AVON PRODUCTS INC
10-Q, 1998-08-13
PERFUMES, COSMETICS & OTHER TOILET PREPARATIONS
Previous: ARMATRON INTERNATIONAL INC, 10-Q, 1998-08-13
Next: BADGER PAPER MILLS INC, 10-Q, 1998-08-13



<PAGE>




                                  FORM 10-Q


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


          [x] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998

                                      OR

         [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                   For the transition period from ___ to ___

                         Commission file number 1-4881



                               AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
           ------------------------------------------------------
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



           New York                                     13-0544597
- -------------------------------                      -----------------          
(State or other jurisdiction of                      (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)


          1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y.  10105-0196
          -------------------------------------------------------
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

(212)  282-5000
                             -----------------
                             (Telephone Number)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   X        No  ___

     The number of shares of Common Stock (par value $.25) outstanding at 
July 31, 1998 was 131,688,894.

<PAGE>2




                              Table of Contents
                        Part I.  Financial Information

                                                                     Page
                                                                    Numbers
                                                                    -------

Item 1.  Financial Statements

         Consolidated Statement of Operations
           Three Months Ended June 30, 1998 and
             June 30, 1997............................................    3
           Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and
             June 30, 1997............................................    4

         Consolidated Balance Sheet
           June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997  ......................    5

         Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
           Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and
             June 30, 1997...........................................     6

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  7-12



Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of the
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition.............   13-24



                   Part II.  Other Information

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..........................      25

Signatures.........................................................      26












                                          2

<PAGE>3

                      PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   (In millions, except per share data)

                                                         Three months ended
                                                               June 30
                                                         ------------------
                                                           1998        1997
                                                           ----        ----
                                                            (unaudited)    

Net sales...........................................   $1,247.2    $1,225.0

Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of sales.......................................      465.6       476.1
Marketing, distribution and
  administrative expenses...........................      603.0       591.9
Interest expense....................................        9.9        10.8
Interest income.....................................       (5.9)       (3.1)
Other expense (income), net.........................        1.0        (1.2)
                                                       --------    --------
Total costs, expenses and other.....................    1,073.6     1,074.5
                                                       --------    --------
Income before taxes and minority interest...........      173.6       150.5
Income taxes........................................       63.9        55.7
                                                       --------    --------
Income before minority interest.....................      109.7        94.8
Minority interest...................................        1.7          .4
                                                       --------    --------
Net income..........................................   $  111.4    $   95.2
                                                       ========    ========

Earnings per share:
   Basic ...........................................   $    .85    $    .72
                                                       ========    ========
   Diluted..........................................   $    .84    $    .71
                                                       ========    ========

See Note 10 for information on effective stock split.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.










                                          3

<PAGE>4
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   (In millions, except per share data)

                                                         Six months ended
                                                             June 30      
                                                         ----------------  
                                                         1998        1997
                                                         ----        ----
                                                            (unaudited)    

Net sales...........................................  $2,430.6       $2,312.6

Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of sales.......................................     968.7          917.7
Marketing, distribution and
  administrative expenses...........................   1,229.1        1,164.8
Special charge......................................      70.5              -
Interest expense....................................      19.4           20.4
Interest income.....................................      (8.2)          (5.4)
Other expense, net..................................       4.1            1.6
                                                      --------       --------
Total costs, expenses and other.....................   2,283.6        2,099.1
                                                      --------       --------
Income before taxes and minority interest...........     147.0          213.5
Income taxes........................................      70.0           79.0
                                                      --------       --------
Income before minority interest.....................      77.0          134.5
Minority interest...................................       3.4            2.0
                                                      --------       --------
Net income..........................................  $   80.4       $  136.5
                                                      ========       ========

Earnings per share:
    Basic ........................................... $    .61       $   1.03
                                                      ========       ========
    Diluted.......................................... $    .60       $   1.02
                                                      ========       ========



See Note 10 for information on effective stock split.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.










                                          4


<PAGE>5
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               (In millions)
                                                       June 30    December 31
                                                         1998         1997
                                                         ----         ----
                                                          (unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents.............................    $   88.0      $  141.9
Accounts receivable..............................       468.1         444.8
Inventories......................................       588.3         564.8
Prepaid expenses and other.......................       218.5         192.5
                                                     --------      --------
Total current assets.............................     1,362.9       1,344.0
                                                     --------      --------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost.............   1,303.0       1,281.6
Less accumulated depreciation....................       699.9         670.6
                                                     --------      --------
                                                        603.1         611.0
                                                     --------      --------
Other assets.....................................       363.7         317.9
                                                     --------      --------
Total assets.....................................    $2,329.7      $2,272.9
                                                     ========      ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year....................    $  238.2      $  132.1
Accounts payable.................................       341.3         476.0
Accrued compensation.............................       122.9         111.3
Other accrued liabilities........................       301.0         268.9
Sales and other taxes............................        98.7         101.0
Income taxes.....................................       263.7         266.6
                                                     --------      --------
Total current liabilities........................     1,365.8       1,355.9
                                                     --------      --------
Long-term debt...................................       201.3         102.2
Employee benefit plans...........................       378.6         367.6
Deferred income taxes............................        28.9          31.2
Other liabilities................................       128.0         131.0

Shareholders' equity:
Common stock.....................................        43.8          43.7
Additional paid-in capital.......................       750.1         733.1
Retained earnings................................       651.7         660.9
Accumulated comprehensive income.................      (288.0)       (270.3)
Treasury stock, at cost..........................      (930.5)       (882.4)
                                                     --------      --------
Total shareholders' equity.......................       227.1         285.0
                                                     --------      --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......    $2,329.7      $2,272.9
                                                     ========      ========
See Note 10 for information on effective stock split.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                          5

<PAGE>6
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                               (In millions)
                                                             Six months ended
                                                                 June 30
                                                           ------------------
                                                            1998         1997
                                                            ----         ----
                                                               (unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.............................................   $ 80.4       $136.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  used by operating activities:
Special and non-recurring charges.......................    81.9           --
Depreciation and amortization...........................    34.0         33.5
Provision for doubtful accounts.........................    43.0         38.0
Translation (gains) losses..............................     (.4)          .6
Deferred income taxes...................................   (11.0)       (13.6)
Other...................................................     2.5          5.4
Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable...................................   (79.7)       (53.6)
  Inventories...........................................   (75.5)       (88.6)
  Prepaid expenses and other............................   (19.8)       (19.2)
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities..............  (107.1)      (142.8)
  Income and other taxes................................    (1.1)       (13.7)
  Noncurrent assets and liabilities.....................   (13.3)        (9.1)
                                                          ------       ------
                                                        
