LANDSBERG — 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.
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