International. Johnson Controls International reported fiscal first quarter 2019 earnings per share ("EPS") from continuing operations, including special items, of $0.12. Excluding these items, adjusted EPS for continuing operations was US$0.26, an increase of 24% compared to the prior-year period.
Sales of $5.5 billion increased 3% compared to the previous year. Excluding the impacts of mergers and acquisitions and foreign currency, sales grew 6% organically.
GAAP earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") were $329 million and EBIT margin was 6.0%. Adjusted EBIT was $400 million and adjusted EBIT margin was 7.3%, up 50 basis points from a year earlier. Excluding the impact of mergers and acquisitions and foreign currency, the underlying adjusted EBIT margin increased 60 basis points.
George Oliver, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Fiscal 2019 is off to a great start, with strong results in the first quarter. The investments we have made in research and development, as well as the expansion of our global sales force, directly impacted our results, with strengthened growth in organic and orders. As we continue to monitor the global macroeconomic environment, we remain committed to driving execution across the organization, leveraging our broad installed base and service offerings, and driving synergies and ongoing productivity initiatives. The Power Solutions business is progressing well, and we are on track to close in the fiscal third quarter."
