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RATIONAL AG: Good performance in the first quarter of 2013

DGAP-News: RATIONAL AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results
RATIONAL AG: Good performance in the first quarter of 2013

08.05.2013 / 10:30

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Press Release

RATIONAL AG: Good performance in the first quarter of 2013

- 7 percent sales growth

- 24 percent EBIT margin

Landsberg, May 8, 2013 RATIONAL continued to grow in the first quarter of
2013. Sales rose 7 percent compared to the previous year, from 96.9 million
euros to 104.0 million euros. Adjusted for the currency effect, sales
growth stands at 8 percent. The performance of the business varied
considerably, with sales at the previous year's level in Europe (including
Germany) and growth rates of 6 percent in the Americas and 21 percent in
Asia.

The restrained start in Europe can be traced back to two essential factors.
'Firstly, due to macroeconomic uncertainties we have been very cautious
about expanding our sales capacities here since 2010, and our growth has
predominantly stemmed from efficiency increases. In addition, the market
situation in the crisis-ridden countries of southern Europe remains tense',
explains Dr. Günter Blaschke, CEO of RATIONAL AG.

24 percent EBIT margin

EBIT stood at 24.7 million euros (2012: 22.9 million euros), giving an EBIT
margin in the first quarter of 24 percent (2012: 24 percent) and EBIT
growth of 8 percent compared to the previous year. Currency-adjusted EBIT
rose by 10 percent. Earnings after tax improved by 9 percent from 17.2
million euros to 18.7 million euros compared to the previous year. This
equates to earnings per share of 1.64 euros (2012: 1.51 euros).

Targeted expansion of sales capacities

In the first quarter of 2013, RATIONAL created 39 new jobs across the
Group. The emphasis was on strengthening sales capacities, with the aim of
selectively exploiting the untapped market potential.

Growth expected to continue

In recent years the Landsberg-based company has focused its investment
activities on setting up and expanding the sales organisations in major
emerging countries such as China, India and Latin America.

'Because current forecasts assume that Europe as a whole will emerge from
recession this year, we have increasingly started to expand our capacities
here, too. Against the backdrop of current business trends and the economic
environment we are assuming a high single-digit growth rate for fiscal year
2013, regarding both sales and earnings', explains Dr. Blaschke.

Contact:
RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Dr. Günter Blaschke
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
www.rational-online.com