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Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

When used in these notes, the terms "Avon," "Company," "we," "our" or "us" mean Avon Products, Inc.

We are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products. Our business is conducted worldwide, primarily in one channel, direct selling. Our reportable segments are based on geographic operations in four regions: Latin America; Europe, Middle East & Africa; North America; and Asia Pacific. We have centralized operations for Global Brand Marketing and Global Sales, and also have regional operations for marketing, sales, and supply chain. Our product categories are Beauty, Fashion and Home. Beauty consists of color cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and personal care. Fashion consists of jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear, accessories and children’s products. Home consists of gift and decorative products, housewares, entertainment and leisure products, children's products and nutritional products. Sales are made to the ultimate consumer principally by independent Representatives.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Avon and our majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

Use of Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. In preparing these statements, we are required to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, we review our estimates, including those related to restructuring reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, allowances for sales returns, provisions for inventory obsolescence, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, share-based compensation, loss contingencies, the determination of discount rate and other actuarial assumptions for pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit expenses and the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and contingent consideration.

Foreign Currency

Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries operating in other than highly inflationary economies are translated at year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the year for income and expense accounts. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI"). Gains or losses resulting from the impact of changes in foreign currency rates on assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded in "Other expense, net".

For financial statements of Avon subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, the U.S. dollar is required to be used as the functional currency. Highly inflationary accounting requires monetary assets and liabilities, such as cash, receivables and payables, to be remeasured into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at the end of each period with the impact of any changes in exchange rates being recorded in income. We record the impact of changes in exchange rates on monetary assets and liabilities in "Other expense, net". Similarly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates; however, the impact of changes in exchange rates is recorded in "Income taxes" in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities, such as inventory, property, plant and equipment and prepaid expenses are recorded in U.S. dollars at the historical rates at the time of acquisition of such assets or liabilities.

Venezuela Currency

Effective January 1, 2010, we began to account for Venezuela as a highly inflationary economy. Effective January 11, 2010, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency and moved to a two-tier exchange structure. The official exchange rate moved from 2.15 to 2.60 for essential goods and to 4.30 for nonessential goods and services. Effective December 30, 2010, the Venezuelan government eliminated the 2.60 rate which had been available for the import of essential goods. Substantially all of the imports of our subsidiary in Venezuela ("Avon Venezuela") were classified as nonessential.

We used the official rate of 4.30 to remeasure our Bolívar denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the reporting date, since this is the rate expected to be available for dividend remittances. We record a loss within operating profit when we believe we are going to convert these Bolívar denominated assets or settle our U.S. dollar denominated liabilities from sources where the exchange rate is less favorable than the official rate.

As a result of the change in the official rate to 4.30 in conjunction with accounting for our operations in Venezuela under highly inflationary accounting guidelines, during the first quarter of 2010, we recorded net charges of $46.1 in "Other expense, net" and $12.7 in "Income taxes".

Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency by approximately 32%. The official exchange rate moved from 4.30 to 6.30 and the regulated SITME market has been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition

Net sales primarily include sales generated as a result of Representative orders less any discounts, taxes and other deductions. We recognize revenue upon delivery, when both title and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the independent Representatives, who are our customers. Our internal financial systems accumulate revenues as orders are shipped to the Representative. Since we report revenue upon delivery, revenues recorded in the financial system must be reduced for an estimate of the financial impact of those orders shipped but not delivered at the end of each reporting period. We use estimates in determining the adjustments to revenue and operating profit for orders that have been shipped but not delivered as of the end of the period. These estimates are based on daily sales levels, delivery lead times, gross margin and variable expenses. We also estimate an allowance for sales returns based on historical experience with product returns. In addition, we estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on an analysis of historical data and current circumstances.

Other Revenue

Other revenue primarily includes shipping and handling and order processing fees billed to Representatives.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are generally high-quality, short-term money market instruments with an original maturity of three months or less and consist of time deposits with a number of U.S. and non-U.S. commercial banks and money market fund investments.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. We classify inventory into various categories based upon their stage in the product life cycle, future marketing sales plans and disposition process. We assign a degree of obsolescence risk to products based on this classification to determine the level of obsolescence provision.

Prepaid Brochure Costs

Costs to prepare brochures are initially deferred to prepaid expenses and other and are expensed to selling, general, and administrative expenses over the campaign length. In addition, fees charged to Representatives for brochures are initially deferred and presented as a reduction to prepaid expenses and other and are recorded as a reduction to selling, general, and administrative expenses over the campaign length. The campaign length is typically two weeks in the U.S. and two to four weeks for most markets outside the U.S.

Brochure costs and associated fees presented as prepaid expenses and other were $45.7 at December 31, 2012 and $45.8 at December 31, 2011. Additionally, paper stock is purchased in advance of creating the brochures. Prepaid expenses and other include paper supply of $13.5 at December 31, 2012, and $25.3 at December 31, 2011.

Brochure costs expensed to selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $509.3 in 2012, $507.7 in 2011, and $472.7 in 2010. The fees charged to Representatives recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $286.7 in 2012, $293.5 in 2011, and $291.0 in 2010.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives generally are as follows: buildings, 45 years; land improvements, 20 years; machinery and equipment, 15 years; and office equipment, five to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon disposal of property, plant and equipment, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Costs associated with repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

We capitalize interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the related asset and depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. We capitalized interest of $2.0 for 2012, $.4 for 2011, and $5.3 for 2010.

Capitalized Software

Certain systems development costs related to the purchase, development and installation of computer software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related project, generally not to exceed five years. Costs incurred prior to the development stage, as well as maintenance, training costs, and general and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred. Other assets included unamortized capitalized software costs of $235.4 at December 31, 2012 and $176.7 at December 31, 2011.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized and is assessed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or on the occurrence of an event that indicates impairment may have occurred, at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a component, which is one level below that operating segment. Components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. When testing goodwill for impairment, we perform either a qualitative or quantitative assessment for each of our reporting units. Factors considered in the qualitative analysis include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance specific to the reporting unit. If the qualitative analysis results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step, as described below, is required.

The quantitative test to evaluate goodwill for impairment is a two-step process. In the first step, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a second step to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The second step of the impairment analysis requires a valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination. If the resulting implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying value, that difference represents an impairment. The impairment analysis performed for goodwill requires several estimates in computing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. We use a discounted cash flow ("DCF") approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit, which we believe is the most reliable indicator of fair value of this business, and is most consistent with the approach a marketplace participant would use.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather are assessed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or on the occurrence of an event that indicates impairment may have occurred. When testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we perform either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If the qualitative analysis results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, a quantitative assessment is required. The quantitative test to evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value. If the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, that difference represents an impairment. The impairment analysis performed for indefinite-lived intangible asset requires several estimates in computing the estimated fair value of the asset. We use a risk-adjusted DCF model under the relief-from-royalty method.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. If such a change in circumstances occurs, the related estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are compared to the carrying amount. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded. The impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate.

If applicable, the impairment testing should be performed in the following order: indefinite-lived intangible assets, finite-lived intangible assets, and then goodwill.

We completed our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessments for 2012 during the year-end close process and our analysis of the Silpada business indicated an impairment as the carrying value of the business exceeded the estimated fair value and the finite-lived intangible assets were not recoverable. Accordingly, a non-cash impairment charge of $209.0 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 to reduce the carrying amounts of goodwill, an indefinite-lived intangible asset, and a finite-lived intangible asset to their respective estimated fair value.

Based on the continued decline in revenue performance in China during the third quarter of 2012 and a corresponding lowering of our long-term growth estimates in China, we completed an interim impairment assessment of the fair value of goodwill related to our operations in China. The changes to our long-term growth estimates were based on the state of our China business, which was predominantly retail at that time. As a result of our impairment testing, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $44.0 in the third quarter of 2012 to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill for China to its estimated fair value.

We completed our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessments for 2011 during the year-end close process and our analysis of the Silpada business indicated an impairment as the carrying value of the business exceeded the estimated fair value. Accordingly, a non-cash impairment charge of $263.0 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011 to reduce the carrying amounts of goodwill and an indefinite-lived intangible asset.

Financial Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments, including interest-rate swap agreements and forward foreign currency contracts to manage interest rate and foreign currency exposures. We record all derivative instruments at their fair values on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities. See Note 8, Financial Instruments and Risk Management.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes have been provided on items recognized for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for income tax purposes using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will not be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets depends upon generating sufficient future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary differences become deductible or before our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards expire. Deferred taxes are not provided on the portion of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside of the U.S. when management concludes that these earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Deferred taxes are provided on earnings not considered indefinitely reinvested. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, we had not recognized a deferred income tax liability related to the incremental U.S. taxes on approximately $2.5 billion of undistributed foreign earnings, as these earnings were deemed indefinitely reinvested. During the fourth quarter of 2012, as a result of the uncertainty of our financing arrangements and our domestic liquidity profile, we determined that the Company may repatriate offshore cash to meet certain domestic funding needs. Accordingly, we are no longer asserting that these undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested and, therefore, recorded an additional provision for income taxes on such earnings. See Note 7, Income Taxes

Uncertain Tax Positions

We recognize the benefit of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs associated with selling; marketing; and distribution activities, including shipping and handling costs; advertising; net brochure costs; research and development; information technology; and other administrative costs, including finance, legal and human resource functions.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $1,030.3 in 2012, $1,071.7 in 2011 and $968.8 in 2010.

Advertising

Advertising costs, excluding brochure preparation costs, are expensed as incurred and amounted to $253.6 in 2012, $311.2 in 2011 and $400.4 in 2010.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $75.2 in 2012, $77.7 in 2011 and $72.6 in 2010. Research and development costs include all costs related to the design and development of new products such as salaries and benefits, supplies and materials and facilities costs.

Share-based Compensation

All share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value using an option-pricing model at the date of grant. We use a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of options.