Net cash used by operating activities...................   (66.1)      (126.6)
                                                          ------       ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures....................................   (73.8)       (74.6)
Disposal of assets......................................     5.8          2.8
Other investing activities..............................     (.4)        (8.0)
                                                          ------       ------
Net cash used by investing activities...................   (68.4)       (79.8)
                                                          ------       ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends..........................................   (91.0)       (84.9)
Debt, net (maturities of three months or less)..........   163.9        290.6
Proceeds from short-term debt...........................    46.7            -
Retirement of short-term debt...........................  (103.6)       (12.5)
Proceeds from long-term debt............................   100.0            -
Retirement of long-term debt............................     (.4)         (.5)
Repurchase of common stock..............................   (48.7)       (62.6)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options.................    12.3         18.0
                                                          ------       ------
Net cash provided by financing activities...............    79.2        148.1
                                                          ------       ------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents.     1.4         (9.8)
                                                          ------       ------
Net decrease in cash and equivalents....................   (53.9)       (68.1)
Cash and equivalents beginning of period................   141.9        184.5
                                                          ------       ------
Cash and equivalents end of period......................  $ 88.0       $116.4
                                                          ======       ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                          6
<PAGE>7
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in 
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto 
contained in Avon's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders. The interim statements 
are unaudited but include all adjustments, which consisted of only normal 
recurring accruals, that management considers necessary to fairly present the 
results for the interim periods.  Results for interim periods are not 
necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  The year end balance sheet 
data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all 
disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.

    Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income."  FAS 
No. 130 requires disclosure of comprehensive income in interim periods and 
additional disclosures of the components of comprehensive income on an annual 
basis.  Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period 
except those resulting from investments by and distributions to the Company's 
stockholders.  The components of comprehensive income are included in Note 7.

     Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted AICPA Statement of 
Position ("SOP") No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software 
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use."  SOP No. 98-1 requires certain costs 
in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software to be 
capitalized that previously would have been expensed as incurred.  The 
adoption of SOP No. 98-1 did not have a material impact on the Company's 
results of operation, financial position, or cash flows.

     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FAS No. 
133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  FAS No. 
133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after 
June 15, 1999 (January 1, 2000 for the Company).  FAS No. 133 requires that 
all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair 
value.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in 
current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a 
derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction. For fair-value hedge 
transactions in which the Company is hedging changes in the fair value of an 
asset, liability, or firm commitment, changes in the fair value of the 
derivative instrument are included in the income statement along with the 
offsetting changes in the hedged item's fair value.  For cash-flow hedge 
transactions, in which the Company is hedging the variability of cash flows 
related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or a forecasted transaction, 
changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument will be reported in 
other comprehensive income.  The gains and losses on the derivative instrument 
that are reported in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to 
earnings in the periods in which earnings are impacted by the variability of 
the cash flows of the hedged item.  The ineffective portion of all of the 
hedges will be recognized in current-period earnings. The Company has not yet 
determined the impact that the adoption of FAS No. 133 will have on its 
earnings or statement of financial position.


                                          7
<PAGE>8
                           AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)



2.  INFORMATION RELATING TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

    "Net cash used by operating activities" includes the following cash 
payments for interest and income taxes:

                                                         Six months ended
                                                            June 30
                                                       ------------------
                                                        1998         1997
                                                        ----         ----

Interest............................................   $18.9        $14.1
Income taxes, net of refunds received...............    82.0         95.2

3.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

    Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are computed by dividing net income by 
the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted 
earnings per share are calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive 
common shares that were outstanding during the year.

    For the three and six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the number of 
shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as 
follows:


                                 Three Months ended          Six Months ended
                                      June 30                     June 30
                                 ------------------          ----------------
        
                                  1998      1997                1998     1997
                                 ------   ------              ------   ------
Basic EPS                        131.78   132.26              131.78   132.57
Weighted-average shares
Incremental shares from
    conversion of:
    Stock options                 1.58      1.14                1.38     1.18
                                ------    ------               ------  ------
Diluted EPS 
Adjusted weighted-
   average shares               133.36    133.40               133.16  133.75


During the first six months of 1998, the Company purchased 716,169 shares of 
common stock for $48.7 compared to approximately 1,100,000 shares purchased 
for $62.6 during the first six months of 1997.  The cumulative number of 
shares repurchased under the three-year stock repurchase program which ended 
in February 1997 was approximately 12,664,000 shares for a total cost of 
approximately $424.4.  Under a new repurchase program, which began in February 
1997, the Company repurchased approximately 2,555,000 shares




                                          8
<PAGE>9
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

at a total cost of approximately $158.1 as of June 30, 1998. Under this new 
program, the Company may buy back up to $500.0 of its currently outstanding 
common stock through open market purchases over a period of up to three to 
five years.

4.  INVENTORIES

                                    June 30            December 31
                                       1998                   1997
                                       ----                   ----

    Raw materials................    $155.6                 $147.4
    Finished goods...............     432.7                  417.4
                                     ------                 ------
                                     $588.3                 $564.8
                                                     


5.  DIVIDENDS

    Cash dividends paid per share of common stock were $.34 and $.68 for the 
three and six months ended June 30, 1998, respectively, and $.315 and $.63 for 
the corresponding 1997 period.  On February 17, 1998, the Company increased 
the annual dividend rate to $1.36 from $1.26.


6.  CONTINGENCIES

    Various lawsuits and claims (asserted and unasserted), arising in the 
ordinary course of business or related to businesses previously sold, are 
pending or threatened against Avon.

    In 1991, a class action suit was initiated against Avon on behalf of 
certain classes of holders of Avon's Preferred Equity-Redemption Cumulative 
Stock ("PERCS").  This lawsuit alleges various contract and securities law 
claims relating to the PERCS (which were fully redeemed that year).  Avon has 
rejected the assertions in this case, believes it has meritorious defenses to 
the claims and is vigorously contesting this lawsuit.

    In the opinion of Avon's management, based on its review of the 
information available at this time, the difference, if any, between the total 
cost of resolving such contingencies and reserves recorded by Avon at June 30, 
1998 should not have a material adverse impact on Avon's consolidated 
financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.



                                          9

<PAGE>10

                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)


7.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

    For the three and six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the components 
of comprehensive income are, as follows:


                                  Three Months ended          Six Months ended 
                                        June 30                    June 30
                                  ------------------          ----------------
 
                                     1998     1997               1998    1997
                                   ------    -----             ------  ------
Net income                         $111.4    $95.2              $80.4  $136.5
Other comprehensive (loss)
 income:
   Change in equity due to
   foreign currency 
   translation and
   transaction adjustments          (13.8)      .3              (17.7)   (9.5)
                                   ------    -----             ------  ------

Comprehensive income               $ 97.6    $95.5              $62.7  $127.0


8.  SPECIAL AND NON-RECURRING CHARGES

    In October 1997, the Company announced a worldwide re-engineering program 
in order to streamline operations and improve profitability, through gross 
margin improvement and expense reductions.  The one-time charges associated 
with this program totaled $108.4 pretax ($84.2 net of tax, or $.64 per share 
on a basic and diluted basis) for the six months ended June 30, 1998.




















