	3,500,000	3,400,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	44,800,000	44,900,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 1.0	$ 15.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss on asset sales	4.1	0.0
Depreciation and amortization	15.9	14.5
Impairment of long-lived assets	0.0	0.4
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees	0.7	1.4
Non-cash stock compensation expense	1.8	1.8
Provision for uncollectible accounts	0.1	0.4
Provision for obsolete inventories	0.7	0.7
Deferred income taxes	(0.6)	(6.5)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	12.8	15.1
Inventories	(5.8)	(0.8)
Other current assets	1.5	(5.2)
Current liabilities	7.9	3.6
Other non-current assets	(5.1)	(7.6)
Other non-current liabilities	(3.0)	1.9
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	(4.8)	15.6
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(18.7)	(7.1)
Proceeds from asset sales	5.5	0.0
Business acquisitions	2.8	0.1
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	(16.0)	(7.2)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from borrowings	129.7	2.3
Repayment of debt obligations	(129.0)	(44.4)
Payments for debt refinancing	0.0	1.0
Employee tax withholdings related to redemption of common shares	(0.3)	(0.5)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	0.4	(43.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0.0	0.1
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents	(20.4)	(35.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54.1	88.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	33.7	52.9
Cash paid for:
Interest	9.5	8.9
Income taxes	$ 3.5	$ 3.3

XML

Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business Description and Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (“OMNOVA Solutions”, "OMNOVA", the “Company”, "we", "us" or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The consolidated financial statements as of May 31, 2019 have been derived from the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements at that date and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature except as disclosed herein. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

The consolidation method is followed to report investments in subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process of these accounts.

A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and Management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2018, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Description of Business – The Company is an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals and engineered surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. The Company's products provide a variety of important functional and aesthetic benefits to hundreds of products that people use daily. The Company holds leading positions in key market categories, which have been built through innovative products, customized product solutions, strong technical expertise, well-established distribution channels, recognized brands, and long-standing customer relationships. The Company utilizes strategically-located manufacturing, technical and other facilities in North America, Europe, China, and Thailand to service a broad customer base. The Company has two business segments: Specialty Solutions, which is focused on the Company's higher growth specialty businesses, and Performance Materials, which is focused on the Company’s more mature businesses.

Specialty Solutions – The Specialty Solutions segment develops, designs, produces, and markets a broad line of specialty polymers for use in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, nonwovens, and oil & gas products, as well as laminates and films. These products are used in numerous applications, including architectural and industrial coatings; nonwovens used in hygiene products, filtration and construction; drilling additives for oil and gas exploration and production; elastomeric modification of plastic casings and hoses used in household and industrial products and automobiles; tapes and adhesives; sports surfaces; textile finishes; commercial building refurbishment; new construction; residential cabinets; flooring; ceiling tile; furnishings; manufactured housing; health care patient and common area furniture; and a variety of industrial films applications. The segment's products enhance our customers’ products performance, including stain, rust and aging resistance; surface modification; gloss; softness or hardness; dimensional stability; high heat and pressure tolerance; and binding and barrier (e.g. moisture, oil) properties.

The Specialty Solutions segment consists of Specialty Coatings & Ingredients, Oil & Gas, and Laminates & Films. The Specialty Coatings & Ingredients business line encompasses products that have applications for specialty coatings, nonwovens (such as disposable hygiene products, engine filters, roofing mat, and scrub pads), construction, adhesives, sealants, tape, floor care, textiles, graphic arts, and various other specialty applications. Oil & Gas applications include drilling fluid additives, which provide fluid loss control and sealing to enhance wellbore integrity, as well as cement additives for gas migration and fluid loss. The Laminates & Films product line applications include kitchen and bath cabinets, wall surfacing, manufactured

housing and recreational vehicle interiors, flooring, commercial and residential furniture, retail display fixtures, home furnishings, commercial appliances, and a variety of industrial film applications.

Performance Materials – The Performance Materials segment serves mature markets with a broad range of emulsion polymers based primarily on styrene butadiene (SB), styrene butadiene acrylonitrile (SBA), styrene butadiene vinyl pyridine, high styrene pigments, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, styrene acrylic, calcium stearate, glyoxal, and bio-based chemistries. Performance Materials' custom-formulated products are tailored latexes, resins, binders, antioxidants, hollow plastic pigment, coated fabrics, and rubber reinforcing which are used in tire cord, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, carpet binders, paper coatings, and various other applications. Its products provide a variety of functional properties to enhance the Company’s customers’ products, including greater strength, adhesion, dimensional stability, ultraviolet resistance, improved processibility, and enhanced appearance.

The Performance Materials segment encompasses performance additives, paper coatings, carpet binders, and coated fabrics. This segment includes products that have applications in the paper coatings, paperboard, carpet binders, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, and tire cord industries. Paper and paperboard coatings are used in magazines, catalogs, direct mail advertising, brochures, printed reports, food cartons, household, and other consumer and industrial packaging. Carpet binders are used to secure carpet fibers to carpet backing and meet stringent manufacturing, environmental, odor, flammability, and flexible installation requirements. Tire cord is used in automotive tires. The Coated Fabrics product line applications include upholstery used in refurbishment and new construction for the commercial office, hospitality, health care, retail, education and restaurant markets, marine and transportation seating, commercial and residential furniture, automotive soft tops, and automotive after-market applications.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, which clarified existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. This standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require a certain amount of judgment. The provisions of this ASU may be applied retroactively or on a modified retrospective (cumulative effect) basis. The standard requires additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures identifying the nature, amount, timing and significant judgments impacting revenue from contracts with customers. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and utilized the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $0.5 million for the accounting impact of certain previously capitalized contract costs as of December 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments in this ASU also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 must be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in assets. The Company adopted ASU 2017-17 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company elected to use the practical expedient to use amounts disclosed in the 2018 consolidated financial statements as an estimate for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. As a result, selling, general, and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased with an offsetting increase to other (income) expense of $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.0 million in the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of ASU 2017-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies existing guidance related to accounting for cash receipts and cash payments and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarified existing guidance on the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for standard tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 must be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. This guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which applies targeted improvements to the hedge accounting guidance, including removing the requirement to record the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument in current period income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. Amendments from this ASU are to be applied prospectively, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year that begins on December 1, 2019. The Company will elect the optional transition method to account for finance and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, December 1, 2019, and the Company will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on the same date, if necessary. This optional transition method will not require any prior period restatements. We have substantially completed aggregating our worldwide lease contracts, engaged a consultant to assist with the lease review and implementation, and are implementing a new lease accounting system to support the accounting and disclosure requirements of this ASU. The Company continues to evaluate certain practical expedients available and implement controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 842. As the implementation project progresses, the Company will determine the extent of the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Revenue Recognition

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when control of the promised goods is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods in accordance with ASC 606. When recognizing revenue, the Company applies the following five-step approach: 1) identify the contract with a customer, 2) identify the performance obligations, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company considers confirmed customer purchase orders, which are typically governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts, from an accounting perspective, with its customers. Under the Company's standard contract terms and conditions, the only performance obligation is the delivery of products and the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the Company transfers control of the products to its customers. The Company may receive orders for products to be delivered over multiple dates that may extend across several reporting periods. The Company invoices its customers for each order and recognizes revenue for each distinct product upon shipment, once transfer of control has occurred. Payment terms used are standard for the industry and jurisdictions in which the Company operates. In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment, to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to receive. Discounts or rebates are specifically stated in customer contracts or invoices, and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms and past experience and typically are credited to customers based on achieving certain defined volume levels. The product price, as specified on the customer confirmed orders, is considered the standalone selling price. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company reviews material contracts to determine transfer of control based upon the business practices and legal requirements of each country.

The Company enters into various payment terms with its customers by the type and location of the customer and the products offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and when payment is due is not significant. The amount of shipping and handling fees invoiced to our customers at the time our product is shipped is included in net sales as we are the principal in those activities. Sales tax, valued-added tax, and other taxes collected from the Company's customers and remitted to governmental authorities, where applicable, are excluded from net sales. The Company records returns as a reduction to sales when incurred. Generally, customers do not have a unilateral right to return products. The Company primarily offers an assurance-type standard warranty that the product will conform to the specifications as designed for a period of time or period of usage after delivery. These warranties do not represent a separate performance obligation.

There were no changes in amounts previously reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of ASC 606.

The following table summarizes disaggregated net sales by geographic region and reportable segment for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019:

	United States		Asia		Europe		Total
Three months ended May 31, 2019	(Dollars in millions)
Specialty Solutions	$	77.0	$	15.1	$	50.2	$	142.3
Performance Materials	40.4		14.5		8.5		63.4
Total net sales	$	117.4	$	29.6	$	58.7	$	205.7
Six months ended May 31, 2019
Specialty Solutions	$	142.7	$	26.4	$	85.9	$	255.0
Performance Materials	75.6		28.6		15.4		119.6
Total net sales	$	218.3	$	55.0	$	101.3	$	374.6

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Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block]

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Company is exposed primarily to credit, interest rate, and foreign currency rate risks, which arise in the normal course of business.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the potential financial loss resulting from the failure of a customer or counterparty to settle its financial and contractual obligations with the Company as and when they fall due. The primary credit risk for the Company is its accounts receivable, which are generally unsecured. The Company has established credit limits for customers and monitors their balances to mitigate its risk of loss. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using the Company's products. There was no single customer that represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales during the three and six month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018. There was no single customer who represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at May 31, 2019 or November 30, 2018.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s Term Loan B, Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, and various foreign subsidiary borrowings, all of which bear interest at variable rates, approximating market interest rates.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

The Company incurs foreign currency rate risk on sales and purchases denominated in other than the functional currency. The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily the Euro, Great Britain Pound Sterling, Renminbi, and Thai Baht.

Foreign currency exchange contracts are used by the Company to manage risks from the change in market exchange rates on cash payments by the Company's foreign subsidiaries and U.S. Dollar cash holdings in foreign locations. These forward contracts are used on a continuing basis for periods of approximately 30 days, consistent with the underlying hedged transactions. Hedging intends to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on the Company’s operating results. The

counterparties to these instruments are investment-grade financial institutions and the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. The Company maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. Such instruments are not purchased or sold for trading purposes. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and changes in fair value of these instruments are recognized in earnings immediately. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including the impact of foreign currency contracts, that were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, as a component of other income (loss), were gains of $0.1 million for each of the six-month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Derivative Instruments

The Company recognizes the fair value of qualifying derivative instruments as either an asset or a liability within its Consolidated Balance Sheets. For derivative instruments not designated as hedges, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in earnings each reporting period. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to transfer an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a hierarchy of valuation inputs to measure fair value.

The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels:

Level 1 inputs—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 inputs—Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 inputs—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to value assets and liabilities as appropriate. The following financial assets and liabilities are measured and presented at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018:

	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in millions)
Fair value measurements - May 31, 2019:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Fair value measurements - November 30, 2018:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6
Total liabilities	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6

⁽¹⁾ Contingent consideration obligations arise from business or product line acquisitions. The fair values are based on a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis reflecting an estimated achievement of specified performance measures of the acquired product lines. Contingent consideration is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or other non-current liabilities based on contractual payment dates.

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the first six months of 2019 are summarized as follows:

	Contingent Consideration
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at November 30, 2018	$	.6
Adjustments	(.6		)
Balance at May 31, 2019	$	—

There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the first six months of 2019 or 2018. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company removed the contingent consideration liability based on its expected value. Changes in expected value are recognized in other income within the consolidated statements of operations.

The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan B at May 31, 2019 approximated $300.0 million, which is slightly less than its book value of $300.4 million as a result of prevailing market rates on the Company’s debt. The fair value of the Term Loan B is based on market price information and is measured using the last available trade of the instrument on a secondary market in each respective period and therefore is considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value is not indicative of the amount that the Company would have to pay to redeem these instruments since they are infrequently traded and are not callable at this value. The carrying value of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company's capital lease obligation approximates its carrying amount based on estimated borrowing rates to discount the future cash flows to their present value.

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Restructuring and Severance

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure

Restructuring and Severance

The following table is a summary of restructuring and severance charges for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Severance Expense:
Specialty Solutions	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	.7
Performance Materials	1.2		.1		1.9		.1
Corporate	.2		.1		.2		.7
Total Severance Costs	1.4		.2		2.1		1.5
Facility Closure Costs:
Performance Materials	1.4		—		1.8		—
Total Restructuring and Severance Costs	$	2.8	$	.2	$	3.9	$	1.5

Costs for restructuring plans are recognized as a component of restructuring and severance expense within the consolidated statements of operations. The Company initiated the following restructuring plans:

2018 Restructuring Plan

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company announced its plan to close its styrene butadiene manufacturing facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, moving production to its Mogadore, Ohio facility. The Company recorded $3.7 million of restructuring and severance expenses in fiscal 2019 related to this plan, which is expected to be fully paid during the third quarter of 2019. Total expense incurred to date for this plan is $5.5 million, of which $2.8 million has been paid as of May 31, 2019. The Company sold the Green Bay, Wisconsin facility in May 2019 for $4.9 million, recognizing a gain of $4.4 million within the consolidated statement of operations. This gain is included in the Performance Materials segment operating results. This plan is substantially complete.

2017 Restructuring Plan

The Company incurred $0.2 million of restructuring and severance expenses in the first six months of 2019 related to the One OMNOVA initiative announced during the first quarter of 2017. This initiative was focused on improving functional excellence in marketing, sales, operations, supply chain and technology, as well as various corporate functions. The plan was

designed to reduce complexity and drive consistency across the global enterprise through a standardized, integrated business system. Total expense incurred for this initiative was $5.4 million, all of which has been paid as of May 31, 2019. This plan is substantially complete.

The following table summarizes the Company's liabilities related to restructuring and severance activities:

	November 30, 2018		2019				May 31, 2019
			Provision		Payments
	(Dollars in millions)
Total	$	1.1	$	3.9	$	2.3	$	2.7

The Company may incur future costs related to its restructuring activities, as processes are continually evaluated to enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations, and to ensure competitiveness across its businesses and across geographic areas. Future costs could include costs related to closed facilities and restructuring plan implementation costs and these will be recognized as incurred.

