RATIONAL AG — Earnings Release 2010

Nov 10, 2010

News Details

Ad-hoc | 10 November 2010 07:46

RATIONAL AG: RATIONAL on the growth path

RATIONAL AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results

10.11.2010 07:46

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RATIONAL on the growth path

• Sales up by 8 percent
• EBIT-growth of 14 percent year-on-year
• 79 new jobs created

Landsberg, November 10, 2010. RATIONAL successfully grew sales in the
first 9 month by 8 percent to 244.0 million euros over the previous year of
226.4 million euros. In the third quarter sales were up by even 10 percent.
It is pleasing to note that virtually every region contributed towards the
sales increase. The performance of the Americas is particularly gratifying.
With an increase of 26 percent in the third quarter it surpassed the high
level achieved in the first half-year. Though, Europe also made a
significant contribution towards the positive development by posting an 11
percent rise in sales. The strongest individual market, Germany, was up
slightly in the third quarter compared to the previous year, reporting an
accumulated 4 percent increase. Asia delivered a small rise of 3 percent in
the third quarter.

28 percent EBIT-margin in the first nine months

The good sales performance, combined with costs rising at a lower rate,
plus the positive effects of exchange rates, produced a sharp increase in
the result compared to the previous year. Earnings before interest and
taxes improved in the first nine months by 8.5 million euros or 14 percent
to 69.2 million euros. In the third quarter, the company posted a 30
percent EBIT margin; after nine months the figure stands at 28 percent and
is above the high level of 27 percent reached in the previous year.

74 percent equity ratio - liquid funds of 140 million euros

In the first nine months, RATIONAL generated an operating cash flow of 61.5
million euros. RATIONAL has an extremely sound financing structure and has
liquid funds of more than 140 million euros at its disposal. The equity
ratio further increased from 68 percent in the previous year to 74 percent
as at September 30, 2010.

RATIONAL invests in the future

As a result of the positive overall economic development and significant
potential for worldwide growth in virtually all the world's markets, the
company pressed ahead with the targeted expansion of its sales capacities.
As at the report date of September 30, 2010, the company employed 1,072
people, an increase of 79 compared to the start of the year.

Growth is expected to continue in the fourth quarter

The positive prospects for economic activity worldwide, the superior
product technology, significant market potential, as well as outstanding
customer loyalty and satisfaction, combined with a highly efficient sales
and marketing network and the backing of an excellent financial base
provide the best conditions for enabling RATIONAL to continue its
successful development in the future.

On the basis of the progress of business during the first nine months, the
management also anticipates being able to maintain the growth path in the
fourth quarter.

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 more than 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.

                      Q3 2010             Q3 2009      Change in %

Sales (in m EUR) 86.4 78.7 +10
EBIT (in m EUR) 25.9 25.4 +2
EBT (in m EUR) 25.8 25.2 +2
EPS (in EUR) 1.71 1.65 +4

                      9M 2010             9M 2009      Change in %

Sales (in m EUR) 244.0 226.4 +8
EBIT (in m EUR) 69.2 60.7 +14
EBT (in m EUR) 68.9 60.4 +14
EPS (in EUR) 4.54 3.92 +16

10.11.2010 DGAP's Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,
Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
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Language: English
Company: RATIONAL AG
Iglinger Straße 62
86899 Landsberg a. Lech
Deutschland
Phone: 0049 8191 327 364
Fax: 0049 8191 327 272
E-mail: i.klinckmann@rational-online.com
Internet: www.rational-online.com
ISIN: DE0007010803
WKN: 701080
Indices: MDAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in München, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart

End of Announcement DGAP News-Service

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