Provided are multi-stage polymer compositions comprising (a) cross-linked core comprising polymerized units derived from (i) alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, and (ii) one or more cross-linking monomers, graft-linking monomers, and combinations thereof, (b) a first intermediate layer comprising polymerized units derived from (i) one or more alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, and (ii) cross-linking monomers, graft-linking monomers, and combinations thereof, (c) a second intermediate layer comprising polymerized units derived from (i) one or more alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, styrenic monomers, and combinations thereof, and (ii) one or more chain transfer agents, and (d) a shell comprising polymerized units derived from (i) alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, styrenic monomers, and combinations thereof, (ii) one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of acid functionalized monomers, hydroxyl-functionalized monomers, and combinations thereof, and (iii) optionally, of one or more chain transfer agents.