Avon News

Avon to Webcast 4th Quarter and Full Year Earnings Conference Call

Press Release | 1/13/2012

Those wishing to access the webcast and related slide presentation can do so from www.avoninvestor.com . The webcast and presentation will also be archived on the website for one year.

Avon CEO Steps Down

Press Release | 12/15/2011

"I believe the time is right to separate the Chairman and CEO roles and I look forward to continuing to serve Avon as Chairman as we address the company's growing scale and opportunities," said Ms. Jung, who has been Avon 's CEO since 1999. "Over the past twelve years we have transformed the business from a decentralized group of local operating entities to a globally-managed business in over 100 countries with global brands and a global operating model. In the process, revenues have more than doubled, and the number of Representatives has doubled as well. As we look to the future, Avon 's business model remains advantaged, with both the Beauty and Direct Selling industries growing around the world, and with our broad, geographic footprint. A new CEO will provide a fresh lens and additional operational and executive leadership."

Fred Hassan , Managing Director and Partner, Warburg Pincus LLC, and Avon 's Lead Independent Director added: "Avon 's Board of Directors fully supports Andrea and appreciates her commitment to continue to serve the company as Executive Chairman and assure a smooth and successful management transition. Separating the Chairman and CEO roles as well as strengthening overall management capabilities are important steps to help the company capture its future opportunities. The Board looks forward to continuing to work closely with Andrea and the new CEO to put the company back on a growth track."

Ms. Jung said that in her role as Executive Chairman she will work closely with the new CEO in support of the company's overall strategic direction and brand positioning. She will continue to be involved in maintaining strong relationships with Avon 's key constituencies, including her role in motivating the company's millions of Representatives, and her critical advocacy on behalf of the Avon Foundation for Women. Ms. Jung noted that the Avon Foundation has raised and awarded $860 million to causes that help improve women's lives and has become the largest corporate philanthropy focused on women's issues.

Avon Launches Fundraiser for ALS TDI

Press Release | 11/1/2011

The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) and the Avon Products, Inc. (Avon) announced today a fundraising campaign to fund research into effective treatments for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). The campaign includes the production of a new item called the "Sophia Smith Yellow Rose Necklace" being added to its catalog and with all proceeds going to support research at ALS TDI.

Sophia Smith of Victoria, Texas, started part-time with Avon in 1986 and quickly excelled as a sales Representative, becoming a senior executive and member of the Avon sales leadership team in 1992. She is a mother of three and an avid motorcyclist. In November 2010, Sophia was diagnosed with ALS. Currently, there are no effective treatments or cure for the disease.

"Sophia has always been an inspiring member of the Avon family and it was heartbreaking for all of us to learn of her ALS diagnosis. Tragically, a cure for this debilitating disease may not come in time to help Sophia, but she wants to ensure that others have a fighting chance. We are taking a stand with her and are supporting Sophia through this fundraising campaign," said Andrea Jung, chairman & CEO of Avon.

"With the help of Avon, we hope to build awareness and accelerate the pace of research to find an effective treatment for ALS patients. Sophia is an inspiration, her strength and courage is admired by those around her," said Steve Perrin, Ph.D., president, CEO and CSO of the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

Each necklace costs $9.99 and can be purchased through an Avon Representative or online by clicking "fundraising" at www.avon.com starting today. The necklaces will be available for a limited time only.

About ALS Therapy Development Institute The mission of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is to develop effective therapeutics that slow or stop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease), as soon as possible. Focused on meeting this urgent unmet medical need, ALS TDI executes a robust target discovery program, while simultaneously operating the world's largest efforts to preclinically validate potential therapeutics; including a pipeline of dozens of small molecules, protein biologics, gene therapies and cell-based constructs. The world's first nonprofit biotech, ALS TDI has developed an industrial-scale platform that allows for the development and testing of dozens of potential therapeutics each year. Built by and for patients, the Institute is the world's only nonprofit biotechnology company with more than 30 professional scientists. In addition, the Cambridge, Massachusetts based research Institute collaborates with leaders in both academia and industry to accelerate ALS therapeutic development.

Avon Investigated by SEC and Attorneys for Shareholders

Pres Release | 10/31/2011

Avon Announces New Anti-Aging Sun Care Product Line

Press Release | 2/9/2011

In vitro test shows revolutionary RepairShield™ Technology repairs 50 percent of skin cell sun damage in 24 hours* New Orleans, La., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Avon Products Inc. today officially announced a breakthrough anti-aging sun care collection — ANEW Solar Advance with RepairShield™ Technology. The research behind this revolutionary line was unveiled at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 69th annual meeting. The ANEW Solar Advance anti-aging sun care line not only provides superior protection against the sun’s damaging rays with photostable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, but is also designed to repair skin cell sun damage.* Patented RepairShield Technology™ is designed to protect skin by stimulating its natural antioxidant defense system to fight free radicals and to repair by activating skin’s natural repair process.

