ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ("MD&A")

(U.S. dollars in millions, except per share and share data)

You should read the following discussion of the results of operations and financial condition of Avon Products, Inc. and its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries in conjunction with the information contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in our 2017 Annual Report. When used in this discussion, the terms "Avon," "Company," "we," "our" or "us" mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, Avon Products, Inc. and its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries.

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" on pages 29 through 31 of this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") for a description of how constant dollar ("Constant $") growth rates (a Non-GAAP financial measure) are determined and see "Performance Metrics" on page 29 of this MD&A for definitions of our performance metrics (Change in Active Representatives, Change in units sold, Change in Ending Representatives and Change in Average Order).

Overview

We are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products. Our business is conducted primarily in the direct-selling channel. During 2017 , we had sales operations in 56 countries and territories, and distributed products in 18 more. All of our consolidated revenue is derived from operations of subsidiaries outside of the United States ("U.S."). Our reportable segments are based on geographic operations in four regions: Europe, Middle East & Africa; South Latin America; North Latin America; and Asia Pacific. Our product categories are Beauty and Fashion & Home. Beauty consists of skincare, fragrance and color (cosmetics). Fashion & Home consists of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear, accessories, gift and decorative products, housewares, entertainment and leisure products, children’s products and nutritional products. Sales are made to the ultimate consumer principally through direct selling by Representatives, who are independent contractors and not our employees.

As of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately 6 million active Representatives which represents the number of Representatives submitting an order in a sales campaign, totaled for all campaigns during the year and then divided by the number of campaigns. The success of our business is highly dependent on recruiting, retaining and servicing the Representatives.

During 2017, revenue was relatively unchanged compared to the prior-year period, partially benefiting from foreign exchange, while Constant $ revenue decreased 2%. Our Constant $ revenue decline was primarily driven by declines in Brazil, Russia and the United Kingdom, partially offset by growth in Argentina and South Africa. The decline in revenue and Constant $ revenue was primarily due to a 3% decrease in Active Representatives, which was partially offset by higher average order. The decrease in Active Representatives was impacted by declines in all reportable segments, most significantly in South Latin America (driven by Brazil) and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The net impact of price and mix increased 2%, primarily due to the inflationary impact on pricing in Argentina, Russia and Mexico. Units sold decreased 4%, primarily due to declines in Russia, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The revenue performance was negatively impacted most significantly by a decline in Color sales, as we experienced issues in some markets while we segmented our Color category into three distinct brands. The timing of innovation also impacted the decline in Color sales.

Ending Representatives were relatively unchanged. Ending Representatives at December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior-year period benefited from growth in Russia, which was offset by a decline in Brazil.

See "Segment Review" in this MD&A for additional information related to changes in revenue by segment.

Transformation Plan

In January 2016, we initiated a transformation plan (the “Transformation Plan”) in order to enable us to achieve our long-term goals of mid-single-digit Constant $ revenue growth and low double-digit operating margin. The Transformation Plan included three pillars: invest in growth, reduce costs in an effort to continue to improve our cost structure and improve our financial resilience.

The Transformation Plan was designed to focus on cost savings and financial resilience in the first year, in order to support future investment in growth. In 2016 we estimate that we achieved cost savings of $120 before taxes, and we significantly strengthened the balance sheet. In 2017 we estimate that we achieved cost savings of $255 before taxes when comparing to our costs in 2015. These savings include both run-rate savings from 2016, along with in-year savings from current year initiatives. These savings have mostly been offset by the impact of inflation.

In connection with the actions and associated savings discussed above, we have incurred costs to implement ("CTI") restructuring initiatives of approximately $167 before taxes associated with the Transformation Plan to-date. In connection with the restructuring actions approved to-date associated with the Transformation Plan, we expect to realize annualized cost savings of an estimated $110 to $120 before taxes. During 2017, we realized an estimated $55 before taxes of cost savings associated with the restructuring actions and achieved the majority of the annualized savings. In addition, we have realized savings from other cost-savings strategies that did not result in restructuring charges. For the market closures, the expected annualized savings represented the operating loss no longer included within Avon's operating results as a result of no longer operating in the respective market. For actions that did not result in the closure of a market, the annualized savings represent the net reduction of expenses that will no longer be incurred by Avon.

For additional details on restructuring initiatives, see Note 16, Restructuring Initiatives on pages F-45 through F-48 of our 2017 Annual Report. For additional details on strengthening the balance sheet, see Note 7, Debt and Other Financing on pages F-22 through F-25 of our 2017 Annual Report.

Foundational Initiatives

The Company continues to make progress in a number of key areas. Transformation will require the Company to continue to execute in a coordinated way against each of these foundational initiatives:

The Company believes it has the capacity to achieve its long-term goals of mid single-digit constant-dollar revenue growth and low double-digit operating margin. However, the Company recognizes it will take time to achieve its long-term goals.

New Accounting Standards

Information relating to new accounting standards is included in Note 2, New Accounting Standards on pages F-18 through F-19 of our 2017 Annual Report.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"), we disclose operating results that have been adjusted to exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, including changes in: revenue, operating profit, Adjusted operating profit, operating margin and Adjusted operating margin. We also refer to these adjusted financial measures as Constant $ items, which are Non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these measures provide investors an additional perspective on trends and underlying business results. To exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we calculate current-year results and prior-year results at constant exchange rates, which are updated on an annual basis as part of our budgeting process. Foreign currency impact is determined as the difference between actual growth rates and Constant $ growth rates.

We also present gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue, operating profit, operating margin and effective tax rate on a Non-GAAP basis. We refer to these Non-GAAP financial measures as "Adjusted." We have provided a quantitative reconciliation of the Non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" within "Results of Operations - Consolidated" on pages 36 through 37 in this MD&A for this quantitative reconciliation.

The Company uses Non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its operating performance. These Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes investors find the Non-GAAP information helpful in understanding the ongoing performance of operations separate from items that may have a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Company's financial results in any particular period. The Company believes that it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of the impacts of 1) CTI restructuring initiatives; 2) a charge for a loss contingency related to a non-U.S. pension plan ("Loss contingency"); 3) the net proceeds recognized as a result of settling claims relating to professional services ("Legal settlement"); 4) charges related to the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations as of March 31, 2016 and the devaluation of Venezuelan currency in February 2015, combined with Venezuela being designated as a highly inflationary economy ("Venezuelan special items"); 5) the settlement charges associated with the U.S. pension plan ("Pension settlement charge"); 6) a goodwill impairment charge related to the Egypt business ("Asset impairment charge"); 7) various other items associated with the sale of Liz Earle, the separation of the North America business and debt-related charges ("Other items"); and, as it relates to our effective tax rate discussion, 8) the net income tax benefit as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S., a release of valuation allowances associated with a number of markets in Europe, Middle East & Africa, and a benefit as a result of a

favorable court decision in Brazil, partially offset by a charge associated with valuation allowances to adjust deferred tax assets in Mexico, which were recognized in 2017, income tax benefits realized in 2016 and 2015 as a result of tax planning strategies, an income tax benefit in the second quarter of 2016 primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance associated with Russia and the adjustments associated with our deferred tax assets recorded in 2016 and 2015 ("Special tax items").

The Loss contingency includes the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the second quarter of 2017 caused by a charge of approximately $18 for a loss contingency related to a non-U.S. pension plan, for which an amendment to the plan that occurred in a prior year may not have been appropriately implemented.

The Legal settlement includes the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2016 associated with the net proceeds of approximately $27 recognized as a result of settling claims relating to professional services that had been provided to the Company prior to 2013 in connection with a previously disclosed legal matter.

