Illinois Tool Works reports revenue growth

Glenview-based Illinois Tool Works Inc. today reported a total operating revenue increase of 17 percent for the three months ended July 31, 2011 compared to the year-ago period.  Organic or base revenues contributed 6 percent to total revenue growth in the three month period.  In addition, acquisitions and currency translation added 4 percent and 7 percent, respectively, to total revenues.  A number of worldwide end markets exhibited moderating growth as the three month period progressed.

On a segment basis, the Company’s change in three-month moving average percentage for operating revenues, comprised of organic revenues, acquisitions and currency translation, is provided below. (% change for 3 months ended July 31, 2011 versus prior year period) Transportation:   22 % Industrial Packaging:   20 % Power Systems and Electronics:   17 % Food Equipment:       10 % Construction Products:   11 % Polymers and Fluids:   32 % Decorative Surfaces:   14 % All Other:   13 %

The Company is forecasting 2011 third quarter diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $0.95 to $1.03.  The midpoint of this earnings range represents 24 percent growth versus the third quarter of 2010.  The third quarter forecast assumes a total revenue growth range of 15 percent to 18 percent.  For the 2011 full year, the Company is forecasting diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $4.05 to $4.21 and assumes a total revenue growth range of 16 percent to 18 percent.  The full-year forecast includes the $0.33 per share one-time tax benefit recorded in the 2011 first quarter.  Excluding the one-time tax gain, the midpoint of the full-year earnings would be $3.80 and would represent a 32 percent increase compared to the year-ago period.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitations, statements regarding operating revenues, end markets, diluted net income per share, and the Company’s related forecasts. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that 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-K for 2010.

With nearly 100 years of history, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer. The Company’s value-added consumables, equipment and service businesses serve customers in developed as well as emerging markets around the globe. ITW’s key business platforms, including welding, automotive OEM, industrial packaging, food equipment, construction, polymers and fluids, test and measurement, electronics, decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket, employ more than 60,000 people worldwide. ITW’s revenues totaled $15.4 billion in 2010, with more than half of these revenues generated outside of the United States.

SOURCE Illinois Tool Works Inc.

-0- 08/19/2011

/CONTACT: John Brooklier, +1-847-657-4104, jbrooklieritw.com

/Web Site: http://www.itw.com(NYSE:ITW) / CO: Illinois Tool Works Inc. ST: Illinois IN: AUT FIN CST TRN REA SU: SLS PRN -- AQ54753 -- 0000 08/19/2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com