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SEC Probe Sends Avon Stock Reeling

Share price drops 18% today.

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By: TOM BRANNA

Editor

It’s more bad news for the world’s largest direct selling beauty company. Avon Products Inc.’s share price plunged 18% today after the company said the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating its contact with financial analysts in 2010 and 2011, the latest roadblock for the cosmetics direct seller that is struggling to turn around its results. Avon’s share price was already down 21% on the year prior to today’s opening bell.


Avon also reported its third-quarter net income slipped a worse-than-expected 1%, hurt by complications implementing a business system in Brazil and the uncertain global economy. The New York company said it is reviewing all aspects of its business and withdrew its full year revenue guidance.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed with our third-quarter results and the slower-than-expected pace of recovery,” said CEO Andrea Jung in a conference call with analysts. “We’re fully accessing our long-range business plan, and targeting an operational and financial update to investors in the first quarter of 2012.”

Analysts, however, aren’t upbeat about the company’s prospects. Avon has frequently missed analyst expectations and posted disappointing revenue in some of its largest markets like Brazil and Russia. It has also been dealing with a bribery investigation since 2008. The investigation started in China and has grown to other countries. Avon has implemented a restructuring program, cut costs and made executive changes, but results are still falling short.


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