MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls, Inc. today reported record sales and earnings for its 2007 fourth quarter. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations totaled 78 cents, up 26 percent from 62 cents last year.

Sales for the 2007 fourth quarter totaled $9 billion, up 11 percent from $8.2 billion in 2006 as the company increased its share of its global markets. Income from continuing operations was $469 million versus $368 million last year, an increase of 27 percent as a result of the higher revenues and increased operational efficiencies.

For the 2007 fiscal year, Johnson Controls sales totaled $34.6 billion compared with $32.2 billion for 2006, an increase of 7 percent. Income from continuing operations increased 25 percent to $1.3 billion. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2007 were $2.16 versus $1.75. Excluding a non-recurring tax benefit in the second quarter, 2007 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.10. Fiscal year 2007 is the company's 61st consecutive year of sales increases and 17th consecutive year of earnings increases.

All earnings per share amounts reflect the company's 3-for-1 stock split on Oct. 2.

"We are pleased to deliver record results for the fourth quarter and for the full fiscal year," said Chief Executive Officer Stephen Roell. "We expect to continue to win share and grow at a faster pace than our underlying industries through our innovation, cost advantages and world-class quality."

He continued, "It is a core part of our company's culture to understand customers' emerging needs and to deliver unique, practical solutions. Our employees around the world continue to show an outstanding commitment to our customers, and I thank them for another record year."

The company reported that automotive experience sales in the quarter were $4.2 billion, 3 percent higher than $4 billion in 2006. North American sales increased 2 percent and European sales rose 5 percent, approximately in line with overall vehicle production levels. Sales in the Asia/Pacific region declined 3 percent due to lower volumes in Japan. Unconsolidated sales in China increased 48 percent. Segment income was $183 million, up 24 percent from $148 million last year as a result of a substantial improvement in North American profitability and a continued strong performance in Europe.

The company said its net debt to total capitalization at Sept. 30, was 30 percent, versus 35 percent at June 30.

Johnson Controls anticipates a sales increase of 10 percent, to approximately $38 billion. Income from continuing operations is estimated to increase approximately 18 percent, to $2.45 to $2.50 per diluted share. The company said the strong performance will be the result of its participation in growth markets, its exposure to non-cyclical sectors, its global capabilities and technology leadership as well as its cost discipline.

For the first quarter of 2008, the company expects diluted earnings per share to increase 25 percent to 32 percent versus the 2007 first quarter, to a range of 35 cents to 37 cents.

"We have excellent visibility to our expected 2008 sales through our large and growing backlogs of new business," Roell said. "We are executing well on our growth strategies and expect a strong start to 2008."

For more information about Johnson Controls, go to: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.