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, U.S. federal tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law which, among other changes: reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate effective January 1, 2018 from 35% to 21%; repealed the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”); imposed a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings not previously subject to U.S. taxation; provides a U.S. federal tax exemption on future distributions of foreign earnings; and beginning in fiscal 2019, creates a new minimum tax on certain foreign-sourced earnings.

The Tax Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Potential impacts of GILTI can either be treated as a period expense in the period incurred or considered in the determination of the Company’s deferred tax balances. The Company will account for GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period cost.

At November 30, 2018, the Company had provisionally estimated minimal income inclusion for the transition tax related to foreign earnings on which U.S. income taxes were previously deferred. As permitted under SAB 118 guidance, the Company adjusted the income inclusion related to transition tax to $27.7 million during the first quarter of 2019. The adjustment was the result of additional analysis, changes in interpretation and assumptions, as well as additional regulatory guidance that was issued subsequent to the Tax Act enactment. The Company completed the analysis of the impact of the Tax Act in accordance with SAB 118 and the amount is no longer considered provisional. The Company intends to utilize existing net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLC's") to offset the income inclusion, and therefore will have no cash taxes related to the transition tax.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively and income tax expense of $0.8 million and income tax benefit of $2.6 million for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2019 was similar to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2018 was similar to the U.S. blended federal statutory tax rate of 22.2%. The Company's effective tax rate for the first six months of 2019 was different than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized. The Company's effective tax rate for the first six months of 2018 was different than its U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to discrete items related to the Tax Act. These items included a $4.1 million income tax benefit related to the re-measurement of the U.S. deferred taxes as the U.S. federal tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% and a $0.9 million income tax benefit associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance against the existing AMT credit carryforward as it is refundable under the Tax Act. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018, the Company recognized a $0.8 million income tax benefit related to the impact of a French tax rate change on the Company’s deferred tax liabilities. The French tax rate was reduced to 25.0% beginning in 2022 and the Company's deferred tax liabilities were reduced to appropriately reflect this legislation as a current period tax benefit. These discrete tax benefits were partially offset by losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefit was recognized.

As of May 31, 2019, the Company has $65.4 million of U.S. federal NOLC's, $8.1 million of U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards, $0.1 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, $0.3 million of AMT credit carryforwards, and $78.9 million of state NOLC's. The $65.4 million of U.S. NOLC's reflects the impact of the $27.7 million utilization for transition tax as part of U.S. tax reform. Due to the NOLC's, cash tax payments in the U.S. are expected to be minimal for the foreseeable future. The majority of the federal, state, and local NOLC's will expire in tax years 2024 through 2034 while the foreign tax credit carryforwards will expire in the tax years 2020 through 2022, and the capital loss carryforwards will expire beginning in tax year 2022. The Company has a valuation allowance against the U.S. federal and state NOLC's and the U.S. federal capital loss carryforward. As of May 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $52.2 million of foreign NOLC's of which $32.1 million

have an indefinite carryforward period. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance against the $32.1 million foreign NOLC's which have an indefinite carryforward period as the Company does not anticipate utilizing these carryforwards.

The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by various tax authorities. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer open to audits by U.S. and foreign jurisdictions for years prior to 2014.

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The following table summarizes the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share, assuming dilution:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	5.6	$	8.4	$	1.0	$	15.7
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted average shares outstanding	44.8		44.6		44.7		44.6
Effect of dilutive securities	.8		.3		.9		.3
Denominator for dilutive earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	45.6		44.9		45.6		44.9
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$	.13	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$	.12	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35

There are no anti-dilutive securities for the periods presented.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables reflect the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance February 28, 2019	$	(28.8	)	$	(89.2	)	$	(118.0	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.5		)	—			(5.5		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			.9			.9
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance February 28 , 2018	$	(16.8	)	$	(101.1	)	$	(117.9	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.7		)	—			(5.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.1			1.1
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018
Balance November 30, 2018	$	(32.6	)	$	(89.8	)	$	(122.4	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1.7		)	—			(1.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.5			1.5
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance November 30, 2017	$	(23.1	)	$	(102.2	)	$	(125.3	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	.6			—			.6
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			2.2			2.2
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)

^(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit plans were included in net periodic benefit expense.

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Shareholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Shareholders' Equity

The following tables reflect the changes in shareholders' equity for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Number of Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Additional Contributed Capital		Retained Deficit			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders' Equity
	(Dollars and shares in millions)
Balance November 30, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.9	$	(145.4	)	$	(25.3	)	$	(122.4	)	$	57.6
Net income (loss)							(4.6		)							(4.6		)
Foreign currency translations													3.8			3.8
Adjustment for accounting change							(.5		)							(.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.6			.6
Share-based compensation					.3											.3
Other	(.1	)								(.2		)				(.2		)
Balance February 28, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	346.2	$	(150.5	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(118.0	)	$	57.0
Net income (loss)							5.6									5.6
Foreign currency translations													(5.5		)	(5.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.9			.9
Share-based compensation					1.5											1.5
Other					.3					(.1		)				.2
Balance May 31, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	348.0	$	(144.9	)	$	(25.6	)	$	(122.6	)	$	59.7
Balance November 30, 2017	44.8		$	4.8	$	343.4	$	(159.2	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(125.3	)	$	38.2
Net income (loss)							7.3									7.3
Foreign currency translations													6.3			6.3
Adjustment for accounting change							(6.9		)							(6.9		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.5											.5
Other					.5					(.5		)				—
Balance February 28, 2018	44.8		$	4.8	$	344.4	$	(158.8	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(117.9	)	$	46.5
Net income (loss)							8.4									8.4
Foreign currency translations													(5.7		)	(5.7		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.4											.4
Other	.1				.3											.3
Balance May 31, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.1	$	(150.4	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(122.5	)	$	51.0

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. U.S. inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and represented approximately $44.8 million, or 41.8%, and $47.6 million, or 45.9%, of gross inventories at May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively. The remaining portion of inventories, which are located outside of the U.S., are valued using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or an average cost method. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to final year-end LIFO inventory valuations. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. Inventories, net, consisted of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Raw materials and supplies	$	34.7		$	35.0
Work-in-process	5.3			5.3
Finished goods	67.0			63.5
Inventories, gross	107.0			103.8
LIFO reserve	(16.7		)	(18.1		)
Obsolescence reserve	(7.4		)	(6.9		)
Inventories, net	$	82.9		$	78.8

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Debt and Credit Lines

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Credit Lines

Debt and Credit Lines

Debt obligations due within the next twelve months consist of the following:

	May 31, 2019		November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023, current portion (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	3.5	$	3.5
Capital lease obligations, current portion	.8		.7
Total	$	4.3	$	4.2

The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023 (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	300.4		$	302.1
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due 2021 (interest at 4.25% and 3.88%, respectively)	14.7			12.0
Capital lease obligations	15.2			15.6
Gross debt	330.3			329.7
Less: current portion	(4.3		)	(4.2		)
Unamortized original issue discount	(1.9		)	(2.1		)
Debt issuance costs	(4.1		)	(4.7		)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	320.0		$	318.7

The weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s short-term debt was 5.74% and 5.04% during the second quarters of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Term Loan B        

The Company's $350.0 million Term Loan B ("Term Loan B") matures on August 26, 2023 and is primarily secured by all real property, plant, and equipment of the Company's U.S. facilities and fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by the material U.S. subsidiaries of the Company. The Term Loan B contains affirmative and negative covenants, including a requirement to maintain a net debt leverage ratio of 5.0 to 1.0, limitations on additional debt, certain investments, and acquisitions outside of the Company’s line of business. The Company is in compliance with its Term Loan B covenants as of May 31, 2019.

The Company's Term Loan B has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. The Term Loan B agreement permits the Company to request additional term loans or incremental equivalent debt borrowings (the “Additional Term Loans”) in a maximum aggregate amount equal to the greater of (a) $120.0 million and (b) an aggregate principal amount such that, on a pro forma basis (giving effect to any Additional Term Loans), the Company’s senior secured net debt leverage ratio will not exceed 4.0 to 1.0.

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

The Company has a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility") which matures on August 26, 2021. The Facility is secured by U.S. accounts receivable, inventory, and intangible assets. The Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, similar to the Term Loan B, including limitations on additional debt, certain investments and acquisitions outside of the Company’s line of business. If the average excess availability of the Facility falls below $25.0 million during any fiscal quarter, the Company must then maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.1 to 1.0 as defined in the agreement. The Company was in compliance with this requirement at May 31, 2019. At May 31, 2019 there was a balance of $13.0 million borrowed under the Facility and the amount available for borrowing under the Facility was $53.1 million.

Eurodollar Revolving Loan

The Company has a €16.0 million Eurodollar Revolving Loan ("Revolver") to provide additional liquidity and working capital flexibility in Europe. The terms of the Revolver are similar to the Company's U.S. Facility, including the maturity date of August 26, 2021. The Revolver contains a €9.0 million expansion feature the Company may exercise in the future to gain additional liquidity should secured collateral of accounts receivable increase. At May 31, 2019 there was €1.5 million borrowed under the Revolver and the amount available for borrowing under the Revolver was €9.3 million.

Other Debt

The Company has borrowing facilities at certain of its foreign subsidiaries, which consist of overdraft lines, working capital credit lines, and facilities for the issuance of letters of credit and short-term borrowing needs. Total borrowing capacity for these facilities was $11.8 million and $7.0 million as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively. These facilities support commitments made in the ordinary course of business.

Capital Lease Obligations

At May 31, 2019, the Company had net assets under capital leases totaling $14.3 million, which are included in property, plant, and equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under the Company's capital leases together with the present value of the net future minimum lease payments as of May 31, 2019:

Year Ending November 30:	(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	.7
2020	1.5
2021	1.5
2022	1.4
2023	1.4
Thereafter	15.2
Total minimum lease payments	21.7
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	(.5		)
Net minimum lease payments	21.2
Less: Amount representing interest	(6.0		)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	15.2

Debt Issuance Costs and Original Issue Discounts

Debt issuance costs and original issue discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company's debt are being amortized over the respective terms of the underlying debt, including any amendments. Total amortization expense of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts is included as a component of interest expense and was $0.3 million for both the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, and $0.7 million and $0.6 million for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During the quarter ended February 28, 2018, the Company made a $40.0 million prepayment and determined that this constituted a partial extinguishment of debt and as such, wrote-off $0.8 million of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts.

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Share-Based Employee Compensation

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Employee Compensation

Share-Based Employee Compensation

The Company provides compensation benefits to employees under the OMNOVA Solutions 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which was approved by shareholders on March 22, 2017. The Plan permits the Company to grant to officers, key employees and non-employee directors of the Company incentives directly linked to the price of OMNOVA Solutions’ common shares. The Plan authorizes the issuance of Company common shares in the aggregate for (a) awards of options rights to purchase Company common shares, (b) performance shares and performance units, (c) restricted shares, (d) restricted share units, or (e) appreciation rights. Shares granted under the Plan may be either newly issued shares or treasury shares or both. As of May 31, 2019, approximately 1.9 million Company common shares remained available for grants under the Plan. All options granted under the Plan are granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. Additionally, the Plan provides that the term of any option granted under the Plan may not exceed 10 years. Prior to March 22, 2017, the Company granted equity compensation under the OMNOVA Solutions Third Amended and Restated 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, which had substantially similar features.

The Company grants Performance Share Units ("PSU's") to its executive officers. The PSU's provide recipients the right to receive the Company's common shares if specified performance goals, including a performance goal relative to peers, are met over a three fiscal year measurement period. Each grantee receives a target grant of PSU's, but may earn between 0% and 200% (or in the case of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, between 0% and 160% for awards granted prior to 2019, and between 0% and 143% for grants made in 2019) of the target grant depending on the Company's performance against the stated performance goals.

Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period). The fair value of Restricted Share Awards ("RSA's"), Restricted Share Units ("RSU's"), and PSU's are determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the date of grant. RSU's entitle the holder to receive one ordinary share for each RSU at vesting, generally over a three year period from the date of grant. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by the Company.

Compensation expense for all share-based payments included in general and administrative expense was $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

As of May 31, 2019, there was $4.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements.

A summary of the RSA, RSU, and PSU activity for 2019 follows:

	Share Awards & Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested at December 1, 2018	1,350,313		$	8.11
Granted	489,699		$	7.60
Vested	(96,343	)	$	5.24
Canceled and Forfeited	(18,384	)	$	8.03
Nonvested at May 31, 2019	1,725,285		$	8.13

The Company also provides eligible employees the opportunity to purchase Company common shares through payroll deductions under the OMNOVA Solutions Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). The purchase price for common shares purchased from the Company will be 85% of the closing price of the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on the investment date. Participants may contribute funds to the ESPP, not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars in any calendar year. If a participant terminates his or her employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, the participant's participation will immediately terminate, uncommitted funds will be applied to the purchase of common shares, and the participant's account will be converted to a regular brokerage account. As of May 31, 2019, there were approximately 43,000 purchased by eligible participants through the ESPP.

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Employee Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), local statutory law, or as determined by the Board of Directors. The plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for a U.S. non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans. Future service benefits are frozen for all participants under the Company's U.S. defined benefit plan. All benefits earned by affected employees through the dates on which such benefits were frozen have become fully vested with the affected employees eligible to receive benefits upon retirement, as described in the Plan document.

Net periodic benefit cost (income) consisted of the following for the three and six month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	.7		$	.7		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	2.6			2.2			—			—
Expected return on plan assets	(3.9		)	(3.9		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1.2			1.3			(.3		)	(.2		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	.6		$	.3		$	(.3	)	$	(.2	)
	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	1.4		$	1.3		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	5.1			4.5			.1			.1
Expected return on plan assets	(7.8		)	(7.8		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	2.3			2.7			(.6		)	(.5		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	1.0		$	.7		$	(.5	)	$	(.4	)

Service cost is recorded in SG&A, while other components of net periodic pension costs are recorded in Other (Income) Expense. Service cost represents plan administration expenses. The Company expects to contribute approximately $6.4 million to its pension plans during fiscal 2019. There were no contributions made during the first six months of 2019.

The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan. Participation in this plan is voluntary and is available to substantially all U.S. salaried employees and to certain groups of U.S. hourly employees. Company contributions to this plan are based on either a percentage of employee contributions or on a specified amount per hour based on the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Company contributions are made in cash. Expense for this plan was $1.4 million for both the first six months of 2019 and 2018.

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Contingencies

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims, proceedings, and lawsuits related to products, services, contracts, employment, environmental, safety, intellectual property, and other matters. The ultimate resolution of such claims, proceedings, and lawsuits is inherently unpredictable and, as a result, the Company’s estimates of liability, if any, are subject to change. Actual results may materially differ from the Company’s estimates and an unfavorable resolution of any matter could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows of the Company. However, subject to the above and taking into account such amounts, if any, as are accrued from time to time on the Company’s balance sheet, the Company does not believe, based on the information currently available to it, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

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Business Segment Information

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Business Segment Information

The Company's two reporting segments are Specialty Solutions and Performance Materials. These two reporting segments were determined based on products and services provided as defined under ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Accounting policies of the segments are the same as the Company’s accounting policies. The Company’s reporting segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on certain differences in their operations, technology, and marketing strategies.

Segment operating profit represents net sales less applicable costs, expenses and provisions for restructuring and severance costs, asset write-offs and acquisition and integration related expenses relating to operations. However, Management excludes restructuring and severance costs, asset write-offs, and acquisition and integration related costs when evaluating the results and allocating resources to the segments.

Segment operating profit excludes certain unallocated corporate headquarters expenses. Corporate headquarters expense includes the cost of providing and maintaining the corporate headquarters functions, including salaries, rent, travel and entertainment expenses, depreciation, utility costs, outside services, and amortization of deferred financing costs.

The following table summarizes operations by segment and a reconciliation of segment sales to consolidated sales and segment operating profit to income (loss) before income taxes:

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net Sales:
Specialty Solutions	$	142.3		$	128.8		$	255.0		$	238.0
Performance Materials	63.4			77.5			119.6			147.0
Total Net Sales	$	205.7		$	206.3		$	374.6		$	385.0
Segment Operating Profit:
Specialty Solutions	$	20.0		$	21.9		$	29.3		$	35.5
Performance Materials	.8			.1			(2.0		)	2.2
Total segment operating profit	20.8			22.0			27.3			37.7
Interest expense	(5.2		)	(4.6		)	(10.2		)	(9.7		)
Corporate expenses	(8.4		)	(6.5		)	(15.3		)	(14.9		)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	7.2		$	10.9		$	1.8		$	13.1

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Basis of Presentation Use of Estimates (Policies)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (“OMNOVA Solutions”, "OMNOVA", the “Company”, "we", "us" or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The consolidated financial statements as of May 31, 2019 have been derived from the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements at that date and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature except as disclosed herein. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year.

Use of Estimates, Policy

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

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Basis of Presentation Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidation method is followed to report investments in subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process of these accounts.

A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and Management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2018, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

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Basis of Presentation Description of Business (Policies)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Description of Business [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Description of Business – The Company is an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals and engineered surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. The Company's products provide a variety of important functional and aesthetic benefits to hundreds of products that people use daily. The Company holds leading positions in key market categories, which have been built through innovative products, customized product solutions, strong technical expertise, well-established distribution channels, recognized brands, and long-standing customer relationships. The Company utilizes strategically-located manufacturing, technical and other facilities in North America, Europe, China, and Thailand to service a broad customer base. The Company has two business segments: Specialty Solutions, which is focused on the Company's higher growth specialty businesses, and Performance Materials, which is focused on the Company’s more mature businesses.

Specialty Solutions – The Specialty Solutions segment develops, designs, produces, and markets a broad line of specialty polymers for use in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, nonwovens, and oil & gas products, as well as laminates and films. These products are used in numerous applications, including architectural and industrial coatings; nonwovens used in hygiene products, filtration and construction; drilling additives for oil and gas exploration and production; elastomeric modification of plastic casings and hoses used in household and industrial products and automobiles; tapes and adhesives; sports surfaces; textile finishes; commercial building refurbishment; new construction; residential cabinets; flooring; ceiling tile; furnishings; manufactured housing; health care patient and common area furniture; and a variety of industrial films applications. The segment's products enhance our customers’ products performance, including stain, rust and aging resistance; surface modification; gloss; softness or hardness; dimensional stability; high heat and pressure tolerance; and binding and barrier (e.g. moisture, oil) properties.

The Specialty Solutions segment consists of Specialty Coatings & Ingredients, Oil & Gas, and Laminates & Films. The Specialty Coatings & Ingredients business line encompasses products that have applications for specialty coatings, nonwovens (such as disposable hygiene products, engine filters, roofing mat, and scrub pads), construction, adhesives, sealants, tape, floor care, textiles, graphic arts, and various other specialty applications. Oil & Gas applications include drilling fluid additives, which provide fluid loss control and sealing to enhance wellbore integrity, as well as cement additives for gas migration and fluid loss. The Laminates & Films product line applications include kitchen and bath cabinets, wall surfacing, manufactured

housing and recreational vehicle interiors, flooring, commercial and residential furniture, retail display fixtures, home furnishings, commercial appliances, and a variety of industrial film applications.

Performance Materials – The Performance Materials segment serves mature markets with a broad range of emulsion polymers based primarily on styrene butadiene (SB), styrene butadiene acrylonitrile (SBA), styrene butadiene vinyl pyridine, high styrene pigments, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, styrene acrylic, calcium stearate, glyoxal, and bio-based chemistries. Performance Materials' custom-formulated products are tailored latexes, resins, binders, antioxidants, hollow plastic pigment, coated fabrics, and rubber reinforcing which are used in tire cord, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, carpet binders, paper coatings, and various other applications. Its products provide a variety of functional properties to enhance the Company’s customers’ products, including greater strength, adhesion, dimensional stability, ultraviolet resistance, improved processibility, and enhanced appearance.

The Performance Materials segment encompasses performance additives, paper coatings, carpet binders, and coated fabrics. This segment includes products that have applications in the paper coatings, paperboard, carpet binders, polymer stabilization, industrial rubbers, and tire cord industries. Paper and paperboard coatings are used in magazines, catalogs, direct mail advertising, brochures, printed reports, food cartons, household, and other consumer and industrial packaging. Carpet binders are used to secure carpet fibers to carpet backing and meet stringent manufacturing, environmental, odor, flammability, and flexible installation requirements. Tire cord is used in automotive tires. The Coated Fabrics product line applications include upholstery used in refurbishment and new construction for the commercial office, hospitality, health care, retail, education and restaurant markets, marine and transportation seating, commercial and residential furniture, automotive soft tops, and automotive after-market applications.

