ITW Reports 2.4 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended Nove

As previously disclosed on December 8, 2008, the Company issued an updated forecast and reported significant further weakening in worldwide end markets, the negative impact from currency translation and higher than originally anticipated restructuring costs in the quarter. The Company is forecasting fourth quarter 2008 diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $0.44 to $0.52. The 2008 fourth quarter forecast assumes a total company revenue decrease of 7 percent to 9 percent. For the full year, the Company is forecasting diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $2.94 to $3.02. The full-year forecast assumes a total Company revenue growth range of 6 percent to 7 percent.