The Venezuelan special items include the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the first quarter of 2016 caused by the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations for which we recorded a loss of approximately $120 in other expense, net. The loss was comprised of approximately $39 in net assets of the Venezuelan business and approximately $81 in accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI") associated with foreign currency changes before Venezuela was accounted for as a highly inflationary economy. The Venezuelan special items also include the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2015 caused by the devaluations of Venezuelan currency on monetary assets and liabilities, such as cash, receivables and payables; deferred tax assets and liabilities; and non-monetary assets, such as inventories. For non-monetary assets, the Venezuelan special items include the earnings impact caused by the difference between the historical U.S. dollar cost of the assets at the previous exchange rate and the revised exchange rate. In 2015, the Venezuelan special items also include an adjustment of approximately $11 to reflect certain non-monetary assets at their net realizable value and an impairment charge of approximately $90 to reflect the write-down of the long-lived assets to their estimated fair value.

The Pension settlement charge includes the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third and fourth quarters of 2015 associated with the payments made to former employees who were vested and participated in the U.S. defined benefit pension plan. Such payments fully settled our pension plan obligation to those participants who elected to receive such payment.

The Asset impairment charge includes the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the fourth quarter of 2015 caused by the goodwill impairment charge related to the Egypt business.

The Other items include the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2016 due to a net gain on extinguishment of debt associated with the cash tender offers in August 2016, the debt repurchases in October and December 2016, and the prepayment of the remaining principal amount of our 4.20% Notes due July 15, 2018 and our 5.75% Notes due March 1, 2018 in November 2016. The Other items also include the impact during 2015 on our Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the gain on the sale of Liz Earle. In addition, the Other items include the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations in the fourth quarter of 2015 caused by transaction-related costs of $3.1 associated with the planned separation of the North America business that were included in continuing operations. In addition, Other items in 2015 include the impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations of the loss on extinguishment of debt caused by the make-whole premium and the write-off of debt issuance costs and discounts associated with the prepayment of our 2.375% Notes due March 15, 2016. Other items, in 2015, also include the impact on other expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations of $2.5 associated with the write-off of issuance costs related to our previous $1 billion revolving credit facility.

In addition, the effective tax rate discussion includes Special tax items, including the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during 2017 due to an approximate $30 net benefit recognized as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S., a release of valuation allowances of approximately $26 associated with a number of markets in Europe, Middle East & Africa, and an approximate $10 benefit as a result of a favorable court decision in Brazil, partially offset by a charge of approximately $16 associated with valuation allowances to adjust deferred tax assets in Mexico. Special tax items also include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the fourth quarter of 2016 due to the charge of approximately $9 associated with valuation allowances to adjust certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets to an amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized. Special tax items also include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the second quarter of 2016 primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance associated with Russia of approximately $7. Special tax items also include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the first quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2015 due to income tax benefits of approximately $29 and approximately $19, respectively, recognized as the result of the implementation of foreign tax planning strategies. Special tax items also include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the first and second quarters of 2015 due to a charge of approximately $31 and a benefit of approximately $3, respectively, associated with valuation allowances to adjust our U.S. deferred tax assets to an amount that was "more likely than not" to be realized. The additional valuation allowance was

due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against currencies of some of our key markets and its associated effect on our tax planning strategies, and the partial release of the valuation allowance was due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against currencies of some of our key markets. Special tax items also include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2015 due to a charge of approximately $642 as a result of establishing a valuation allowance for the full amount of our U.S. deferred tax assets due to the impact of the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar against currencies of some of our key markets and its associated effect on our tax planning strategies. Additionally, Special tax items include the impact on the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2015 due to a charge of approximately $15 associated with valuation allowances to adjust certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets to an amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized. The non-U.S. valuation allowance included an adjustment associated with Russia, which was primarily the result of lower earnings, which were significantly impacted by foreign exchange losses on working capital balances.

