RATIONAL AG: Successful start into 2012

Press release

RATIONAL AG: Successful start into 2012

- Sales up 10 percent year-on-year

- 13 percent EBIT-increase

Landsberg, May 10, 2012. RATIONAL had a good start into 2012. Due to the successful global launch of the new generations of products, positive feedback from dealers, customers and the trade press, as well as, the overall stable global economy, RATIONAL was able to sustain its double-digit growth path.

Sales up 10 percent year-on-year
In the first quarter of 2012 sales rose 10 percent to 96.9 million euros (previous year 88.0 million euros). "It's especially pleasing, that the growth takes place in all important markets of the world. This reinforces the stability of our global growth trend. Our subsidiary FRIMA, too, which produces and markets the VarioCookingCenter MULTIFICIENCY^(R), made a significant contribution to group growth thanks to an above average increase in sales of 38 percent in the first quarter", Dr. Günter Blaschke, CEO of RATIONAL, explains.

13 percent EBIT-increase
Operating costs, consisting of research and development, sales and service as well as general administration, rose considerably below average in the first quarter by 6 percent compared to the previous year to 34.5 million euros (previous year 32.5 million euros). As a consequence, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) after three months stand at 22.9 million euros and, hence, are 13 percent up on the previous year (20.3 million euros). The EBIT margin improved to 24 percent (previous year 23 percent).

77 percent equity ratio
As at March 31, 2012, the equity ratio is 77 percent (Previous year 79 percent). Liquid funds amount to 131.9 million euros and, thus, represent 45 percent of the balance sheet total. Even after the distribution of dividends proposed by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board amounting to 62.5 million euros (5.50 euros per share) in May this year, both the equity ratio and cash funds will still be at a high level. Thus, the company has sufficient liquidity to fund future growth and has reserves available for unexpected economic developments.

RATIONAL wins the European Business Award 'Ruban D'Honneur'
"At the European Business Awards we have been awarded the prestigious 'Ruban D'Honneur 2011'. We won against stiff competition in the category 'Company of the year with a turnover over 150 million euros' thanks to the notable innovation strategy, the sound growth and the leading market position", Dr. Blaschke describes.

Optimistic for 2012
"As a result of our large global market potential, the successful rollout of our two new, innovative generations of products, the stable economic forecast for 2012 and not least, the positive business development in the first quarter, we are expecting 10 percent growth in sales and profits for fiscal 2012", Dr. Blaschke explains.

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 quality of RATIONAL's work.