ITW Reports 9 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended August 31, 2005; Base Revenues Increase 4 Percent for Three Month Period; Company Reaffirms Earnings Guidance for Third Quarter and Full-Year

GLENVIEW, Ill., Sept. 15 -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. today reported an operating revenue increase of 9 percent for the three months ended August 31, 2005. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 4 percent growth from base revenues, a 3 percent increase from acquisitions, and a 1 percent contribution from currency translation. In addition, Leasing and Investments contributed 1 percent to revenue growth in the three month period. 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.

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.

  (% change for 3 months ended August 31, 2005 versus prior year period)

     *Engineered Products/North America:             + 11%
     *Engineered Products/International:             -  1%
     *Specialty Systems/North America:               +  9%
     *Specialty Systems/International:               +  7%

After two months of actual results, the Company continues to forecast its 2005 third quarter earnings range estimate to be $1.33 to $1.39 for net income per diluted share. For full-year 2005, the Company continues to forecast its earnings range estimate to be $5.02 to $5.14 for net income per diluted share. The forecasts assume base revenue growth of approximately 4 percent for full- year 2005.

The statements regarding the Company's 2005 earnings estimates are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's third quarter and full-year forecasts. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are set forth in ITW's Form 10-Q for the 2005 second quarter.

ITW is an $11.7 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems. The company consists of approximately 650 decentralized operations in 45 countries and employs some 49,000 people.