RATIONAL AG: Fiscal year 2011 - 12 percent sales growth

Press release

RATIONAL AG: Fiscal year 2011 - 12 percent sales growth

- 26 percent EBIT margin

- 132 new jobs created

- Technological leadership further expanded

Landsberg, March 27, 2012.
RATIONAL group posted sales of 392 million euros in fiscal year 2011. This equates to a growth of 12 percent compared to the previous year (350 million euros). All regions around the world contributed to this positive development.

Considerable one-off burdens as future investments
In the seasonally-strong months in the fourth quarter, the 100 percent conversion of the product portfolio to the new model ranges, the SelfCookingCenter^(R) whitefficiency^(R) and the VarioCookingCenter MULTIFICIENCY^(R), took place. Due to this and the extensive launch activities, in particular also in the emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, considerable one-off burdens of approximately 8 million euros arose and negatively affected 2011 results.

26 percent EBIT margin
In line with sales trends and taking into account the one-off burdens, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stand at 102 million euros (previous year 106 million euros). This equates to an EBIT margin of 26 percent (previous year 30 percent). Adjusted for the one-off effects of the product launch, amounting to around 8 million euros, the EBIT margin would be around 28 percent', explains Dr. Blaschke, CEO of RATIONAL AG.

120 million euros liquid funds - 73 percent equity ratio
The company has a very sound financing structure and its liquid funds amounted to over 120 million euros on Dec. 31, 2011. On the balance sheet date, the equity ratio stood at 73 percent (previous year 73 percent).

5.50 euros dividend proposed
Supervisory Board and Executive Board have decided, to propose an increased dividend payout of 5.50 euros per share (previous year 5.00 euros).

For shareholders, this gives a dividend yield of 3.3 percent in relation to the 2011 year-end price. Despite the planned distribution of about 62 million euros, the company's available liquid funds continue to be at a very high level and so guarantee flexibility and security, despite the remaining risks related to the further development of the global economy.

132 new jobs created
In fiscal year 2011, RATIONAL invested future-oriented in the company development and, on a global basis, created 132 new, highly-qualified jobs, thereof more than 70 in Germany. Due to the large worldwide potential for growth in all regions of the world, efforts were made to further expand sales capacities, in particular. As at December 31, 2011 the company employed 1,224 people.

More customer benefit due to resource efficiency
'Thanks to our trendsetting innovations, the SelfCookingCenter^(R) whitefficiency^(R) und the VarioCookingCenter MULTIFICIENCY^(R), we were able to further extend our technological lead in 2011. Therewith, we set completely new standards in regards to cooking perfection, user-friendliness, sustainability and efficiency', says Dr. Blaschke

The reaction from customers is extremely positive. At Milan's HOST catering trade fair in October 2011, the SelfCookingCenter(R) whitefficiency^(R) was voted the most innovative product (Gold Innovation) and also the product with the best figures in terms of sustainability and efficiency (Green Excellence). At the INTERGASTRA trade fair in Stuttgart, in February 2012, RATIONAL was granted the 'Grünes Band 2011', an award for sustainability in the out-of-home market, by 'GV-kompakt', a German trade magazine.

RATIONAL is 'Best of Market 2012'
At the international trade fair Internorga in Hamburg, in March 2012, the trade magazines 'GVmanager', '24 Stunden Gastlichkeit' and 'FIRST CLASS' awarded the 'BEST of Market 2012' award. This is based on the results of a representative market research study about the market and buying behavior in the out-of-home market in 2012. A jury of 2,381 decision makers out of gastronomy, hotel industry and community catering voted RATIONAL highest in the category cooking technology, regarding the categories of price-performance-ratio, quality and service.

Entering 2012 with confidence
RATIONAL is ideally placed to continue on its successful path in 2012. The company has products, which are superior to those of competitors, a large untapped market potential, excellent customer loyalty, a sound business model and an extremely solid financial base.

'The market launch of the new products has also improved our competitive position. Therefore, we enter the new year with confidence. For 2012 and 2013, we expect, despite all the existing economic risks, moderate growth regarding sales and operating results', says Dr. Blaschke.

Contact:
RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Dr. Günter Blaschke
Tel. +49 (0)8191) 327-364
Fax +49 (0)8191) 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 over 1,200 people, of which more than 700 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, occupational safety and social responsibility. Numerous international awards bear witness year on year to the high level of RATIONAL's work.