Ad-hoc | 15 March 2001 09:30

Ad hoc-Service: Rational AG english

Ad-hoc announcement precessed and sent by DGAP. The sender is solely responsible for the contents of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– RATIONAL posts record earnings in 2000: 55% of group profits to be paid as dividends Landsberg, 15.3.01: In the past year RATIONAL AG posted the highest earnings in the company’s history: earnings for 2000 were up by no less than 15.3 per cent. Group EBIT before flotation costs increased to a new record of DM 56.8 (49.2) million, ahead of analysts’ forecasts of DM 56.1 million. RATIONAL’s sales figures also grew by around 17 per cent, even more strongly than in previous years, to a new record high of DM 298.7 (255.8) million. Once again, the cost structure was improved: the ratio of materials to total achievement fell by one percentage point to 34.5 (35.5)%, despite improved specifications (IQT(R), CleanJet(R) and CDS(R)) and higher prices for stainless steel and electronics. Personnel costs too were slightly down, to 23.4 (23.5)%. Other operating expenses rose, partly because of the increased expansion of the company’s subsidiaries, to 23.3 (22.9)%. Overall the group’s percentage return on sales before stock market flotation costs rose to 19.0 (18.7)% before tax, despite above-average investment in the international sales and marketing network. Net income according to DVFA rose to DM 30.4 (29.6) million. The General Meeting of Shareholders will propose the distribution of a dividend of EUR 0.65 per share. This is equivalent to a total of DM 14.5 million or around 55% of group profit. The RATIONAL group achieved a cash-flow of DM 31.1 million from continuing operating activities, 27.4% more than in the previous year. This is the result of RATIONAL’s high earning power, resulting in particular from extremely low manufacturing costs, high stock turnover frequency (14-fold in the group in 2000), active management of accounts receivable and a low use of working capital compared to total achievement. RATIONAL AG will be presenting the full business report at today’s financial statement press conference at 9.00 a.m. in Munich (Hilton Tucherpark) and at a DVFA analysts’ conference at 4 p.m. in Frankfurt (Dresdner Bank, Jürgen Ponto Platz 1). Contacts RATIONAL AG: Erich Baumgärtner Beatrix Melis Finance Director Investor Relations Tel: ++ 49 81 91/3270 Tel: ++ 49 81 91/3270 end of Ad hoc-announcement, (c) DGAP 15.03.2001 ———————————————————————– WKN: 701 080; Index: SMAX Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt ;Freiverkehr in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart 150930 Mär 01