                                         10
<PAGE>11
                               AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   (Dollars in millions, except share data)

Special and non-recurring charges by category of expenditures are, as follows:


                                           Special   Cost of Sales
                                            Charge      Charge           Total
                                           -------   -------------       -----
    
Employee severance costs                     $51.0                      $ 51.0
Inventories                                             $37.9             37.9
Write-down of assets to net 
    realizable value                          10.9                        10.9
Other                                          8.6                         8.6
                                             -----      -----           ------
                                             $70.5      $37.9           $108.4

    The write-down of assets relates to the closure of a Far East buying 
office and manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.  
Additionally, as a result of on-going government restrictions, the Company has 
decided to close certain branches and a regional office in China.  

   Inventory-related charges represent losses to write-down the carrying value 
of non-strategic inventory, prior to disposal.  The charge relates to the 
closure of facilities, discontinuation of certain product lines, size-of-line 
reductions and a change in strategy for product dispositions.

    Employee severance costs are expenses, both domestic and international, 
associated with the realignment of the Company's global operations.  The 
workforce will be reduced by approximately 2,200 employees, or 6% of the 
total.  Approximately one-half of the employees to be terminated relate to the 
facility closures.

    The liability balance at June 30, 1998 is as follows:
        

                                         Special       Cost of
                                          Charge     Sales Charge     Total
                                         ------      ------------     -----
Provision                                $ 70.5          $37.9       $108.4
Cash Expenditures                         (26.5)                      (26.5)
Non-cash write-offs                       (12.4)         (37.9)       (50.3)
                                         ------          -----       ------
Balance at June 30, 1998                 $ 31.6            -         $ 31.6 

    The balance at June 30, 1998 relates primarily to employee severance costs 
that will be paid during 1998 and 1999.

    The Company expects to record additional charges in 1998 and early 1999 as 
additional plans are finalized.

9.  DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     In May 1998, Avon issued $100.0 of bonds imbedded with option features 
(the "bonds") for which the net proceeds were used to pay down commercial 
paper borrowings.  The bonds have a twenty-year maturity; however, after five 
years, the bonds can be sold back to the Company at par or can be called at



                                          11

<PAGE>12
                             AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   (Dollars in millions, except share data)

par by the underwriter and resold to investors as fifteen-year debt.  The 
coupon rate on the bonds is 6.25% for the first five years, but will be 
refinanced at market rates if the bonds are called in year five.

     In connection with the bond issuance, Avon entered into a five-year 
interest rate swap contract with a notional amount of $50.0 to effectively 
convert fixed interest on a portion of the bonds to a variable interest rate, 
based on LIBOR.

     At June 30, 1998, the Company has entered into forward and option 
contracts to purchase approximately 1,000,000 shares of Avon common stock at 
an average rate of $75.57 as of June 30, 1998.  The contracts mature over the 
next three years and provide for share settlement to the Company.  
Accordingly, no adjustment for subsequent changes in fair value has been 
recognized.

10.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

     On July 22, 1998, the Company declared a two-for-one stock split in the 
form of a 100% stock dividend to be issued to shareholders of record as of the 
close of business on August 24, 1998.  New stock certificates are expected to 
be mailed to shareholders on or about September 11, 1998. No share or per 
share data included in this report has been restated to reflect the stock 
split.

     Also, on July 22, 1998, the Company authorized an increase of $600.0 for 
its current share repurchase program.
















                                          12

<PAGE>13
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Results of Operations
         and Financial Condition

Results of Operations--Three Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.

Consolidated

     Avon's net income for the three months ended June 30, 1998 was $111.4, or 
$.85 and $.84 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared 
with net income of $95.2, or $.72 and $.71 per share on a basic and diluted 
basis, respectively, in 1997.  Pretax income of $173.6 increased 15% due to 
sales growth, a gross margin improvement and favorable net interest.  In 
addition, the increase in net income reflects a more favorable minority 
interest impact in 1998 due mainly to the results in China.

     Consolidated net sales for the three months ended June 30, 1998 of 
$1,247.2 increased $22.2, or 2%, over the comparable period of the prior year.  
The increase in sales was due to a 5% increase in U.S sales. International 
sales were level with the prior year.  Sales improvements in nearly all major 
markets in the Americas and in Russia and Central Europe were offset by 
declines in the Pacific region, primarily in Japan and China.  Excluding the 
impact of foreign currency exchange, consolidated net sales rose 8% over the 
comparable period of the prior year.

     Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 37.3% in the second 
quarter of 1998 compared to 38.9% in the second quarter of 1997. The increase 
in the gross margin of 1.6 points resulted from higher margins in the U.S., 
several major markets in the Americas, most significantly Brazil, the United 
Kingdom, Philippines and Japan.  The gross margin improvement in the U.S. was 
attributable to a combination of continuing cost improvements, pricing 
increases and reduced clearance activities.  Brazil's gross margin improved 
due to better vendor negotiations and cost reduction programs.  A shift in 
sales mix to higher-margin items resulted in improved margins in the United 
Kingdom and Mexico while Venezuela's margin improvement resulted primarily 
from improved pricing in their fashion business as well as business process 
redesign efforts.  In Japan, the higher gross margin resulted from product 
cost savings initiatives in cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries ("CFT") as 
well as strategic price increases.  These improvements were partially offset 
by a margin decline in China due to the temporary shut-down of operations for 
much of the quarter.









                                          13

<PAGE>14

                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

     Marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of $603.0 increased 
$11.1, or 2%, over the comparable period of 1997 and remained level as a 
percentage of net sales at 48.3%.  The increase in operating expenses was 
primarily in the U.S. and Brazil due mainly to sales growth as well as 
increased advertising and recognition expenses in Brazil. These increases were 
partially offset by lower expenses in the Pacific primarily due to lower sales 
and the impact of currency devaluations.  Expense ratio improvements in Japan 
and Germany due to ongoing expense reduction efforts, and in Brazil due to the 
strong sales growth were offset by declines in Mexico which had higher 
marketing expenses, including incentive programs.  Increased advertising 
efforts in Mexico have been focused on technologically advanced products and 
corporate image.  In addition, the expense ratio increased in Venezuela due to 
higher administrative expenses as a result of the implementation of a new 
labor law.

     Interest expense of $9.9 decreased $.9 versus the comparable period of 
1997 due to lower average domestic working capital borrowings.

     Interest income of $5.9 increased $2.8 over the comparable period of 1997 
primarily due to a Mexico tax refund claim.

     Other expense (income), net, of $1.0 was $2.2 unfavorable to the 
comparable period of last year primarily due to higher corporate non-operating 
expenses.

U.S.

