Avon Posts Lower

● Avon Products Inc. posted lower fourth quarter profit on restructuring charges. Profit fell to $183.2 million from $288.8 million a year earlier. Sales rose 4% to $2.37 billion.
Avon expects 2006 to be a transitional year as it cuts jobs, increases advertising spending and works on other plans to improve sluggish results. The company was pressured in 2005 as lower-income consumers curbed purchases and competitors rolled out new skin care products.