Supporting Research The core technology was presented in two studies during the AAD annual meeting. This is a culmination of more than 10 years of research that explored innovative ways to optimize the stability and thereby to help extend the protection capabilities of Avobenzone, an established UVA absorber and the ingredient most commonly used in broad spectrum sun protection products sold in the U.S.

•In the first study titled, “Photostability of Sunscreen Combinations Containing Avobenzone Exposed to Natural and Artificial UV Light” (P1012) Avon researchers discovered that combining two cosmetic skin conditioning agents -- Galangal Extract and Polyester-8 with model sunscreen systems containing Avobenzone, improves the photostability of Avobenzone. This is important because a limitation of Avobenzone is that it can undergo molecular changes that affect its protective properties. •In the second study titled, “Mechanisms to Protect Skin Cells from UV Damage” (P3115) Avon researchers examined new ways to enhance the repair of UV-induced damage and to identify new mechanisms of protection against UV damage. Avon researchers identified a blend of phytochemicals and extracts that helped facilitate the reduction of UV-induced sun damage in skin cells by 50% in 24 hours, indicating the enhancement of the skin’s natural repair process.* Study findings on skin cells also suggest that these ingredients can help stimulate the skin’s own anti-oxidant enzymes and lower oxidative stress, thus creating an optimal environment for cell recovery. ANEW Solar Advance with RepairShield™ Technology The product line, that will be available in the U.S. in May 2011, will include:

•Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 45: This broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protective sunscreen dramatically reduces the appearances of wrinkles, while effectively protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Available for $34. •Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 30: Get skin that looks dramatically tighter and more toned, and protect skin from sun damage with this protective broad-spectrum sunscreen. Available for $34. •Sunscreen Body Mist SPF 28: This formula diminishes the look of discolorations, leaving skin looking more even-toned and firmer. The Mist is designed to provide your entire body with UVA/UVB protection against sun induced damage. Available in July 2011 for $34. The products have received the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Meeting Women’s Anti-Aging and Sun Protection Needs “In my practice, I hear daily from women who want to enjoy more time outdoors, but are concerned about the sun’s effect on their skin,” said Cheryl Karcher, M.D., a noted board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and professional consultant for Avon. “ANEW Solar Advance is an ideal solution because it’s an anti-aging sun care product that not only provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, but is also formulated to repair skin cell sun damage.”

“ANEW has pioneered anti-aging skincare breakthroughs for close to 20 years and that expertise combined with our research in sun protection has led us to these scientific findings,” shared Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Manager, Avon Global Research and Development. “Our patented RepairShield Technology™ is a great example of how we have applied our extensive anti-aging expertise with profound understanding of sun care to deliver an effective product to help protect against and visibly reverse sun-induced damage to skin**.”

All ANEW Solar Advance products are available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Jacqueline Bisset Becomes Avon Spokesmodel

Press Release | 8/27/2010

“I am excited to be working with Avon on the ANEW Platinum Collection, as it specifically addresses the needs of women with my skincare concerns,” reveals ANEW Platinum spokesperson Jacqueline Bisset. “I want a skincare product that makes my skin look as young as I feel. ANEW Platinum helps recapture the definition and tone of younger skin.”

“Jacqueline embodies everything the ANEW woman aspires to be— beauty, poise and sophistication,” says Andre Baradat, Vice President, Global Skincare Marketing, Avon. “We are thrilled to have such an amazing international beauty icon as the face of our new breakthrough ANEW Platinum line.”

The ANEW Platinum Night Cream and Serum will be available beginning November 2010 in conjunction with an advertising campaign featuring Jacqueline Bisset. She will also appear in the pages of the Avon brochure for ANEW Platinum beginning in November 2010.

ANEW, the pioneering anti-aging line from Avon, delivers transformative anti-aging skincare to millions of women throughout the world. With almost 2400 jars an hour¹, the line has been helping women visibly outsmart the aging process from the brand’s inception in 1992.

Bisset is the most recent star to join Avon’s roster of celebrity partners, including Fergie, Courteney Cox, Patrick Dempsey, Salma Hayek, Reese Witherspoon and Derek Jeter. Available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON, or visit www.avon.com.

Avon in the New York Times

New York Times | 1/26/2010

Today, direct sales make up 1 percent, or $29.6 billion, of consumer sales in the United States, according to Amy Robinson, a spokeswoman for the Direct Selling Association. In the cosmetics and personal care market, Avon dominates with more than 5.8 million representatives worldwide.

Even in a sluggish economy, Avon is calling. Its sales last year were estimated to be $10.4 billion, nearly double what they were in 2000.

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Avon Shares Slide on Analyst Downgrades

Forbes | 2/3/2009

Shares retreated $1.30, or 6.3 percent, to $19.15 in afternoon trading. The stock has declined 14.9 percent so far this year.