     Net sales increased 5% and pretax income increased 14% compared with the 
second quarter of 1997.  A 4% increase in the average order size combined with 
a 1% increase in the number of active Representatives contributed to the sales 
increase.  The sales increase resulted from increases in CFT, apparel, fashion 
jewelry and accessories and home entertainment categories, partially offset by 
a decline in the gift and decorative category.  The continued growth of the 
Avon Techniques hair care line launched in the third quarter of 1997, sales 
increases in the Skin-So-Soft lines including Soft & Sensual and Suncare Plus 
and growth in the Specialty Bath segment due to the launch of Naturals 
Waterflowers contributed to the CFT improvement.  Apparel sales were up 
significantly reflecting increased sales of demonstration products and strong 
performances of children's Barbie dress and accessories, ladies Pooh polo and 
non-designer casual wear including the Exotic Island dress and sandal.  The 
growth in fashion jewelry and accessories reflects the success of the licensed 
sport watches and higher sales of home entertainment products resulted 
primarily from an additional three pages in the core brochure in 1998 and the 
introduction of the Inspirational Treasures catalog.  These improvements were 
partially offset by the discontinuance of the Avon Home business.

                                         14


<PAGE>15
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)


     Pretax income increased 14% due to the improved sales and a favorable 
gross margin driven by a combination of cost improvements, revised pricing 
strategies and reduced clearance activity.

International

     Net sales were level with the comparable period of 1997 and pretax income 
increased 11%.  Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange, net sales 
were up 9%.

     The sales increase reflects growth in the Americas and Europe regions 
partially offset by declines in the Pacific region.  Sales growth in the 
Americas was highlighted by significant increases in Brazil, and, to a lesser 
extent, in Argentina, Puerto Rico and Mexico with these countries showing 
strong growth in active Representatives.  Brazil's strong sales growth was 
driven by attractive pricing and successful new product launches supported by 
improved customer service and product quality.  In Europe, Russia and the 
Central European markets reported strong sales increases highlighted by 
continued double-digit growth in the number of active Representatives, units 
and orders.

     These higher sales were offset by sales declines in most major markets in 
the Pacific caused by the continuing Asian currency and economic crisis.  In 
addition, governmental restrictions placed on all direct sellers in China 
resulted in the shut-down of the Company's sales operations for most of the 
quarter.  Excluding China, local currency sales in the Pacific region would 
have been about even with the prior year.  The Philippines and Taiwan reported 
strong increases in key business indicators, including customers served and 
active Representatives during the quarter.

     As of the beginning of June, the Company received Chinese governmental 
approval to resume operations as a wholesale and retail business and became 
operational again on June 15, 1998.















                                          15

<PAGE>16

                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)



     The 11% increase in pretax income primarily reflects increases in Brazil, 
the United Kingdom and Japan as well as the countries in Central Europe.  The 
increase in Brazil resulted from the significant sales increase and a strong 
gross margin improvement.  Ongoing expense reduction programs and a shift in 
the category mix towards higher margin products contributed to the pretax 
income growth in the United Kingdom.  The success of the Central European 
markets is a direct result of the increasing size of the sales force and 
operating margin improvements.  Despite a weakening economy, Japan posted 
margin and profit improvements as compared to 1997 resulting from cost 
reduction strategies and business process redesign efforts.  These results 
were partially offset by the operational difficulties in China.

Results of Operations - Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

Consolidated

     Avon's net income for the six months ended June 30, 1998 of $80.4, or 
$.61 and $.60 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, decreased 
41% from net income of $136.5, or $1.03 and $1.02 per share on a basic and 
diluted basis, respectively, in 1997.  Pretax income of $147.0 decreased 31% 
from the prior year.  Special and non-recurring charges were recorded in the 
first quarter of 1998 for the Company's previously announced business process 
redesign program.  These charges totaled $108.4 pretax, which reduced net 
income by $84.2 after tax, or $.64 per share on a basic and diluted basis.  
The special charge of $70.5 is primarily related to employee severance 
benefits as well as facility rationalizations in Puerto Rico, Dominican 
Republic and China.  In addition, $37.9 was charged to cost of sales for 
inventory write-downs.  The one-time charges represent the first part of an 
estimated $200.0 total charge that will help the Company deliver the higher 
sales and profit targets previously communicated.  Before the charges, net 
income for the six months ended June 30, 1998 of $164.6, or $1.25 and $1.24 
per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, increased 21% and 22%, 
respectively, from the comparable period in 1997.  Pretax income, before the 
charges, of $255.4 increased 20% over 1997 due to higher sales, an improved 
gross margin and favorable net interest partially offset by a slightly higher 
operating expense ratio and higher corporate non-operating expenses in 1998.








                                           16
<PAGE>17
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)



     Consolidated net sales for the six months ended June 30, 1998 of $2,430.6 
increased $118.0, or 5%, over the comparable period of the prior year.  The 
increase in sales was due to a 5% increase in international and a 5% increase 
in U.S. sales.  The international sales improvement resulted from strong 
growth in all major markets in the Americas, most significantly in Brazil, 
Argentina and Mexico, as well as Russia, the United Kingdom and the Central 
European Markets.  These improvements were partially offset by sales declines 
throughout the Pacific Region, most significantly in the Philippines, Japan 
and China.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange, consolidated 
net sales rose 12% over the comparable period of the prior year.

     Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 39.9% in the first half of 
1998 compared to 39.7% in the first half of 1997.  Excluding the one-time 
charge of $37.9, cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 38.3%.  The 
increase in the gross margin of 1.4 points resulted from higher margins in all 
major markets in the Americas, most significantly in Brazil, the latter due to 
actions taken to reduce inventory levels which had an unfavorable impact on 
margins in 1997, and, to a lesser extent, in Mexico due to increased CFT sales 
with higher margins.  Venezuela's gross margin improved significantly as a 
result of pricing strategies and business redesign efforts.  The United 
Kingdom and Germany reported strong margin improvements primarily as a result 
of a shift in mix to selling higher margin products.  The U.S. also reported a 
favorable gross margin as compared to 1997 attributable to pricing strategies, 
cost improvements and reduced clearance activity in the non-CFT categories.  
These improvements were partially offset by margin declines in China due to 
operational difficulties in 1998.

     Marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of $1,229.1 increased 
$64.3, or 6%, over the comparable period of 1997 and increased as a percentage 
of net sales to 50.6% from 50.4%.  The increase in operating expenses was 
primarily in markets which have experienced strong sales growth, including all 
major markets in the Americas, U.S. and Russia.  These increases were 
partially offset by lower expenses in the Pacific primarily due to lower sales 
and the impact of currency devaluations.  The overall increase in the expense 
ratio was primarily due to higher expenses ratios in Mexico due to increased 
marketing and promotional expenses associated with new product launches and in 
Venezuela due to increased administrative expenses as a result of the 
implementation of a new labor law.  These increases were partially offset by 
improvements throughout Europe and in Japan due to a continued active focus on 
reducing operating expenses.

     Interest expense of $19.4 decreased $1.0 from the comparable period of 
1997 due to lower working capital borrowings in the U.S.


                                          17
<PAGE>18
                          AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)



     Interest income of $8.2 increased $2.8 versus the comparable period of 
1997 primarily due to a Mexico tax refund claim.

