From Detroit Free Press

MILWAUKEE -- Shares of Johnson Controls Inc. rose Monday on the supplier's 2007 forecast of a 14 percent earnings increase.

The Milwaukee-based company's stock increased $1.90, or 2.5 percent, Monday to $77.25.

Known locally for supplying batteries, seats and other automotive interior features, the company currently makes its money in another part of its business: products and services for buildings, from thermostats to building-management software.

Johnson Controls executives told analysts Monday that the company's money-losing automotive business will be hurt again because of customers' production cuts.

But strength in the building-efficiency business is boosting their forecast.

The company is expecting to earn $6 per share -- up 14 percent from this year.

"Johnson Controls continues to perform as a diversified growth company, generating consistently strong earnings growth," John Barth, Johnson Controls chief executive, said in a statement.

Himanshu Patel, an analyst with J.P. Morgan Securities, said in a note to investors that Johnson Controls' $6-per-share earnings estimate seemed conservative. "We see consensus '07 estimates drifting up in the coming days," Patel said.

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