The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $2.29 billion, a 2% increase compared with $2.25 billion in the prior-year quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 3%. Diluted net earnings per common share rose 38% to $0.45, compared with $0.33 in the prior year. The fiscal 2013 third-quarter results included net adjustments associated with restructuring activities of $1.7 million ($1.0 million after tax). The fiscal 2012 third quarter results included charges associated with restructuring activities of $28.8 million ($18.8 million after tax), equal to $0.05 per diluted common share. Excluding these charges in the third quarters of fiscal 2013 and 2012, net earnings increased 19% to $177.8 million and diluted net earnings per common share rose 20% to $0.45, versus a comparable $0.38 in the prior-year period. Net earnings attributable to the company were $178.8 million, compared to $130.4 million for the last year. Operating income was $245.1 million, compared to $211.5 million for the last year. Earnings before income taxes were $232.5 million, compared to $197.0 million for the last year. For the nine months ended March 31, 2013, the company reported net sales of $7.77 billion, a 4% increase from $7.46 billion in the comparable prior-year period. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 5%. Net sales grew in each of the company's geographic regions and major product categories. Net earnings attributable to the company were $925.8 million, a 15% increase from the $805.7 million in the same period last year. Diluted net earnings per common share increased 16% to $2.35, compared with $2.03 reported in the prior-year period. Excluding the returns and charges, net earnings for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 rose 14% to $946.9 million and diluted net earnings per common share rose 15% to $2.40, versus a comparable $2.10 in the prior-year period. Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased 7% to $934.2 million, compared with $869.7 million in the prior-year period. The increase primarily reflected the higher net earnings and a favorable change in other assets, partially offset by a net decrease in cash from certain working capital components. Operating income was $1,380.2 million, compared to $1,238.5 million for the last year. Earnings before income taxes were $1,342.4 million, compared to $1,201.9 million for the last year. Capital expenditure was $305.5 million, compared to $271.9 million for the last year. Looking at the remainder of fiscal 2013, the company is on track to deliver another record year of solid sales and a double-digit increase in earnings per share. In fiscal fourth quarter, the company expects an acceleration of top-line growth. For the full fiscal year, the company expects sales growth of approximately 6% in local currency and is raising earnings per share guidance, before charges, to $2.56 to $2.61. The company's performance this year reflects a combination of strong innovation pipeline and targeted investment spending behind the opportunities to foster global growth. The company is raising the range of its diluted net earnings per share estimate, including charges associated with restructuring activities and the impact of the early extinguishment of debt, to $2.49 to $2.54. For the full year, the company continues to expect to generate approximately $1.2 billion of cash flow from operations, and expect to invest approximately $500 million in capital expenditures. The company now estimates its effective tax rate will be between 30% and 32%.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share on the company's Class A and Class B common stock on June 17, 2013 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2013.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced that they will report Q3, 2013 results at 12:30 PM, GMT Standard Time on May 02, 2013