Yahoo! BuzzAnalyst Andrew Sawyer of Goldman Sachs (nyse: GS - news - people ) cut his rating on the stock to "Neutral" from "Buy" and said there are limited catalysts to drive the shares higher.

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Avon Calling Again in New Recruit Drive

BBC News | 4/22/2008

Now it is searching for a new generation of representatives through a series of television ads which start next week.

Avon, one of the world's largest direct sellers of cosmetics, operates in more than 100 countries.

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Avon Signs Patrick Dempsey

PR Newswire | 4/1/2008

"We are thrilled to partner with Patrick Dempsey -- an incredibly accomplished actor who has achieved such broad appeal because of his genuine authenticity, charisma and style," said Andrea Jung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc. "We're extremely impressed with both his on and off screen accomplishments, and have a shared commitment to giving back to communities in ways both big and small. We applaud his efforts earlier this month to open the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Maine, and look forward to exploring future collaboration opportunities with our Avon Foundation."

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Avon Donates 1 Million to UNIFEM Fund

Scoop.co.nz | 3/12/2008

This week Avon Products and The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) co-hosted The Second Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow at the United Nations in New York. The Summit took place during the week of International Women’s Day to help raise awareness about critical barriers to women’s progress. Andrea Jung, Avon’s chairman and CEO announced Avon’s new commitment of $1 million to the UN Trust Fund for Violence Against Women, the largest corporate grant ever awarded in one year to the Fund.

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Avon Introduces Youth Extending Cream

India Infoline.com | 2/22/2008

Anew Retroactive+ Day and Night Range is a glossy, opaque, white colored, soft cream and is inspired by Avon’s Nobel Prize winning research. The Anew Innovation and Technology centre has pioneered new Retroactive+ Technology to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles even before they appear visible to the naked eye.

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Avon Shares Rise

London Free Press | 2/6/2008

The company's shares rose more than seven per cent in trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Earnings dropped to US$128.9 million, or 30 cents a share, in the last three months of 2007 compared with $184.1 million, or 41 cents a share, a year earlier. The company said restructuring costs and charges related to simplifying its product line lowered earnings per share by 34 cents in the latest period.

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Avon Branches out with Retail Stores

Sun-Sentinel.com | 10/18/2007

But unlike other customers, Burr doesn't order from a local Avon representative and then wait weeks for her products to arrive. She shops at an Avon store in the Mall at Wellington Green on Forest Hill Boulevard in Palm Beach County.

"It's more personal when you go to the store," said Burr, who lives in Greenacres. "But you pay for the convenience."

New York-based Avon Products Inc., which celebrated its 120th anniversary last year, has come a long way since its founder, David McConnell, hired the first "Avon lady" to sell his products directly to the public.

The company's 5 million independent sales representatives worldwide are still selling in people's homes and offices, but the company has added other channels to strengthen its competitive position. Customers can purchase their favorite Skin-So-Soft or Anew products via the Internet, from a mall kiosk or at a bricks-and-mortar store. Avon has 13 kiosks and stores in South Florida, including the Wellington site and a store that opened recently in Fort Lauderdale.

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Avon In Midst of 3 Year Reorganization

Zanesville Times Recorder | 5/1/2007

Avon putting on a fresh face Slumping beauty products queen in midst of 3-year reorganization

The Avon lady may not be knocking on your door, but she hasn't gone away.

The 120-year-old company that started out with a Mrs. Albee toting her basket of violet, rose and Lily-of-the-Valley perfumes door-to-door is striving to maintain that personal touch along with the loyalty of customers tempted to stray into the cosmetics aisles of Duane Reade and Wal-Mart....

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Avon Putting on a Fresh Face

The Journal News | 9/4/2006

The 120-year-old company that started out with a Mrs. Albee toting her basket of violet, rose and Lily-of-the-Valley perfumes door-to-door is striving to maintain that personal touch along with the loyalty of customers tempted to stray into the cosmetics aisles of Duane Reade and Wal-Mart.

With its reputation for quality and personalized service, Avon Products Inc. has traditionally done well in good times and bad. Many women buy the products, many are drawn to the entrepreneurial opportunity, and many are attracted to Avon's theme of empowering women. Even in the economic slump following 9/11, the company's stock far outpaced the Standard and Poor's 500 Index of stocks, nearly doubling its value by the summer of 2004. But sales have slowed.

In the midst of a difficult year that has seen profits decline and stock prices plummet, Avon is revamping itself from the inside out. The company unveiled a $500 million three-year restructuring plan in February aimed at saving at least $300 million a year by 2008.

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Avon Stays on Top of MLM Rankings

Npros.com | 4/19/2006

Also in the top five, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Seasilver USA. Both companies remained in the top three for public interest metrics.

From MLMRankings.com: MLM Rankings takes a monthly snapshot of internet MLM interest by compiling a count of internet MLM searches from various sources, and providing them on this site in a simple format. Want to compare two MLM companies? Use our comparison tool and see just what percentage of the public interest a given MLM opportunity captures.

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