     Other expense, net of $4.1, was $2.5 unfavorable to the comparable period 
of last year primarily due to non-recurring corporate expenses.

     Excluding the charges, the effective tax rate was 36.9% in the first half 
of 1998 compared to 37.0% in 1997.  The tax benefit on the one-time charges 
was 22.3% due to the mix of countries and tax jurisdictions incurring the 
charges.

U.S.

     Net sales increased 5% and pretax income decreased 25% compared with the 
first half of 1997.  A 3% increase in the average order size along with a 2% 
increase in the number of active Representatives contributed to the sales 
increase.  The sales increase resulted from increases in CFT, fashion jewelry 
and accessories, apparel and home entertainment categories partially offset by 
a decline in the gift and decorative category.  The increase in the CFT 
category was mainly due to the successful launch of the Diane Von Furstenburg 
fragrance, Forest Lily, and the Far Away and Rare Gold gift with purchase 
event, coupled with the successful launch of Avon's transfer resistant 
technology lipstick and Avon Color's Spring Shade Collection.  In addition, 
the continued growth of the Avon Techniques hair care line and significant 
increases in the Skin-So-Soft lines contributed to the CFT growth.  
Accessories showed strong performance with the licensed Winnie the Pooh 
carryalls and licensed Pooh and sports watches.  Higher sales in the apparel 
and home entertainment categories were primarily driven by an increase in the 
sales of demonstration products purchased by Representatives, as well as the 
launch of a collection of inspirational and religious products, children's 
Barbie dress and accessories and non-designer casual wear.  These increases 
were partially offset by a decline in the gift and decorative category 
primarily attributable to the phasing out of the Avon Home line and softer 
Easter and Barbie sales.

     Excluding the one-time charges, pretax income increased 13% due to the 
improved sales and a favorable gross margin primarily driven by cost 
improvements, revised pricing strategies and reduced clearance activity.

International

     Net sales increased 5%, or 15% excluding the effect of foreign currency 
exchange, over the comparable period of 1997 and pretax income decreased 9%. 





                                         18
<PAGE>19
                         AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

     The sales increase reflects double-digit growth in the Americas and 
Europe regions partially offset by declines in the Pacific region.  Sales 
increases in the Americas were highlighted by significant growth in Brazil, 
Argentina and Mexico with these countries showing growth in units, active 
Representatives and orders.  Mexico's sales increase resulted from the success 
of new product launches such as Anew Night Force and Anew All-in-One, as well 
as apparel and home line extensions with superior design and promotions.  
Brazil's growth in sales was also driven by attractive pricing and successful 
new product launches.  Growth in units, orders and average order size drove 
the sales increase in Argentina.  In Europe, sales continued to rise 
significantly in Russia due to increases in units, customers served and active 
Representatives.  Sales grew in the United Kingdom due to a higher average 
order size in 1998.

     These higher sales were partially offset by sales declines in most major 
markets in the Pacific caused by the continuing Asian currency and economic 
crisis.  After years of strong economic growth throughout the Pacific, the 
aftermath of the currency crisis is causing subdued economic growth as markets 
struggle to enact economic reform programs.  In addition, selling activities 
in China were suspended for most of the second quarter of 1998 due to 
governmental restrictions on direct-selling companies.  Despite the above 
difficulties, most markets in the Pacific showed double-digit growth in active 
Representatives and strong growth in number of customers served.  This is a 
result of a strong focus on active recruitment to expand the Representative 
base in the Pacific region.  Excluding the effect of foreign currency 
exchange, sales in the Pacific were up 1%.  

     Excluding the one-time charges, pretax income increased 22% over the 
comparable period of 1997.  The 22% increase in pretax income reflects 
increases in all major markets in the Americas and Europe, most significantly 
in Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Germany.  In addition, while Japan's 
sales decreased as compared to 1997, pretax income was significantly higher in 
1998.  The overall increase in pretax income over the prior year was due to 
the sales increases discussed above and strong margin improvements in Brazil, 
the United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico, previously discussed.  Margins 
improved the most significantly in Brazil due to declines in 1997 resulting 
from actions taken to reduce inventory combined with cost reduction programs 
in 1998.  In addition, ongoing expense reductions in Europe contributed to the 
increase in pretax income.  Despite the weak economic conditions in the 
Pacific, Japan's operating margin improved significantly as a result of cost 
reduction strategies and business redesign efforts.






                                         19

<PAGE>20
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

     Excluding changes in debt, there was a net decrease in cash of $260.5 in 
the first half of 1998 compared with a decrease of $345.7 in the comparable 
period of 1997.  The $85.2 variance primarily reflects lower net cash used by
operations and investing activities and a more positive effect of foreign 
currency exchange.  The decrease in cash used by operations reflects the 
conclusion of the three-year long term incentive plan which resulted in a cash
payment in the first quarter of 1997 and a higher net income in 1998 (adjusted 
for the non-cash portion of the one-time charges).  Cash used for investing 
activities is lower in 1998 due to the acquisition of Discovery Toys, Inc. in 
the first quarter of 1997.

     During the first half of 1998, the Company purchased approximately 
716,200 shares of common stock for $48.7 compared with $62.6 spent for the 
repurchase of approximately 1,100,000 shares during the comparable period in 
1997. 

Capital Resources

     Total debt increased $205.2 to $439.5 from $234.3 at December 31, 1997, 
principally due to normal seasonal working capital requirements during the 
first half of 1998 and to support the continuing stock buyback program.  Total 
debt of $439.5 at June 30, 1998 was $39.1 lower than total debt of $478.6 at 
June 30, 1997.  In addition, at June 30, 1998, and December 31, 1997, other 
non-current liabilities include approximately $56.7 and $58.6, respectively, 
related to securities lending activities.

     At June 30, 1998, there were borrowings of $31.8 under the amended and 
restated revolving credit and competitive advance facility agreement.  This 
agreement is also used to support the Company's commercial paper borrowings of 
which $138.7 was outstanding at June 30, 1998.

     At June 30, 1998, there were $10.0 of borrowings outstanding under 
uncommitted lines of credit and there were no borrowings under the Company's 
bankers' acceptance facilities.

     In May 1998, Avon issued $100.0 of bonds imbedded with option features 
(the "bonds") for which the net proceeds were used to pay down commercial 
paper borrowings.  The bonds have a twenty-year maturity; however, after five 
years, the bonds can be sold back to the Company at par or can be called at
par by the underwriter and resold to investors as fifteen year debt.  The 
coupon rate on the bonds is 6.25% for the first five years, but will be 
refinanced at market rates if the bonds are called in year five.




                                        20
<PAGE>21
                           AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

     Management currently believes that cash from operations and available 
financing alternatives are adequate to meet anticipated requirements for 
working capital, dividends, capital expenditures, the stock repurchase program 
and other cash needs.

