Avon Products, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $2 billion of the company's common stock over a five-year period following completion of its current program. Through Sept. 30, 2007, Avon purchased 26 million shares at a total cost of $904 million under the existing program begun in late 2005. Avon has had a share repurchase program since 1994.

Under the new authorization, Avon's annual share purchase volume will depend on the company's operating performance. Repurchases may take place from time to time, depending on market conditions, and the shares may be purchased in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. As of Sept. 30, 2007, the company had approximately 429 million shares outstanding.