January 20, 2008

Johnson Controls 1Q profit increases

MILWAUKEE - Building and auto systems maker Johnson Controls Inc. said Friday its fiscal first-quarter profit rose 45 percent on growth across all divisions.

Earnings grew to $235 million, or 39 cents per share, in the three months ended Dec. 31 compared with $162 million, or 27 cents per share, a year ago.

Income from continuing operations increased to $235 million, or 39 cents per share, from $168 million, or 28 cents per share.

Quarterly revenue climbed 16 percent to $9.48 billion from $8.21 billion in the prior-year period.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial predicted net income of 37 cents per share on sales of $9.1 billion. The estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Building efficiency sales rose 11 percent to $3.2 billion, while power solutions revenue jumped 55 percent to $1.7 billion. Automotive experience sales increased 9 percent to $4.6 billion.

The company maintained its full-year 2008 forecast for earnings of $2.45 per share to $2.50 per share and revenue of approximately $38 billion. It expects second-quarter net income between 46 cents and 48 cents per share.

Analysts predict 2008 profit of $2.49 per share on sales of $38.12 billion and second-quarter net income of 46 cents per share.

Its shares rose 51 cents to $34.27 in morning trading Friday.

No comments: