With stronger than expected performance in the third quarter, Estée Lauder Companies has increased its earnings per share forecast for the year.

For the three months ending March 31, company sales climbed 11% to $2.55 billion, with net earnings up 19% to $213.2 million. Buoyed by the increases, the company reaffirmed its full year revenue growth of 6% to 7% but increased EPS to a range of $2.86 to $2.90, up $2.80 to $2.87.

At constant rates sales grew roughly 8% outpacing the prestige market’s 3% to 4% growth.

CEO Fabrizio Freda attributed results to the company’s brand diversity, multiple distribution channels and broad geographic footprint, which enabled it to leverage strong businesses when others weaken. “Our strategy helped us delivery excellent results,” said Fabrizio. Sales rose in all regions, with notable achievements in Germany, Russia, Mexico, Japan and Turkey. Korea and Venezuela remained challenged.

China and the U.S. grew despite weaknesses in both markets. Fabrizio calmed analyst concerns over a 7% same store sales decline in China, explaining that China’s doors are the most productive in the world – five times more than U.S. doors – and periodic variations are expected. For the year China is expected to climb double digits as it adds cities and introduces brands. U.S. sales came through specialty retail and online, as department stores were sluggish. Other markets under further development are Africa, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

While still only 6% of the business, ecommerce grew double digits with nine new brand sites launched. MAC in Brazil is already exceeding expectations. Additionally, 13 m-commerce sites went live including three in China.

Fabrizio remarked the company’s product “pipeline is full and sustainable.”

In Asian markets, Clinique, Estée Lauder and La Mer have been rolling out water lotions, while La Mer is also breaking into the contouring and lifting segment with two products. MAC’s U.S. lipstick business skyrocketed 25%, while Smashbox excelled with its Full Exposure Eye Palette.

In fragrance, Tory Burch and Michael Kors collections “are the big success stories,” proclaimed Fabrizio. Jo Malone and Tom Ford rose double digits.