Working Capital

     As of June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997, current liabilities exceeded 
current assets by $2.9 and $11.9, respectively.  The decrease of current 
liabilities over current assets of $9.0 was mainly due to a decrease in 
accounts payable and an increase in accounts receivable, inventories and 
prepaids partially offset by an increase in net debt (debt less cash and 
equivalents), as discussed in the Debt section.

     Although current liabilities exceeded current assets at June 30, 1998, 
management believes this is due to the Company's direct selling business 
format which results in lower receivable and working capital levels as well as 
the Company's practice of repurchasing shares with available cash.  Avon's 
liquidity results from its ability to generate significant cash flows from 
operations and its ample unused borrowing capacity.  Actions that would 
eliminate the working capital deficit are not anticipated at this time.  
Avon's credit agreements do not contain any provisions or requirements with 
respect to working capital.

Financial Instruments and Risk Management Strategies

    The Company operates globally, with manufacturing and distribution 
facilities in various locations around the world.  The Company may reduce its 
exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates by
creating offsetting positions through the use of derivative financial 
instruments.  The Company currently does not use derivative financial 
instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor is the Company a party to 
leveraged derivatives.  

    The Company periodically uses interest rate swaps to hedge portions of 
interest payable on its debt.  In addition, the Company may periodically 
employ interest rate caps to reduce exposure, if any, to increases in variable 
interest rates.

     In connection with the bond issuance, as discussed in the Capital 
Resources section, Avon entered into a five-year interest rate swap contract 
with a notional amount of $50 million to effectively convert fixed interest on 
a portion of the bonds to a variable interest rate, based on LIBOR.





                                         21

<PAGE>22
                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 (Dollars in millions, except share data)

     The Company may periodically hedge foreign currency royalties, net 
investments in foreign subsidiaries, firm purchase commitments and contractual 
foreign currency cash flows or obligations, including third-party or 
intercompany foreign currency transactions.  The Company regularly monitors 
its foreign currency exposures and ensures that hedge contract amounts do not 
exceed the amounts of the underlying exposures.

     At June 30, 1998, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts 
with notional amounts totaling $200.5 and option contracts with notional 
amounts totaling $64.8 to hedge foreign currency items.  These contracts have 
maturities in 1999.  The Company also entered into certain foreign currency 
forward contracts with notional amounts totaling $25.0 and option contracts 
with notional amounts of $4.2 to economically hedge certain foreign currency 
exposures, which do not qualify as hedging transactions under the current 
accounting definitions and, accordingly, have been marked-to-market.  The 
mark-to-market adjustment on these contracts at June 30, 1998 was 
insignificant.  The Company's risk of loss on the options in the future is 
limited to premiums paid, which are insignificant.

    At June 30, 1998, the Company has entered into forward and option 
contracts to purchase approximately 1,000,000 shares of Avon common stock at 
an average rate of $75.57.  The contracts mature over the next three years and 
provide for share settlement to the Company.  Accordingly, no adjustment for 
subsequent changes in fair value has been recognized.

    The Company attempts to minimize its credit exposure to counterparties by 
entering into interest rate swap and cap contracts only with major 
international financial institutions with "A" or higher credit ratings as 
issued by Standard & Poor's Corporation.  The Company's foreign currency and 
interest rate derivatives are comprised of over-the-counter forward contracts 
or options with major international financial institutions.  Although the 
Company's theoretical credit risk is the replacement cost at the then 
estimated fair value of these instruments, management believes that the risk 
of incurring losses is remote and that such losses, if any, would not be 
material.














                                          22

<PAGE>23
                                    AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE
                         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          (Dollars in millions, except share data)

Additional Information

    On October 23, 1997, the Company announced that it had raised its long-
term growth targets for sales and earnings and that it expected to record 
special charges in connection with a major re-engineering program.  Commencing 
in 1998, the long-term target for sales growth has been raised to 8-10% 
compounded annually, and its target for earnings-per-share growth has been 
raised to 16-18% annually.  Previously, the Company targeted long-term sales 
growth of 6-8% and long-term earnings-per-share growth of 13-15%.  The higher 
targets come largely as a result of initiatives currently underway and others 
under review intended to reduce costs by up to $400.0 per year by 2000, with 
$200.0 of the savings being reinvested concurrently in advertising and 
marketing programs to boost sales.  The Company expects to record special 
charges of approximately $200.0 pretax to cover one-time costs associated with 
the re-engineering program.  In the first quarter of 1998, the Company 
recorded $108.4 pretax of such one-time charges ($84.2 after tax, or $.64 per 
share on a basic and diluted basis) in connection with the re-engineering 
program.  Slightly more than half of the total pretax charges in the quarter 
were cash related and will be paid in 1998 and 1999.  At June 30, 1998, the 
remaining liability balance was $31.6 and relates primarily to severance costs 
that will be paid during 1998 and 1999.  The Company expects to record the 
balance of one-time charges in 1998 and early 1999.

    On April 21, 1998, the Chinese government issued a directive banning all 
direct selling in China resulting in the shut-down of the Company's sales 
operations for most of the second quarter.  As of the beginning of June, the 
Company received Chinese governmental approval to resume operations as a 
wholesale and retail business and became operational again on June 15, 1998.  
The Company said it intends to convert its approximately 75 branches into 
retail outlets to serve customers.

Year 2000

     Management has developed a worldwide program to prepare the Company's 
computer systems and applications for the Year 2000.  Based on a comprehensive 
assessment of key systems, the Company has commenced a project plan to address 
all necessary code changes, testing and implementation required to ensure Year 
2000 compliance by December 31, 1999.  Management does not expect the 
incremental costs of making the required system modifications to have a 
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows.







                                          23



<PAGE>24

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE 
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

	Certain statements in this report which are not historical facts or 
information are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the 
information set forth in "Other Information" herein.  Such forward-looking 
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors 
which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or 
achievement of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different 
from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement 
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors 
include, among others, the following:  general economic and business 
conditions; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; the 
Company's access to financing and its management of foreign currency risks; 
the Company's ability to successfully identify new business opportunities; the 
Company's ability to attract and retain key executives; the Company's ability 
to achieve anticipated cost savings and profitability targets; changes in the 
industry; competition; the effect of regulatory and legal restrictions imposed 
by foreign governments; the effect of regulatory and legal proceedings and 
other factors discussed in Item 1 of the Company's 1997 Form 10-K.  As a 
result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can be given as to the 
future results and achievements of the Company.  Neither the Company nor any 
other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these 
statements.

























                                         24

<PAGE>25

                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.

                        PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)  Exhibits

       Exhibit
       Number                    Description
       ------                    -----------

        10.1            --Stock Option Agreement between Avon and Charles     
R.Perrin dated June 4, 1998.
        10.2            --Stock Option Agreement between Avon and Andrea Jung 
dated June 4, 1998.
        27              --Financial Data Schedule.

  (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

     There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the second quarter of 
1998.


