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Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies Adopted (Policies)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Entity Accounting Standard

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, which clarified existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. This standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require a certain amount of judgment. The provisions of this ASU may be applied retroactively or on a modified retrospective (cumulative effect) basis. The standard requires additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures identifying the nature, amount, timing and significant judgments impacting revenue from contracts with customers. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and utilized the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $0.5 million for the accounting impact of certain previously capitalized contract costs as of December 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments in this ASU also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 must be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in assets. The Company adopted ASU 2017-17 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company elected to use the practical expedient to use amounts disclosed in the 2018 consolidated financial statements as an estimate for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. As a result, selling, general, and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased with an offsetting increase to other (income) expense of $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.0 million in the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of ASU 2017-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies existing guidance related to accounting for cash receipts and cash payments and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarified existing guidance on the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU effective December 1, 2018, and this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for standard tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 must be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. This guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which applies targeted improvements to the hedge accounting guidance, including removing the requirement to record the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument in current period income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted in any interim period. Amendments from this ASU are to be applied prospectively, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year that begins on December 1, 2019. The Company will elect the optional transition method to account for finance and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, December 1, 2019, and the Company will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on the same date, if necessary. This optional transition method will not require any prior period restatements. We have substantially completed aggregating our worldwide lease contracts, engaged a consultant to assist with the lease review and implementation, and are implementing a new lease accounting system to support the accounting and disclosure requirements of this ASU. The Company continues to evaluate certain practical expedients available and implement controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 842. As the implementation project progresses, the Company will determine the extent of the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes disaggregated net sales by geographic region and reportable segment for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019:

	United States		Asia		Europe		Total
Three months ended May 31, 2019	(Dollars in millions)
Specialty Solutions	$	77.0	$	15.1	$	50.2	$	142.3
Performance Materials	40.4		14.5		8.5		63.4
Total net sales	$	117.4	$	29.6	$	58.7	$	205.7
Six months ended May 31, 2019
Specialty Solutions	$	142.7	$	26.4	$	85.9	$	255.0
Performance Materials	75.6		28.6		15.4		119.6
Total net sales	$	218.3	$	55.0	$	101.3	$	374.6

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Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following financial assets and liabilities are measured and presented at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018:

	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in millions)
Fair value measurements - May 31, 2019:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	22.9	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Fair value measurements - November 30, 2018:
Financial assets
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Total assets	$	16.5	$	.1	$	—	$	.1	$	—
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration (1)	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6
Total liabilities	$	—	$	.6	$	—	$	—	$	.6

⁽¹⁾ Contingent consideration obligations arise from business or product line acquisitions. The fair values are based on a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis reflecting an estimated achievement of specified performance measures of the acquired product lines. Contingent consideration is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or other non-current liabilities based on contractual payment dates.

Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the first six months of 2019 are summarized as follows:

	Contingent Consideration
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at November 30, 2018	$	.6
Adjustments	(.6		)
Balance at May 31, 2019	$	—

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Restructuring and Severance (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]

The following table is a summary of restructuring and severance charges for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Severance Expense:
Specialty Solutions	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	.7
Performance Materials	1.2		.1		1.9		.1
Corporate	.2		.1		.2		.7
Total Severance Costs	1.4		.2		2.1		1.5
Facility Closure Costs:
Performance Materials	1.4		—		1.8		—
Total Restructuring and Severance Costs	$	2.8	$	.2	$	3.9	$	1.5

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the Company's liabilities related to restructuring and severance activities:

	November 30, 2018		2019				May 31, 2019
			Provision		Payments
	(Dollars in millions)
Total	$	1.1	$	3.9	$	2.3	$	2.7

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Earnings Per Commin Share And Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

The following table summarizes the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share, assuming dilution:

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	5.6	$	8.4	$	1.0	$	15.7
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted average shares outstanding	44.8		44.6		44.7		44.6
Effect of dilutive securities	.8		.3		.9		.3
Denominator for dilutive earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	45.6		44.9		45.6		44.9
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$	.13	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$	.12	$	.19	$	.02	$	.35

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following tables reflect the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance February 28, 2019	$	(28.8	)	$	(89.2	)	$	(118.0	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.5		)	—			(5.5		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			.9			.9
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance February 28 , 2018	$	(16.8	)	$	(101.1	)	$	(117.9	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5.7		)	—			(5.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.1			1.1
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018
Balance November 30, 2018	$	(32.6	)	$	(89.8	)	$	(122.4	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1.7		)	—			(1.7		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			1.5			1.5
Balance May 31, 2019	$	(34.3	)	$	(88.3	)	$	(122.6	)
Balance November 30, 2017	$	(23.1	)	$	(102.2	)	$	(125.3	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	.6			—			.6
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	—			2.2			2.2
Balance May 31, 2018	$	(22.5	)	$	(100.0	)	$	(122.5	)

^(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit plans were included in net periodic benefit expense.

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Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

The following tables reflect the changes in shareholders' equity for the six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Number of Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Additional Contributed Capital		Retained Deficit			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders' Equity
	(Dollars and shares in millions)
Balance November 30, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.9	$	(145.4	)	$	(25.3	)	$	(122.4	)	$	57.6
Net income (loss)							(4.6		)							(4.6		)
Foreign currency translations													3.8			3.8
Adjustment for accounting change							(.5		)							(.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.6			.6
Share-based compensation					.3											.3
Other	(.1	)								(.2		)				(.2		)
Balance February 28, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	346.2	$	(150.5	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(118.0	)	$	57.0
Net income (loss)							5.6									5.6
Foreign currency translations													(5.5		)	(5.5		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													.9			.9
Share-based compensation					1.5											1.5
Other					.3					(.1		)				.2
Balance May 31, 2019	44.8		$	4.8	$	348.0	$	(144.9	)	$	(25.6	)	$	(122.6	)	$	59.7
Balance November 30, 2017	44.8		$	4.8	$	343.4	$	(159.2	)	$	(25.5	)	$	(125.3	)	$	38.2
Net income (loss)							7.3									7.3
Foreign currency translations													6.3			6.3
Adjustment for accounting change							(6.9		)							(6.9		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.5											.5
Other					.5					(.5		)				—
Balance February 28, 2018	44.8		$	4.8	$	344.4	$	(158.8	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(117.9	)	$	46.5
Net income (loss)							8.4									8.4
Foreign currency translations													(5.7		)	(5.7		)
Post-retirement benefit plans													1.1			1.1
Share-based compensation					.4											.4
Other	.1				.3											.3
Balance May 31, 2018	44.9		$	4.8	$	345.1	$	(150.4	)	$	(26.0	)	$	(122.5	)	$	51.0

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory

Inventories, net, consisted of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Raw materials and supplies	$	34.7		$	35.0
Work-in-process	5.3			5.3
Finished goods	67.0			63.5
Inventories, gross	107.0			103.8
LIFO reserve	(16.7		)	(18.1		)
Obsolescence reserve	(7.4		)	(6.9		)
Inventories, net	$	82.9		$	78.8

