•    7 percent sales growth
•    EBIT up by 23 percent
•    44 new jobs created

Landsberg, August 10, 2010.     In the first six months sales of RATIONAL stood at 157.5 million euros (previous year 147.7 million euros). This is 9.8 million euros or 7 percent up on the first half of the last year. “What is particularly gratifying is that virtually all markets are contributing to the growth. Even areas such as Russia, Spain and the Americas, which were especially hit by the last financial crisis, are back on track again”, tells Dr. Günter Blaschke, CEO of RATIONAL AG. In the second quarter the company increased sales compared to the same quarter of the previous year by 14 percent to 84.9 million euros (previous year 74.4 million euros).


EBIT up by 23 percent

Thanks to the good sales performance, coupled with professional cost management, earnings are up considerably on a year-on-year basis. In the first six months earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved by 8.0 million euros or 23 percent to 43.3 million euros (previous year 35.3 million euros). The EBIT margin of 27 percent is beyond the previous year’s figure of 24 percent. Earnings after taxes stand at 32.1 million euros (previous year 25.8 million euros), a rise of 24 percent compared to last year.

In the second quarter an EBIT of 26.5 million euros (previous year 20.1 million euros) was posted. This equates to a 32 percent rise compared to the previous year and an EBIT margin of 31 percent.

 
44 new jobs created

“Encouraged by the sustained, positive business trends, we started to make selective investments to increase sales capacities in markets with particularly high potential for growth. In addition to the focal points of China, India and South America, sales capacities for the VarioCooking Center^® will also be further expanded”, explains Dr. Blaschke. On June 30, 2010 the company employed 1,037 people, which are 44 more employees than at the start of the year.


Outlook for 2010 confirmed

RATIONAL has everything in place for success. A superior product portfolio, large untapped market potential, very good customer loyalty and customer satisfaction, a global sales and marketing network and a proven business model based on excellent financials are a solid foundation for sustainable positive business development.

“Against the backdrop of the trends in the first six months we confirm the expectations for 2010 as a whole to the effect that we will be back on a stable growth path”, states Dr. Blaschke confidently.


Contact:
RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Dr. Günter Blaschke
Tel. (08191) 327-364
Fax (08191) 327-272
E-Mail: g.blaschke@rational-online.com
www.rational-online.com

 
Information for editors:

RATIONAL is the world market and technology leader for the thermal preparation of food in professional kitchens. The company, founded in 1973, employs around 1,000 people, of which more than 600 are in Germany. Since the IPO in 2000 RATIONAL was floated in the Prime Standard on the German stock market and is currently listed on the MDAX.

The company’s principal objective is to offer customers maximum benefit. Internally RATIONAL is committed to the principle of sustainability, expressed in its policies on environmental protection, leadership and social responsibility. Numerous international awards bear witness year on year to the high level of RATIONAL’s work.