Restructuring Reserves

We record the estimated expense for our restructuring initiatives when such costs are deemed probable and estimable, when approved by the appropriate corporate authority and by accumulating detailed estimates of costs for such plans. These expenses include the estimated costs of employee severance and related benefits, impairment or accelerated depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and any other qualifying exit costs. Such costs represent our best estimate, but require assumptions about the programs that may change over time, including attrition rates. Estimates are evaluated periodically to determine whether an adjustment is required.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension and Postretirement Expense

Pension and postretirement expense is determined based on a number of actuarial assumptions, which are reviewed and determined on an annual basis. These assumptions include discount rates, hybrid plan maximum interest crediting rates and expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase of plan participants, interest cost, health care cost trend rates, benefits earned, mortality rates, the number of associate retirements, the number of associates electing to take lump-sum payments and other factors. Actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized to expense over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense in future periods. We are required, among other things, to recognize the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet. Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability. The recognition of prior service costs or credits and net actuarial gains or losses, as well as subsequent changes in the funded status, are recognized as components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, in shareholders’ equity, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. We recognize prior service costs or credits and actuarial gains and losses beyond a 10% corridor to earnings based on the estimated future service period of the participants. The determination of the 10% corridor utilizes a calculated value of plan assets for our more significant plans, whereby gains and losses are smoothed over three- and five-year periods. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our employee benefit plans.

Contingencies

We determine whether to disclose and/or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. We record loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable

Out Of Period Items

Out-of-Period Items

During the first quarter of 2012, we recorded an out-of-period adjustment which decreased earnings by approximately $14 before tax ($10 after tax) which related to 2011 and was associated with bad debt expense in our South Africa operations. We evaluated the total out-of-period adjustments impacting 2012 of approximately $13 before tax ($15 after tax), both individually and in the aggregate, in relation to the quarterly and annual periods in which they originated and the annual period in which they were corrected, and concluded that these adjustments were not material to the consolidated annual financial statements for all impacted periods.

During the first quarter of 2011, we determined that the net after-tax gain on sale of Avon Products Company Limited ("Avon Japan"), reported in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, should have been reported as a net after-tax loss of approximately $3, to correctly include all balances relating to Avon Japan that were previously included in AOCI. In addition, in the first quarter of 2011 the Company released a liability relating to a previously owned health care business, which should have been released in a prior period, resulting in an approximate $4 increase in net income. The results of these businesses were originally reported within discontinued operations upon disposition. The net impact of these two items decreased net income for the first quarter of 2011 by approximately $9. We also identified and recorded other various out-of-period adjustments during 2011 (primarily related to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses) that related to prior years. The net impact of these other items decreased net income for 2011 by approximately $14. We evaluated the total out-of-period adjustments impacting 2011 of approximately $23, both individually and in the aggregate, in relation to the quarterly and annual periods in which they originated and the annual period in which they were corrected, and concluded that these adjustments were not material to the consolidated annual financial statements for all impacted periods.

See Note 19, Results of Operations by Quarter (Unaudited), for discussion of these and other out-of-period adjustments within 2012 and 2011 and their impact on the interim periods.

Earnings per Share

(Loss) Earnings per Share

We compute (loss) earnings per share ("EPS") using the two-class method, which is a (loss) earnings allocation formula that determines (loss) earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Our participating securities are our grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute basic EPS by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the year.

For each of the three years ended December 31, the components of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:



(Shares in millions)	2012			2011			2010
Numerator from continuing operations
(Loss) income from continuing operations less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(42.5	)	$	522.2		$	590.9
Less: Loss (earnings) allocated to participating securities	.3			(4.6		)	(4.8		)
(Loss) income from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	(42.2		)	517.6			586.1
Numerator from discontinued operations
(Loss) income from discontinued operations plus/less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	(8.6	)	$	15.4
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	—			(.9		)	(.4		)
(Loss) income allocated to common shareholders	—			(9.5		)	15.0
Numerator attributable to Avon
(Loss) income attributable to Avon less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(42.5	)	$	513.6		$	606.3
Less: Loss (earnings) allocated to participating securities	.3			(5.5		)	(5.2		)
(Loss) income allocated to common shareholders	(42.2		)	508.1			601.1
Denominator:
Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding	431.9			430.5			428.8
Diluted effect of assumed conversion of stock options	—			1.6			2.6
Diluted EPS adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	431.9			432.1			431.4
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	(.10	)	$	1.20		$	1.37
Diluted	$	(.10	)	$	1.20		$	1.36
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share from discontinued operations:
Basic	$	—		$	(.02	)	$	.04
Diluted	$	—		$	(.02	)	$	.03
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share attributable to Avon:
Basic	$	(.10	)	$	1.18		$	1.40
Diluted	$	(.10	)	$	1.18		$	1.39

We did not include stock options to purchase 22.0 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2012, 22.9 million shares for 2011, and 18.5 million shares for 2010 of Avon common stock in the calculations of diluted EPS because the exercise prices of those options were greater than the average market price and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. We also did not include stock options to purchase .6 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2012, as we had a net loss attributable to Avon and the inclusion of these shares would decrease the net loss per share. Since this would be anti-dilutive, such shares are excluded from the calculation.