Under activist CEO Andrea Jung, Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) has turned itself around and is posting excellent numbers across the board and around the world. Investors interested in international stocks should still take a look at Avon which, despite being an American company, now earns slightly more than half its revenues from markets abroad. The stock opened the year trading at $33.60 and closed July 12 at $39.55, up 19% thus far this year. Not only do 2007 numbers look good compared to 2006, which was admittedly horrible, but as the reorganization efforts continue to gain traction worldwide, the numbers will only get better.

Here follows a summary of Avon's recent earnings report:

1Q 2007 total revenue grew 9% to $2.2 billion, with all 6 global divisions posting profits. Net income for 1Q TRIPLED to $150 million. The number of Avon representatives rose 4% to more than five million, making Avon the world's largest direct seller. Avon is spending $15 million to provide leadership and sales training for this potent sales channel. Operating profit rose 176%, (not a typo!) to $238 million despite continuing restructuring costs of $27 million. Thus far, FY 2007 cash flow is ahead of FY 2006 cash flow and the company repurchased $130 million of its stock during 1Q 2007. FY 2006 was marked by huge restructuring costs inlcuding inventory write offs and numerous products lines being discontinued. Most of the mess is behind Avon, a fact demonstrated by around the world increases in both revenues and profits.

Continue reading Ding dong, Avon calling. You should answer

Ding dong, Avon calling. You should answer originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.