RATIONAL AG: RATIONAL AG on growth path

Landsberg am Lech (pta012/05.08.2015/10:00 UTC+2) -

- Sales up 17 percent in the first six months
- Growth driven by Americas and Asia
- Forecast confirmed

Following an excellent start into 2015 in the first quarter, the performance of professional-kitchen specialist RATIONAL remained positive in the six-month period. With sales revenues of 260.5 million euros (previous year: 223.2 million euros), the company reported year-on-year growth of 17 percent. "In addition to good performance in all regions worldwide, this was also attributable to positive currency effects", says Dr Stadelmann, CEO of RATIONAL AG.

Growth driven by Americas and Asia
The performance of the American market was especially positive. Sales revenues in this region accelerated by 48 percent in the six-month period. Sales revenue performance was extremely positive in the USA, as well as in Mexico and Brazil. In addition to the Americas, growth in Asia was also disproportionately high. Here, sales revenues were up 34 percent on the previous year.

The established markets in Europe are continuing to perform well. Poor business in Russia was offset by increases in sales revenues in the other European countries. In Europe (excluding Germany), sales increased by 6 percent in the six-month period. Sales revenues in our well-developed home market of Germany were up by 14 percent. The FRIMA segment performed in line with our expectations, expanding by 15 percent in the second quarter and consequently by 11 percent in the six-month period.

28 percent EBIT margin
Operating costs rose by 14 percent in the first six months to 91.5 million euros (previous year: 80.2 million euros). The company invests in particular in the fields of sales and marketing, along with research and development. In the first six months the company's EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) was up by 32 percent to 73.9 million euros (previous year: 55.8 million euros). The EBIT margin is 28 percent (previous year: 25 percent). This result is partly due to positive currency effects. After exchange rate adjustments, the EBIT margin is 25 percent (previous year: 24 percent).

RATIONAL receives "Corporate Excellence Award"
For the fourth time in a row, the "Corporate Excellence Award" has been presented to RATIONAL. The Universities of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and Zurich, in cooperation with the Swiss consultancy firm CEAMS, present this award to listed companies that manage their business with particular success. The rating process primarily considers long-term financial indicators rather than short-term earnings figures. "Receiving the award motivates us to continue to pursue our primary corporate objective: to offer maximum benefit to the customer. And this will inevitably lead to sustained success", concludes Dr Stadelmann.

Forecast confirmed
On the basis of the business performance to date, RATIONAL can confirm its existing forecast of continued positive sales revenues and earnings performance for financial year 2015.

Contact person:
RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Dr Peter Stadelmann
Tel. +49 (0)8191 327-3309
Fax +49 (0)8191 327-272
E-mail: p.stadelmann@rational-online.com
http://www.rational-online.com

Internet link half year report 2015
Please find the RATIONAL AG half year report 2015 following the link below:
http://www.rational-online.com/en/investor_relations/financial_informations/quarterly_reports/index.html

Information for editors:
The RATIONAL Group is the global market and technology leader for thermal preparation of food in professional kitchens. The company, founded in 1973, employs just under 1,500 people, over 600 of whom are in Germany. RATIONAL was floated in the Prime Standard of the German stock market in 2000 and is currently represented in the SDAX.

The company's principal objective is to offer maximum customer benefit at all times. Internally RATIONAL is committed to the principle of sustainability, which is expressed in its policies on environmental protection, leadership, job security and social responsibility. Numerous international awards bear witness to the high quality of RATIONAL's work year on year.

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Emitter:	RATIONAL AG Iglinger Straße 62 86899 Landsberg am Lech Germany
Contact Person:	Erich Baumgärtner
Phone:	+49 8191 327 209
E-Mail:	ir@rational-online.com
Website:	www.rational-online.com
ISIN(s):	DE0007010803 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Regulated Market in Frankfurt; Free Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart