International. Johnson Controls International reported in its first quarter 2020 financial report, sales of US$5.6 billion which increased by 2% compared to the previous year and grew 3% organically.
GAAP earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") were $308 million and EBIT margin was 5.5%. Adjusted EBIT was US$448 million and adjusted EBIT margin was 8.0%, up 70 basis points from the previous year. Excluding the impact of mergers and acquisitions and foreign currency, the underlying adjusted EBIT margin increased 80 basis points.
"Our first quarter results reflect a strong start to fiscal 2020, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit adjusted organic EBIT growth as a pure gaming building technology company. Our performance in the quarter reflects an ongoing commitment to strong execution and improving the underlying fundamentals of our business, which is shared across the organization," said George Oliver, President and CEO. "We provide the safest and most sustainable solutions for our customers given our strong portfolio of products and services. This, along with our strong balance sheet, positions us well to continue to deliver long-term shareholder value," Oliver added.
Building solutions in EMEA/LA (Europe, Middle East, Africa/Latin America) regions
Sales in the $928 million quarter were up 2% compared to a year earlier. Organic sales grew 7% compared to the previous year driven by strong growth in project facilities and service. Growth was positive across regions and in HVAC and controls, fire and industrial safety and refrigeration.
Orders in the quarter, excluding mergers and acquisitions and adjusted for foreign currency, increased 4% year-over-year. The quarter-end order book of $1.7 billion increased 8% year-over-year, excluding mergers and acquisitions and adjusted for foreign currency.
The EBITA adjusted segment was US$90 million, up 17% from the previous year. The adjusted segment's EBITA margin of 9.7% expanded 120 basis points year-over-year, including a 10 basis point foreign currency-related headwind. Adjusting for foreign currency, underlying margin improved 130 basis points driven by favorable volume leverage, as well as the benefit of productivity savings and cost synergies.
Global Products
Sales in the $1.9 billion quarter were up 1% compared to a year earlier. Organic sales increased 2% year-over-year, led by strong growth in building management systems and, to a lesser extent, specialty products. Sales of HVAC and refrigeration equipment were consistent with the previous year.
