International. Johnson Controls International released GAAP earnings per share ("EPS") for the third fiscal quarter of 2019 from continuing operations, including special items, of $0.16. Excluding special items, adjusted EPS for continuing operations was US$0.65, up 20% from the prior-year period.
Sales of $6.5 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 $583 million and EBIT margin was 9.0%. Adjusted EBIT was US$809 million and adjusted EBIT margin was 12.5%, up 50 basis points from the previous year. Excluding the impact of mergers and acquisitions and foreign currency, underlying adjusted EBIT grew 11% year-over-year and margin increased 60 basis points.
"We delivered another strong quarter of organic revenue, order and backlog growth, as well as strong free cash flow. These results reflect the continued emphasis on driving the underlying fundamentals with a focus on new product development, talent management and enhanced business excellence across the organization," said George Oliver, President and CEO. "We are pleased with the execution of our capital deployment actions related to revenue from the sale of Power Solutions, which has positioned us to adjust our EPS guidance to the upper end of the previous range," Oliver added.
Building Solutions
Sales in the quarter of $922 million decreased slightly compared to the prior year. Excluding mergers and acquisitions and foreign exchange, organic sales grew 6% compared to the previous year, driven by strong growth in project facilities. Growth was positive in most regions, led by strength in HVAC, Fire and Industrial Security and Refrigeration in Europe and Latin America.
Global Products
Sales in the $2.5 billion quarter were up 3% compared to a year earlier. Excluding mergers and acquisitions and foreign exchange, organic sales increased 7% compared to the previous year with solid growth in building management systems, HVAC and refrigeration equipment and specialty products.
