Earnings Soar for Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls Inc.'s net income in the fiscal fourth quarter ended Sept. 30 surged to $346 million from $139 million a year earlier. Revenue for the period grew 3% to $11 billion.

Sales by JCI's automotive operations rose 3% to $5.3 billion in July-September. Revenue in China climbed 17% to $1.8 billion. Income for the unit jumped 27% to $261 million, led by an 8% increase to $218 million for seating operations.

Quarterly profits for the company's automotive interiors unit soared to $43 million from $3 million last year. JCI attributes the gain to improved operating efficiencies and the impact of restructuring efforts.

For the full fiscal year, JCI's revenue and net income each rose 3% to $42.8 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.