See Note 16, Restructuring Initiatives on pages F-45 through F-48 of our 2017 Annual Report, Note 13, Employee Benefit Plans on pages F-34 through F-42 of our 2017 Annual Report, Note 14, Segment Information on pages F-42 through F-44 of our 2017 Annual Report, "Results Of Operations - Consolidated" below, Note 1, Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies on pages F-11 through F-17 of our 2017 Annual Report, "Venezuela Discussion" below, Note 19, Goodwill on page F-51 of our 2017 Annual Report, Note 7, Debt and Other Financing on pages F-22 through F-25 of our 2017 Annual Report, and Note 9, Income Taxes on pages F-26 through F-29 of our 2017 Annual Report for more information on these items.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We believe the accounting policies described below represent our critical accounting policies due to the estimation processes involved in each. See Note 1, Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies on pages F-11 through F-17 of our 2017 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

Representatives contact their customers, selling primarily through the use of brochures for each sales campaign, generally on credit if the Representatives meet certain criteria. Sales campaigns are generally for a three- to four-week duration. The Representative purchases products directly from us and may or may not sell them to an end user. In general, the Representative, an independent contractor, remits a payment to us during each sales campaign, which relates to the prior campaign cycle. The Representative is generally precluded from submitting an order for the current sales campaign until the accounts receivable balance past due for prior campaigns is paid; however, there are circumstances where the Representative fails to make the required payment. We record an estimate of an allowance for doubtful accounts on receivable balances based on an analysis of historical data and current circumstances, including seasonality and changing trends. Over the past three years, annual bad debt expense was $222 in 2017 , $191 in 2016 and $144 in 2015 , or approximately 4% of total revenue in 2017, approximately 3% of total revenue in 2016, and approximately 2% of total revenue 2015. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed for adequacy, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. We generally have no detailed information concerning, or any communication with, any end user of our products beyond the Representative. We have no legal recourse against the end user for the collection of any accounts receivable balances due from the Representative to us. If the financial condition of the Representatives were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Allowances for Sales Returns

Policies and practices for product returns vary by jurisdiction. We record a provision for estimated sales returns based on historical experience with product returns. Over the past three years, annual sales returns were $198 for 2017 , $187 for 2016 and $191 for 2015 , or approximately 3% of total revenue in each year, which has been generally in line with our expectations. If the historical data we use to calculate these estimates does not approximate future returns, due to changes in marketing or promotional strategies, or for other reasons, additional allowances may be required.

Provisions for Inventory Obsolescence

We record an allowance for estimated obsolescence, when applicable, equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the net realizable value. In determining the allowance for estimated obsolescence, we classify inventory into various categories based upon its stage in the product life cycle, future marketing sales plans and the disposition process. We assign a degree of obsolescence risk to products based on this classification to estimate the level of obsolescence provision. If actual sales are less favorable than those projected, additional inventory allowances may need to be recorded for such additional obsolescence. Annual obsolescence expense was $37 in 2017 , $37 in 2016 and $45 in 2015 , or less than 1% of total revenue in each year.

Pension and Postretirement Expense

We maintain defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which are in the United Kingdom ("UK"), Germany and the U.S. However, our U.S. defined benefit pension plan is closed to employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 and the UK defined benefit pension plan is closed to employees hired on or after April 1, 2013. Additionally, we have unfunded supplemental pension benefit plans for some current and retired executives and provide retiree health care benefits subject to certain limitations to certain retired employees in the U.S. and certain foreign countries. See Note 13, Employee Benefit Plans on pages F-34 through F-42 of our 2017 Annual Report for more information on our benefit plans.

Pension and postretirement expense and the requirements for funding our major pension plans are determined based on a number of actuarial assumptions, which are generally reviewed and determined on an annual basis. These assumptions include the discount rate applied to plan obligations, the expected rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase of plan participants, price inflation, cost-of-living adjustments, mortality rates and certain other demographic assumptions, and other factors. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our employee benefit plans.

For 2017 , the weighted average assumed rate of return on all pension plan assets was 5.12% , as compared with 6.65% for 2016 . In determining the long-term rates of return, we consider the nature of the plans’ investments, an expectation for the plans’ investment strategies, historical rates of return and current economic forecasts. We generally evaluate the expected long-term rates of return annually and adjust as necessary.

In some of our defined benefit pension plans, we have adopted investment strategies which are designed to match the movements in the pension liability through an increased allocation towards debt securities. In addition, we also utilize derivative instruments in our UK defined benefit pension plans to achieve the desired market exposures or to hedge certain risks. Derivative instruments may include, but are not limited to, futures, options, swaps or swaptions. Investment types, including the use of derivatives are based on written guidelines established for each investment manager and monitored by the plan's investment committee.

A significant portion of our pension plan assets relate to the UK defined benefit pension plan. The assumed rate of return for determining 2017 net periodic benefit cost for the UK defined benefit pension plan was 5.15% . In addition, the 2018 rate of return assumption for the UK defined benefit pension plan was based on an asset allocation of approximately 80% in corporate and government bonds and mortgage-backed securities (which are expected to earn approximately 2% to 4% in the long-term) and approximately 20% in equity securities, emerging market debt and high yield securities (which are expected to earn approximately 5% to 9% in the long-term). In addition to the physical assets, the asset portfolio for the UK defined benefit pension plan has derivative instruments which increase our exposure to fixed income (in order to better match liabilities) and, to a lesser extent, impact our equity exposure. The rate of return on the plan assets in the UK was approximately 9% in 2017 and approximately 36% in 2016 .

Historically, the pension plan with the most significant pension plan assets was the U.S. defined benefit pension plan. As part of the separation of the North America business, in 2016 we transferred $499.6 of pension liabilities under the U.S. defined benefit pension plan associated with current and former employees of the North America business and certain other former Avon employees, along with $355.9 of assets held by the U.S. defined benefit pension plan, to a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by New Avon. We also transferred $60.4 of other postretirement liabilities (namely, retiree medical and supplemental pension liabilities) in respect of such employees and former employees. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations and Divestitures on pages F-19 through F-20 of our 2017 Annual Report. We continue to retain certain U.S. pension and other postretirement liabilities primarily associated with employees who are actively employed by Avon in the U.S. providing services other than with respect to the North America business. Prior to this separation, our net periodic benefit costs for the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans were allocated between Discontinued Operations and Global as the plan included both North America and U.S. Corporate Avon associates, and as such, our ongoing net periodic benefit costs within Global were not materially impacted by the separation of the North America business.

The assumed rate of return for determining 2017 net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. defined benefit pension plan was 5.50% , which was based on an asset allocation of approximately 7 0% in corporate and government bonds (which are expected to earn approximately 3% to 5% in the long-term) and approximately 30% in equity securities (which are expected to earn approximately 6% to 8% in the long-term). The rate of return on the plan assets in the U.S. was approximately 15% in 2017 and approximately 6% in 2016 .

The discount rate used for determining the present value of future pension obligations for each individual plan is based on a review of bonds that receive a high-quality rating from a recognized rating agency. The discount rates for calculating the balance sheet obligations of our more significant plans, including our UK defined benefit pension plan and our U.S. defined benefit pension plan, were based on the internal rates of return for a portfolio of high-quality bonds with maturities that are consistent with the projected future benefit payment obligations of each plan. The weighted-average discount rate for U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans determined on this basis was 2.66% at December 31, 2017 , and 2.81% at December 31,

2016 . For the determination of the expected rates of return on assets and the discount rates, we take external actuarial and investment advice into consideration.

Effective as of January 1, 2018, we are changing the method we use to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. defined benefit pension plan and the majority of our significant non-U.S. pension plans, including the UK defined benefit pension plan. Historically, including in 2017, we estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Beginning in 2018, we have now elected to use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of net periodic benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates, which we believe will result in a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. This change does not affect the measurement of our benefit obligation and does not impact our 2017 net periodic benefit cost. We will account for this change in estimate on a prospective basis beginning in 2018. We do not expect this change to result in a material reduction of our future net periodic benefit costs.