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Debt and Credit Lines (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Short-term Debt

Debt obligations due within the next twelve months consist of the following:

	May 31, 2019		November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023, current portion (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	3.5	$	3.5
Capital lease obligations, current portion	.8		.7
Total	$	4.3	$	4.2

Schedule of Long-Term Debt

The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following:

	May 31, 2019			November 30, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023 (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$	300.4		$	302.1
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due 2021 (interest at 4.25% and 3.88%, respectively)	14.7			12.0
Capital lease obligations	15.2			15.6
Gross debt	330.3			329.7
Less: current portion	(4.3		)	(4.2		)
Unamortized original issue discount	(1.9		)	(2.1		)
Debt issuance costs	(4.1		)	(4.7		)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	320.0		$	318.7

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases

The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under the Company's capital leases together with the present value of the net future minimum lease payments as of May 31, 2019:

Year Ending November 30:	(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	.7
2020	1.5
2021	1.5
2022	1.4
2023	1.4
Thereafter	15.2
Total minimum lease payments	21.7
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	(.5		)
Net minimum lease payments	21.2
Less: Amount representing interest	(6.0		)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	15.2

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Share-Based Employee Compensation Share-Based Employee Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

A summary of the RSA, RSU, and PSU activity for 2019 follows:

	Share Awards & Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested at December 1, 2018	1,350,313		$	8.11
Granted	489,699		$	7.60
Vested	(96,343	)	$	5.24
Canceled and Forfeited	(18,384	)	$	8.03
Nonvested at May 31, 2019	1,725,285		$	8.13

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

Net periodic benefit cost (income) consisted of the following for the three and six month periods ending May 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	.7		$	.7		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	2.6			2.2			—			—
Expected return on plan assets	(3.9		)	(3.9		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1.2			1.3			(.3		)	(.2		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	.6		$	.3		$	(.3	)	$	(.2	)
	Pension Plans						Health Care Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Six months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service costs	$	1.4		$	1.3		$	—		$	—
Interest costs	5.1			4.5			.1			.1
Expected return on plan assets	(7.8		)	(7.8		)	—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	2.3			2.7			(.6		)	(.5		)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	1.0		$	.7		$	(.5	)	$	(.4	)

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

May 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes operations by segment and a reconciliation of segment sales to consolidated sales and segment operating profit to income (loss) before income taxes:

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Six Months Ended May 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Net Sales:
Specialty Solutions	$	142.3		$	128.8		$	255.0		$	238.0
Performance Materials	63.4			77.5			119.6			147.0
Total Net Sales	$	205.7		$	206.3		$	374.6		$	385.0
Segment Operating Profit:
Specialty Solutions	$	20.0		$	21.9		$	29.3		$	35.5
Performance Materials	.8			.1			(2.0		)	2.2
Total segment operating profit	20.8			22.0			27.3			37.7
Interest expense	(5.2		)	(4.6		)	(10.2		)	(9.7		)
Corporate expenses	(8.4		)	(6.5		)	(15.3		)	(14.9		)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	7.2		$	10.9		$	1.8		$	13.1

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Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	May 31, 2019 segment	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments			2	2
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption							$ (0.5)	$ (6.9)
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$ 0.4	$ 0.6			$ 0.9	$ 1.0

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Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 205.7	$ 206.3	$ 374.6	$ 385.0
Americas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	117.4		218.3
Asia [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	29.6		55.0
Europe [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	58.7		101.3
Specialty Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	142.3		255.0
Specialty Solutions [Member] | Americas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	77.0		142.7
Specialty Solutions [Member] | Asia [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	15.1		26.4
Specialty Solutions [Member] | Europe [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	50.2		85.9
Performance Materials [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	63.4		119.6
Performance Materials [Member] | Americas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	40.4		75.6
Performance Materials [Member] | Asia [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	14.5		28.6
Performance Materials [Member] | Europe [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 8.5		$ 15.4

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Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended
		May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Description of Terms		P30D
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax		$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		22.9		$ 16.5
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure		0.1		0.1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0.1		0.1
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		0.0		0.0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]	0.0		0.6
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		$ 0.0		0.6
Sales [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		10.00%
Term Loan B [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 300.0
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023 (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)		300.4		302.1
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	[1]	0.0		0.0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		$ 22.9		16.5
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		10.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 0.0		0.0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		0.0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]	0.0		0.0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		0.0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure		0.1		0.1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0.1		0.1
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]	0.0		0.0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		0.0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		0.0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		0.0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]	0.0		0.6
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		0.0		$ 0.6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3		$ (0.6)

[1] Contingent consideration obligations arise from business or product line acquisitions. The fair values are based on a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis reflecting an estimated achievement of specified performance measures of the acquired product lines. Contingent consideration is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or other non-current liabilities based on contractual payment dates.

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Restructuring and Severance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 2.8	$ 0.2	$ 3.9	$ 1.5
Payments for Restructuring			2.3
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment			5.5	0.0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	4.2	0.0	4.1	0.0
Restructuring Reserve	2.7		2.7		$ 1.1
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1.4	0.2	2.1	1.5
Specialty Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7
Performance Materials [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1.2	0.1	1.9	0.1
Performance Materials [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1.4	0.0	1.8	0.0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0.2	$ 0.1	0.2	$ 0.7
2018 restructuring plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			3.7
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	4.9
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ 4.4
2017 restructuring plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			0.2
Project Life to Date [Member] | 2018 restructuring plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			5.5
Payments for Restructuring			2.8
Project Life to Date [Member] | 2017 restructuring plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 5.4

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Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%					21.00%		22.20%
GILTI Transition Tax			$ 27.7
Income tax (benefit) expense		$ (1.6)		$ (2.5)		$ (0.8)	$ 2.6
Reversal of VA against AMT from Legislation							0.9
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					$ 0.8
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax		0.3				0.3
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign, Indefinite Carryforward Period		32.1				32.1
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount							$ 4.1
Operating Loss Carryforwards		65.4				65.4
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards		8.1				8.1
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		52.2				52.2
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount		0.1				0.1
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		$ 78.9				$ 78.9

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 5.6	$ (4.6)	$ 8.4	$ 7.3	$ 1.0	$ 15.7
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted average shares outstanding	44.8		44.6		44.7	44.6
Effect of dilutive securities	0.8		0.3		0.9	0.3
Denominator for dilutive earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	45.6		44.9		45.6	44.9
Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$ 0.13		$ 0.19		$ 0.02	$ 0.35
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$ 0.12		$ 0.19		$ 0.02	$ 0.35

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, beginning of period		$ (118.0)	$ (117.9)	$ (122.4)	$ (125.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(5.5)	(5.7)	(1.7)	0.6
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	[1]	0.9	1.1	1.5	2.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, end of period		(122.6)	(122.5)	(122.6)	(122.5)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, beginning of period		(28.8)	(16.8)	(32.6)	(23.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(5.5)	(5.7)	(1.7)	0.6
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	[1]	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, end of period		(34.3)	(22.5)	(34.3)	(22.5)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, beginning of period		(89.2)	(101.1)	(89.8)	(102.2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Amounts reclassified to earnings (a)	[1]	0.9	1.1	1.5	2.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, end of period		$ (88.3)	$ (100.0)	$ (88.3)	$ (100.0)

[1] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit plans were included in net periodic benefit expense.