                                         25

<PAGE>26

                                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.




                                      AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
                                      -------------------
                                         (Registrant)



Date:  August 13, 1998      By /s/      JANICE MAROLDA
                             -------------------------------
                                        Janice Marolda
                                        Vice President,
                                          Controller
                                   Principal Accounting Officer

                                   Signed both on behalf of the
                                   registrant and as principal
                                   accounting officer.




















                                     26








                           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                Washington, D.C.  20549




                                          FORM 10-Q



                   Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of
                        the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



For Quarter Ended June 30, 1998                        Commission file number 
1-4881









AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





____________________________


EXHIBITS

<PAGE>




                            AVON PRODUCTS, INC.

                             INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit
Number                    Description
- -------                   -----------
10.1    --Stock Option Agreement between Avon and Charles R. Perrin dated June  
4, 1998.
10.2    --Stock Option Agreement between Avon and Andrea Jung dated June 4, 
1998.
27      --Financial Data Schedule.





AVON PRODUCTS, INC. 
                          1993 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

                           STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

                       ______________________________


                          DATE OF GRANT:  JUNE 4, 1998



     1.  Grant of Option.  Pursuant to the provisions of its 1993 Stock
Incentive Plan (the  Plan), Avon Products, Inc. (the Company), on the
above date has granted to Charles R.  Perrin (the Optionee) the right
and option to purchase from the Company a total of 75,000 shares of
Common Stock of the Company at the exercise price of $80.3125 per share
(the Option).  This Option is subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan and those set forth in this Agreement.  All capitalized terms
used herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan, unless the
context requires a different meaning.  

     2.   Exercise of Option

     (a)  This Option shall be exercisable in full on and after June 4,
2004.  It may be exercisable sooner, on and after June 4, 1999, however,
subject to the following conditions:
 
     (i)  One-half of the shares subject to the option may be exercisable
          subsequent to the date at which the closing price of the
          Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock
          Exchange, first exceeds $100 for not less than 20 out of 30
          consecutive trading days, and
 
    (ii)  All of the shares subject to the option may be exercisable
          subsequent to the date at which the closing price of the
          Company's Common Stock, as reported in the New York Stock
          Exchange, first exceeds $120 for not less than 20 out of 30
          consecutive trading days.

          The above price targets will be appropriately adjusted to lower
          amounts after the effective date of any stock split.

     (b) In accordance with the Plan this entire Option shall be
immediately cashed out effective as of the date of any "Change
in Control", regardless of whether or not any portion is otherwise
exercisable.  For this purpose, the "Change in Control Price" shall be
the higher of (i) the highest price paid for a share of Stock as reported
on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape during the 12 month period
ending with the effective date of Change in Control or (ii) the highest
cash tender offer price for a share of Stock during such period.  In the
event that a tender offer for Stock consists of a combination of cash and
securities, the Change in Control Price calculated under (ii) would be
based solely on the cash price equivalent of such offer. 



<PAGE>


     (c) Shares may be purchased by giving the Company's Corporate
Secretary or Assistant Secretary written notice of exercise,
specifying the number of shares to be purchased.  The notice of
exercise shall designate one of the following methods of purchase:

     (i)  tender to the Company of a check for the full exercise price of
          the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof
is exercised, or

     (ii)  instructions to the Company to deliver all the shares being
           exercised to a broker-dealer with whom an arrangement has been
           made to deliver the full exercise price to the Company.  The
           Company may establish special terms and conditions for this
          "cashless" exercise, and at any time may terminate availability
           of this form of purchase. 

      3.  Expiration of Option.  The Option shall expire or terminate and
may not be exercised to any extent by the Optionee as of the first to
occur of the following events:

     (a)  The tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant, or such earlier
time as the Company may determine is necessary or appropriate in light of
applicable foreign tax laws; or 

     (b)  The second anniversary of the date of the Optionee's
Termination of Employment by reason of death, Permanent Disability or
Retirement; or

     (c)  The Optionee's Termination of Employment for Cause (as defined
below); or 

     (d)  The date that is ninety days after Termination of Employment of
the Optionee for a reason other than for Cause, death, Permanent
Disability or Retirement.

     (e)  The Optionee's violation of any non-disclosure or non-compete
covenant applicable to the Optionee as set forth in his or her severance
agreement, employment contract or any Company policy, regardless of
whether or not the Optionee has terminated employment due to Permanent
Disability or Retirement, provided that expiration of the Option may not
be effective prior to the date of Termination of Employment.

     In the event of Termination of Employment because of death,
Permanent Disability or Retirement, the entire Option shall immediately
become exercisable as to all shares, notwithstanding Section 2(a) of this
Agreement.  "Retirement" means retirement at or after attainment of age
55.  "Permanent Disability" shall have the same meaning as that provided
by the Company's Long Term Disability Plan regardless of whether or not
the Optionee is covered by such plan. 



<PAGE>


      "Cause" shall have the same meaning as that provided by the Company
Severance Pay Plan applicable to the Optionee or his or her employment
contract, or severance agreement, if any.  In addition, termination for
cause shall include any termination due to acts of dishonesty or gross
misconduct on the part of the Optionee which results, or is intended to
result, in damage to the Company's business reputation.  

4.  Tax Withholding.  No distribution of shares may be made to the
Optionee until the Company has received all amounts required for federal,
state or local tax withholding.  The method of discharging such
withholding obligation shall be elected with the notice of exercise and
may include (i) payment by check, or (ii) use of a 'cashless exercise'
using a broker-dealer in a manner similar to that described in Section
2(c)(ii) hereof.  The method of withholding shall be subject to such
rules as the Company may adopt from time to time.  It is recognized by
both parties that, based on current laws, the difference between the Fair
Market Value of the shares purchased by an option exercise and the
exercise price of such shares generally will constitute ordinary taxable
income for federal income and "Medicare" tax purposes and for most state
and local income tax purposes. 

     5.  Notice.  Any notices required to be given hereunder to the
Company shall be addressed to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the
Company at the Company's headquarters offices in New York City, New York.
Any notice required to be given hereunder to the Optionee shall be
addressed to the Optionee at his or her current address shown on the
Company's records.  Notice shall be sent by mail, express delivery or, if
practical, by hand delivery. 

     6.  Other Provisions.  The provisions set forth in Section 5 of the
Plan are specifically incorporated by reference in this Agreement, 
including but not limited to those pertaining to the following matters:

     a.  Changes in Capitalization; Merger; Liquidation
     b.  Right to Terminate Employment
     c.  Non-alienation of Benefits
     d.  Choice of Law


                                 AVON PRODUCTS, INC.

                                 /s/ Marcia L. Worthing
                                     Marcia L. Worthing
                                  Senior Vice President, Human
                                  Resources and Corporate Affairs


                                /s/ Charles R. Perrin
                                    Charles. Perrin 



3








AVON PRODUCTS, INC. 
                          1993 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

                           STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

                       ______________________________


                          DATE OF GRANT:  JUNE 4, 1998



     1.  Grant of Option.  Pursuant to the provisions of its 1993 Stock
Incentive Plan (the  Plan), Avon Products, Inc. (the Company), on the
above date has granted to Andrea Jung (the Optionee) the right
and option to purchase from the Company a total of 30,300 shares of
Common Stock of the Company at the exercise price of $80.3125 per share
(the Option).  This Option is subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan and those set forth in this Agreement.  All capitalized terms
used herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan, unless the
context requires a different meaning.  

     2.   Exercise of Option

     (a)  This Option shall be exercisable in full on and after June 4,
2004.  It may be exercisable sooner, on and after June 4, 1999, however,
subject to the following conditions:
 
     (i)  One-half of the shares subject to the option may be exercisable
          subsequent to the date at which the closing price of the
          Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock
          Exchange, first exceeds $100 for not less than 20 out of 30
          consecutive trading days, and
 
    (ii)  All of the shares subject to the option may be exercisable
          subsequent to the date at which the closing price of the
          Company's Common Stock, as reported in the New York Stock
          Exchange, first exceeds $120 for not less than 20 out of 30
          consecutive trading days.

          The above price targets will be appropriately adjusted to lower
          amounts after the effective date of any stock split.

     (b) In accordance with the Plan this entire Option shall be
immediately cashed out effective as of the date of any "Change
in Control", regardless of whether or not any portion is otherwise
exercisable.  For this purpose, the "Change in Control Price" shall be
the higher of (i) the highest price paid for a share of Stock as reported
on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape during the 12 month period
ending with the effective date of Change in Control or (ii) the highest
cash tender offer price for a share of Stock during such period.  In the
event that a tender offer for Stock consists of a combination of cash and
securities, the Change in Control Price calculated under (ii) would be
based solely on the cash price equivalent of such offer. 



<PAGE>


     (c) Shares may be purchased by giving the Company's Corporate
Secretary or Assistant Secretary written notice of exercise,
specifying the number of shares to be purchased.  The notice of
exercise shall designate one of the following methods of purchase:

     (i)  tender to the Company of a check for the full exercise price of
          the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof
is exercised, or

     (ii)  instructions to the Company to deliver all the shares being
           exercised to a broker-dealer with whom an arrangement has been
           made to deliver the full exercise price to the Company.  The
           Company may establish special terms and conditions for this
          "cashless" exercise, and at any time may terminate availability
           of this form of purchase. 

      3.  Expiration of Option.  The Option shall expire or terminate and
may not be exercised to any extent by the Optionee as of the first to
occur of the following events:

     (a)  The tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant, or such earlier
time as the Company may determine is necessary or appropriate in light of
applicable foreign tax laws; or 

     (b)  The second anniversary of the date of the Optionee's
Termination of Employment by reason of death, Permanent Disability or
Retirement; or

     (c)  The Optionee's Termination of Employment for Cause (as defined
below); or 

     (d)  The date that is ninety days after Termination of Employment of
the Optionee for a reason other than for Cause, death, Permanent
Disability or Retirement.

     (e)  The Optionee's violation of any non-disclosure or non-compete
covenant applicable to the Optionee as set forth in his or her severance
agreement, employment contract or any Company policy, regardless of
whether or not the Optionee has terminated employment due to Permanent
Disability or Retirement, provided that expiration of the Option may not
be effective prior to the date of Termination of Employment.

     In the event of Termination of Employment because of death,
Permanent Disability or Retirement, the entire Option shall immediately
become exercisable as to all shares, notwithstanding Section 2(a) of this
Agreement.  "Retirement" means retirement at or after attainment of age
55.  "Permanent Disability" shall have the same meaning as that provided
by the Company's Long Term Disability Plan regardless of whether or not
the Optionee is covered by such plan. 



<PAGE>


      "Cause" shall have the same meaning as that provided by the Company
Severance Pay Plan applicable to the Optionee or his or her employment
contract, or severance agreement, if any.  In addition, termination for
cause shall include any termination due to acts of dishonesty or gross
misconduct on the part of the Optionee which results, or is intended to
result, in damage to the Company's business reputation.  

4.  Tax Withholding.  No distribution of shares may be made to the
Optionee until the Company has received all amounts required for federal,
state or local tax withholding.  The method of discharging such
withholding obligation shall be elected with the notice of exercise and
may include (i) payment by check, or (ii) use of a 'cashless exercise'
using a broker-dealer in a manner similar to that described in Section
2(c)(ii) hereof.  The method of withholding shall be subject to such
rules as the Company may adopt from time to time.  It is recognized by
both parties that, based on current laws, the difference between the Fair
Market Value of the shares purchased by an option exercise and the
exercise price of such shares generally will constitute ordinary taxable
income for federal income and "Medicare" tax purposes and for most state
and local income tax purposes. 

     5.  Notice.  Any notices required to be given hereunder to the
Company shall be addressed to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the
Company at the Company's headquarters offices in New York City, New York.
Any notice required to be given hereunder to the Optionee shall be
addressed to the Optionee at his or her current address shown on the
Company's records.  Notice shall be sent by mail, express delivery or, if
practical, by hand delivery. 

     6.  Other Provisions.  The provisions set forth in Section 5 of the
Plan are specifically incorporated by reference in this Agreement, 
including but not limited to those pertaining to the following matters:

     a.  Changes in Capitalization; Merger; Liquidation
     b.  Right to Terminate Employment
     c.  Non-alienation of Benefits
     d.  Choice of Law


                                 AVON PRODUCTS, INC.

                                 /s/ Marcia L. Worthing
                                     Marcia L. Worthing
                                  Senior Vice President, Human
                                  Resources and Corporate Affairs


                                /s/ Andrea Jung
                                    Andrea Jung 



3







<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                        5
<LEGEND>


                                  Exhibit 27
                              Avon Products, Inc.
                            Financial Data Schedule


     This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the 
Avon Products, Inc. financial statements as of June 30, 1998 and for the six 
months then ended included in the Form 10-Q as of June 30, 1998 and is 
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.

<MULTIPLIER>                     1000000
       
<PERIOD-TYPE>                    6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                   JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                     JUN-30-1998

<S>                                             <C>
<CASH>                                           88
<SECURITIES>                                      0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   468
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (32)
<INVENTORY>                                     588
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              1,363
<PP&E>                                        1,303
<DEPRECIATION>                                  700
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                2,330
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         1,366
<BONDS>                                         201
                             0
                                       0
<COMMON>                                         44
<OTHER-SE>                                      183
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  2,330
<SALES>                                       2,431
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              2,431
<CGS>                                           969
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 2,225
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 43
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               19
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 147
<INCOME-TAX>                                     70
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              80
<DISCONTINUED>                                    0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   0
<CHANGES>                                         0
<NET-INCOME>                                     80
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   .61
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   .60
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission