Executives at Avon Products, Inc. said they expect a 5% drop in U.S. sales for the fourth quarter of 2004. In 2005, U.S. sales are expected to decline slightly, with U.S. sales and profit growth to resume in 2006. The company blamed restrained consumer spending. In addition, growth in active U.S. representatives is expected to fall slightly compared to last year’s fourth quarter. However, the company was optimistic about its overall per-share profit, with an expected rise of at least 10% a yea...