GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works (ITW) reported an operating revenue increase of 9 percent for the three months ending Oct. 31. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 5 percent growth from base revenues, a 3 percent increase from acquisitions and a 1 percent contribution from currency translation.

Base revenue growth for the three month period continued to be stronger in North America, particularly for the company's longer-cycle specialty systems products. In the manufacturing segment, the company's three month moving average percentage change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues and acquisitions -- compared to the same period last year -- was a positive ten percent for engineered products/North America; a positive five percent for engineered products/International; a positive ten percent for specialty systems/North America; and a positive five percent for specialty systems/International.

After one month of actual results, the company continues to forecast its 2005 fourth quarter earnings estimate to be in a range of $1.34 to $1.40 for net income per diluted share. For full-year 2005, the company continues to forecast its earnings estimate to be in a range of $5.12 to $5.18 for net income per diluted share. The forecasts assume base revenue growth of 3 percent for the fourth quarter and 4.3 percent for full-year 2005.

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