GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has reported an operating revenue increase of 12 percent for the three months ended Aug. 31. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 5 percent growth from base revenues and a 7 percent increase from acquisitions.

While base revenue growth benefited from relatively strong international and North American end market demand in a number of the company's manufacturing related businesses, the North American new housing market weakened in August. The company expects some additional weakness in this market in September and in the fourth quarter. On a manufacturing segment basis, the company's three month moving average percentage change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues and acquisitions, is provided below.

After two months of actual results and continued weakness in the North American new housing market, as well as expected slowing in North American Big 3 automotive production, the company now is forecasting a third quarter earnings range of 78 cents to 80 cents. For full-year 2006, the company is forecasting an earnings range of $3.03 to $3.07. For the third quarter, base revenues are expected to grow in a range of 3 percent to 4 percent. For the full-year, base revenues are forecasted to grow in a range of 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent.