Estée Lauder (NYSE: EL) 3Q19 Results: Asia Pacific Markets Grow Double Digits; Raises Sales and EPS Guidance for Full Year

Executive Summary

• Estée Lauder reported 3Q19 revenues of $3.7 billion, up 11.1% year over year and beating the $3.6 billion consensus estimate. Adjusted, non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were $1.55, compared to $1.12 in the year ago quarter, up 38.8% and beating the consensus estimate of $1.30. 
• Skincare, the company’s largest category at 46.6% of sales, rose 21% on a reported basis, driven by the Estée Lauder and La Mer brands. The Asia Pacific region showed strong growth, with two-thirds of the markets in the region growing double-digits. 
• The company forecasts full fiscal year revenue growth of 7-8%, compared to prior guidance of 5-6%, and a consensus estimate of 6.4%. The company raised its full year EPS guidance to $5.15-5.19, versus the prior guidance of $4.92-5.00, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06.