New York-based Avon Products Inc. reported higher...

New York-based Avon Products Inc. reported higher profits for the fourth quarter of 1986 and for the year, confirming its recovery after a long period of declining profitability. Avon is in its strongest position since 1977, a spokesman said. Earnings of every division in 1987 should increase, he added. Revenue was up 16% for the year and 10% for the fourth quarter, even though the company’s number of “Avon ladies” had fallen off, the spokesman said.