In its building efficiency segment, the company competes with Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON) and Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ: CREE). In its power segment, the company’s competitors include Exide Technologies (NASDAQ: XIDE) and A123 Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: AONE). And in its automotive segment, Magna International Inc. (NYSE: MAG) and TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) are among a host of US and international competitors. With the exception of TRW, which more than doubled its stock price in the past year, Johnson shares have outperformed all the rest, rising about 40%.

The company has benefited from rising auto sales, increased installation of energy efficiency controls, and a contract to supply Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) with auto batteries. Profits in the auto segment rose 46% compared with a year ago and profits in the building efficiency group rose 34%. More modest gains in revenue indicate that the company’s margins are strong and likely to get stronger.

On the strength of its first quarter report, Johnson raised its guidance for both sales and earnings. The company now forecasts full-year revenue to reach $38.5 billion, up from a previous estimate of $37 billion. Full-year EPS is rose from a previous estimate of $2.30-$2.45 to a new estimate of $2.50-$2.55. The new guidance is better than analysts’ expectations of EPS of $2.54 and revenue of $37.19 billion.

Johnson also expects to increase capital spending from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion as it expands it capacity to make batteries.  Johnson is currently building new capacity to manufacture start-stop batteries, a technology that will be available next year on some cars sold in the US by Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F).

The company’s CEO noted that Johnson is “increasingly confident” that it will post record results in 2011, and that the company will “consistently outperform our markets and increase shareholder value.”

So far today, though, Johnson’s shares are down nearly 2.5%, to $39.15, near the top of the company’s 52-week range of $25.56-$41.45. Volume is also heavier than usual in the shares.

Paul Ausick

Magnetek, Inc. (NYSE:MAG) has received orders from United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) for PCS-2C and -2D fuel cell power inverters totaling 2.4 megawatts in a contract valued at approximately $1.3 million scheduled for delivery over the coming 8 months.

FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE:FPL), the Florida Power & Lighting parent, announced today a $2.4 billion investment program aimed at increasing U.S. solar thermal energy output and reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming: up to $1.5 billion in new solar thermal generating facilities; Investment of up to $500 million by FPL to create a smart network that will provide its 4.5 million customers with enhanced energy management capabilities; and a new consumer education program and new products that could increase renewable energy resources by at least $400 million over the first five years of the program.

Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) becomes a principal sponsor for Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon 2007.  For some reason, it seems they’ll still have bad home sales.

Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: PRRY) announced today that it has delivered its first shipment of PetroLuxus™ 600 for the treatment of biodiesel that will streamline the production of biodiesel in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.

Calpine Corporation (Pink Sheets: CPNLQ) received final approval today from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to construct the 600-megawatt Russell City Energy Center in Hayward, Calif.

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) today said it will become the first computer maker to neutralize its greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Michael Dell announced a series of measures to shrink the company’s carbon footprint and offset  its greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.

ING (NYSE:ING) announced today the next phase of its worldwide sustainability commitment by agreeing to
purchase clean, emission-free wind energy credits for its U.S. operations.

• While the United Nations meets, Industry Executives Speak Out onClimate Change and Energy Security in the Latest Issue of World EnergyMagazine
• September 25 Business Day in Global Warming
• Oil Baron T. Boone Pickens bullish on oil and alternative energy
• Goldman Sachs raised super-spike oil price band to $135.00/barrel

Jon C. Ogg
September 26, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or"Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.Green business has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today.