Our funding requirements may be impacted by standards and regulations or interpretations thereof. Our calculations of pension and postretirement costs are dependent on the use of assumptions, including discount rates, hybrid plan maximum interest crediting rates and expected return on plan assets discussed above, rate of compensation increase of plan participants, interest cost, benefits earned, mortality rates, the number of participants and certain demographics 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. At December 31, 2017 , we had pretax actuarial losses and prior service credits totaling approximately $41 for the U.S. defined benefit pension and postretirement plans and approximately $176 for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that have not yet been charged to expense. These actuarial losses have been charged to AOCI within shareholders’ equity. While we believe that the assumptions used are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension and postretirement obligations and future expense. For 2018 , our assumption for the expected rate of return on assets is 5.50% for our U.S. defined benefit pension plan and 5.20% for our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans (which includes 5.20% for our UK defined benefit pension plan). Our assumptions are generally reviewed and determined on an annual basis.

A 50 basis point change (in either direction) in the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate or the rate of compensation increases, would have had approximately the following effect on 2017 pension expense and the pension benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 :

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 capitalized software, and any other qualifying exit costs. These estimated costs are grouped by specific projects within the overall plan and are then monitored on a quarterly basis by finance personnel. 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.

Taxes

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized. Evaluating the need for and quantifying the valuation allowance often requires significant judgment and extensive analysis of all the weighted positive and negative evidence available to the Company in order to determine whether all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In performing this analysis, the Company’s forecasted U.S. and foreign taxable income, and the existence of potential prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would enable the Company to utilize some or all of its excess foreign tax credits, are taken into consideration. At December 31, 2017 , we had net deferred tax assets of approximately $182 (net of valuation allowances of approximately $3,218 and deferred tax liabilities of $75).

With respect to our deferred tax assets, at December 31, 2017 , we had recognized deferred tax assets of approximately $2,022 relating to foreign and state tax loss carryforwards, for which a valuation allowance of approximately $1,962 has been provided. At December 31, 2017 , we had recognized deferred tax assets of approximately $981 primarily relating to excess U.S. foreign tax and other U.S. general business credit carryforwards for which a valuation allowance of approximately $947 had been provided. We have a history of U.S. source losses, and our excess U.S. foreign tax and general business credits have primarily resulted from having a greater U.S. source loss in recent years which reduces our ability to credit foreign taxes or utilize the general business credits which we generate.

Our ability to realize our U.S. deferred tax assets, such as our foreign tax and general business credit carryforwards, is dependent on future U.S. taxable income within the carryforward period. At December 31, 2017 , we would need to generate approximately $4.7 billion of excess net foreign source income in order to realize the U.S. foreign tax and general business credits before they expire.

Following a valuation allowance recorded in 2014 to reduce our U.S. deferred tax assets to an amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized, during 2015, the Company recorded an additional valuation allowance for the remaining U.S. deferred tax assets of approximately $670. The increase in the valuation allowance resulted from reduced tax benefits expected to be obtained from tax planning strategies associated with an anticipated accelerated receipt in the U.S. of foreign source income. As the U.S. dollar had further strengthened against currencies of some of our key markets during 2015, the benefits associated with the Company’s tax planning strategies were no longer sufficient for the Company to continue to conclude that its tax planning strategies were prudent. In the absence of any alternative prudent tax planning strategies and other sources of future taxable income, it was determined that a full valuation allowance should be recorded. Although the Company continues to expect that it will generate taxable income from intercompany transactions and consequently, tax liability in the U.S., the Company is expected to offset its current and future tax liability with foreign tax credits, and as a result, the expected level of future taxable income and tax liability is not adequate to realize the benefit of previously recorded deferred tax assets. Although the Company may not be able to recognize a financial statement benefit associated with its deferred tax assets, the Company will continue to manage and plan for the utilization of its deferred tax assets to avoid the expiration of deferred tax assets that may have limited lives.

In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized a benefit of approximately $19 associated with the implementation of the initial stages of foreign tax planning strategies. We completed the implementation of these tax planning strategies and recognized an additional benefit of approximately $29 in the first quarter of 2016.

At December 31, 2017 , as a result of our U.S. liquidity profile, we continue to assert that our foreign earnings are not indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, we adjusted our deferred tax liability each period to account for our undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and for the tax effect of earnings that were actually repatriated to the U.S. during the year. The net impact on the deferred tax liability associated with the Company’s undistributed earnings is a decrease of approximately $64, resulting in a deferred tax liability balance of approximately $23 related to the incremental tax cost on approximately $1.5 billion of undistributed foreign earnings at December 31, 2017. The approximate $64 decrease was primarily a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S.

With respect to our uncertain tax positions, we recognize the benefit of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We believe that our assessment of more likely than not is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In 2018, a number of open tax years are scheduled to close due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and it is possible that a number of tax examinations may be completed. If our tax positions are ultimately upheld or denied, it is possible that the 2018 provision for income taxes, as well as tax related cash receipts or payments, may be impacted.

Loss 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. Our assessment is developed in consultation with our outside counsel and other advisors and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. We believe that our assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Assets

Plant, Property and Equipment and Capitalized Software

We evaluate our plant, property and equipment and capitalized software 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 pre-tax 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. The fair value of the asset is determined using revenue and cash flow projections, and royalty and discount rates, as appropriate.

In February 2015, we reviewed Avon Venezuela's long-lived assets to determine whether the carrying amount of the assets was recoverable. Based on our expected cash flows associated with the asset group, we determined that the carrying amount of the assets, carried at their historical U.S. dollar cost basis, was not recoverable. As such, an impairment charge of approximately $90 to selling, general and administrative expenses was recorded to reflect the write-down of the long-lived assets to their estimated fair value of approximately $16, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2015. The fair value of Avon Venezuela's long-lived assets was determined using both market and cost valuation approaches. The valuation analysis performed required several estimates, including market conditions and inflation rates. As discussed in Note 1, Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, we concluded that, effective March 31, 2016, we deconsolidated our Venezuelan operations. Our Consolidated Balance Sheets no longer includes the assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan operations, and we no longer include the results of our Venezuelan operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 1, Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies on pages F-11 through F-17 of our 2017 Annual Report for more information on Avon Venezuela.

Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment annually, and more frequently if circumstances warrant, using various fair value methods. We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for 2017 and determined that the estimated fair values were considered substantially in excess of the carrying values of each of our reporting units.

The impairment analyses performed for goodwill require several estimates in computing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. As part of our goodwill impairment analysis, we typically 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 a business, and is most consistent with the approach that we would generally expect a market participant would use. In estimating the fair value of our reporting units utilizing a DCF approach, we typically forecast revenue and the resulting cash flows for periods of five to ten years and include an estimated terminal value at the end of the forecasted period. When determining the appropriate forecast period for the DCF approach, we consider the amount of time required before the reporting unit achieves what we consider a normalized, sustainable level of cash flows. The estimation of fair value utilizing a DCF approach includes numerous uncertainties which require significant judgment when making assumptions of expected growth rates and the selection of discount rates, as well as assumptions regarding general economic and business conditions, and the structure that would yield the highest economic value, among other factors.

During the 2015 year-end close process, our analysis of the Egypt business indicated an impairment as the carrying value of the business exceeded the estimated fair value. This was primarily the result of reducing our long-term projections of the business. During 2015, Egypt performed generally in line with our revenue and earnings projections, which assumed growth as compared to 2014. However, as a result of currency restrictions for the payment of goods in Egypt, we lowered our long-term revenue and earnings projections for the business. Accordingly, a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $7 was recorded to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill. There is no amount remaining associated with goodwill for our Egypt reporting unit as a result of this impairment charge.

Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of Egypt during this impairment assessment included projections of revenue and the resulting cash flows, as well as the discount rate (based on the estimated weighted-average cost of capital). To estimate the fair value of Egypt, we forecasted revenue and the resulting cash flows over five years using a DCF model which included a terminal value at the end of the projection period. We believed that a five-year period was a reasonable amount of time in order to return cash flows of Egypt to normalized, sustainable levels.

See Note 19, Goodwill on page F-51 of our 2017 Annual Report for more information regarding Egypt.