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Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	$ 57.0	$ 57.6	$ 46.5	$ 38.2	$ 57.6	$ 38.2
Net income (loss)	5.6	(4.6)	8.4	7.3	1.0	15.7
Foreign currency translations	(5.5)	3.8	(5.7)	6.3	(1.7)	0.6
Adjustment for accounting change		(0.5)		(6.9)
Post-retirement benefit plans	0.9	0.6	1.1	1.1	1.5	2.2
Share-based compensation	1.5	0.3	0.4	0.5
Other	0.2	(0.2)	0.3	0.0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	$ 59.7	$ 57.0	$ 51.0	$ 46.5	$ 59.7	$ 51.0
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares, Outstanding, beginning of period	44.8	44.9	44.8	44.8	44.9	44.8
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other		(0.1)	0.1
Shares, Outstanding, end of period	44.8	44.8	44.9	44.8	44.8	44.9
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 4.8
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	346.2	345.9	344.4	343.4	345.9	343.4
Share-based compensation	1.5	0.3	0.4	0.5
Other	0.3		0.3	0.5
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	348.0	346.2	345.1	344.4	348.0	345.1
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	(150.5)	(145.4)	(158.8)	(159.2)	(145.4)	(159.2)
Net income (loss)	5.6	(4.6)	8.4	7.3
Adjustment for accounting change		(0.5)		(6.9)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	(144.9)	(150.5)	(150.4)	(158.8)	(144.9)	(150.4)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	(25.5)	(25.3)	(26.0)	(25.5)	(25.3)	(25.5)
Other	(0.1)	(0.2)		(0.5)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	(25.6)	(25.5)	(26.0)	(26.0)	(25.6)	(26.0)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, beginning of period	(118.0)	(122.4)	(117.9)	(125.3)	(122.4)	(125.3)
Foreign currency translations	(5.5)	3.8	(5.7)	6.3
Post-retirement benefit plans	0.9	0.6	1.1	1.1
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, end of period	$ (122.6)	$ (118.0)	$ (122.5)	$ (117.9)	$ (122.6)	$ (122.5)

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Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO inventory amount	$ 44.8	$ 47.6
Percentage of LIFO inventory	41.80%	45.90%
Raw materials and supplies	$ 34.7	$ 35.0
Work-in-process	5.3	5.3
Finished goods	67.0	63.5
Inventories, gross	107.0	103.8
LIFO reserve	(16.7)	(18.1)
Obsolescence reserve	(7.4)	(6.9)
Inventories, net	$ 82.9	$ 78.8

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Debt and Credit Lines Schedule of Short Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations, current portion	$ 0.8	$ 0.7
Total	4.3	4.2
Term Loan B [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023, current portion (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	$ 3.5	$ 3.5

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Debt and Credit Lines Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 15.2	$ 15.6
Gross debt	330.3	329.7
Less: current portion	(4.3)	(4.2)
Unamortized original issue discount	(1.9)	(2.1)
Debt issuance costs	4.1	4.7
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	320.0	318.7
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
$350 million Term Loan B, due 2023 (interest at 5.73% and 5.55%, respectively)	300.4	302.1
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	$ 14.7	$ 12.0

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Debt and Credit Lines Capital Lease Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 0.7
2020	1.5
2021	1.5
2022	1.4
2023	1.4
Thereafter	15.2
Total minimum lease payments	21.7
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	(0.5)
Net minimum lease payments	21.2
Less: Amount representing interest	(6.0)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$ 15.2	$ 15.6

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Debt and Credit Lines Additional Information (Details) € in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	May 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, over Time				5.74%	5.04%
Capital Leased Assets	$ 14,300,000			$ 14,300,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts	300,000	$ 300,000		700,000	$ 600,000
Debt issuance costs write-off	$ 0	$ 0	$ 800,000	$ 0	$ 800,000
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date				Aug. 26, 2021
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period				$ 25,000,000.0
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	1.1			1.1		1.1
Long-term Line of Credit, Outstanding Borrowings	$ 13,000,000.0			$ 13,000,000.0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	53,100,000			53,100,000
Eurodollar Revolver [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expansion Feature | €						€ 9.0
Long-term Line of Credit, Outstanding Borrowings | €						1.5
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity | €						9.3
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €						€ 16.0
Foreign line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	11,800,000			11,800,000			$ 7,000,000.0
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 350,000,000.0			$ 350,000,000.0
Net Leverage Ratio Required by Debt Covenant	5.0			5.0		5.0
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				3.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Expansion Feature	$ 120,000,000.0			$ 120,000,000.0
Repayments of Debt			$ 40,000,000.0

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Debt and Credit Lines Phantom (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.7	$ 0.6
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.75%		5.75%		5.55%
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.00%		4.00%		3.88%

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Share-Based Employee Compensation Restricted Share Rollforward (Details) - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested at December 1, 2018	1,350,313
Granted	489,699
Vested	96,343
Canceled and Forfeited	18,384
Nonvested at May 31, 2019	1,725,285
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 8.13	$ 8.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	7.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	5.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 8.03

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Share-Based Employee Compensation Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,900
Share-based Compensation	$ 1.8	$ 1.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 4.4
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares in ESOP	43
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options Outstanding, Contractual Term	10 years
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	200.00%
CEO Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%		0.00%
CEO Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	143.00%		160.00%
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date	85.00%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation		$ 0.9

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Employee Benefit Plans Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service costs	$ 0.7	$ 0.7	$ 1.4	$ 1.3
Interest costs	2.6	2.2	5.1	4.5
Expected return on plan assets	(3.9)	(3.9)	(7.8)	(7.8)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1.2	1.3	2.3	2.7
Net periodic cost (benefit)	0.6	0.3	1.0	0.7
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service costs	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Interest costs	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.1
Expected return on plan assets	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	(0.3)	(0.2)	(0.6)	(0.5)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$ (0.3)	$ (0.2)	$ (0.5)	$ (0.4)

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Employee Benefit Plans Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 6.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	0.0
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 1.4	$ 1.4

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Business Segment Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	May 31, 2019 segment	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments			2	2
Net sales	$ 205.7	$ 206.3			$ 374.6	$ 385.0
Interest expense	(5.2)	(4.6)			(10.2)	(9.7)
Income (loss) before income taxes	7.2	10.9			1.8	13.1
Specialty Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	142.3				255.0
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	63.4				119.6
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	20.8	22.0			27.3	37.7
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	142.3	128.8			255.0	238.0
Operating Income (Loss)	20.0	21.9			29.3	35.5
Operating Segments [Member] | Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	63.4	77.5			119.6	147.0
Operating Income (Loss)	0.8	0.1			(2.0)	2.2
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	(5.2)	(4.6)			(10.2)	(9.7)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate expenses	$ (8.4)	$ (6.5)			$ (15.3)	$ (14.9)