GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works (ITW) has reported an operating revenue increase of 7 percent for the three months that ended Feb. 28. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 5 percent growth from base revenues and a 6 percent increase from acquisitions. Currency translation and intercompany sales lowered revenues 4 percent in the period. Strong demand from North American end markets, particularly those served by the company's specialty systems business units, continued to drive base revenue growth.

After two months of actual results, the company said it has experienced much stronger base revenue growth and operating margin performance than originally anticipated. As a result, ITW is now raising its 2006 first quarter forecasted range of earnings to $1.23 to $1.27 from the prior forecast of $1.12 to $1.18. For full-year 2006, the company also is increasing its forecasted range of earnings to $5.76 to $5.94 from the earlier forecast of $5.60 to $5.78. For the first quarter, base revenues are now expected to grow in a range of 4.9 to 5.7 percent. For the full-year, base revenues are forecasted to grow in a range of 4.2 to 5.6 percent.

For more information about Illinois Tool Works, go to: http://www.itw.com .

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