LANDSBERG (dpa-AFX) - Commercial kitchen equipment supplier Rational benefited from more relaxed supply chains and lower raw material prices in the first quarter. At the same time, the order book is no longer as full as it was a year ago, when catch-up effects among customers also ensured strong growth. Operating earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by seven percent to a good 71 million euros in the first quarter, while sales revenue barely improved at around 286 million euros. Rational thus performed somewhat better than analysts had expected. Profit increased by nine percent to 56.1 million euros. The management confirmed its forecast for the year when presenting the figures on Thursday.

According to this, turnover in 2024 is expected to increase in the mid to high single-digit percentage range compared to the good 1.1 billion euros achieved in 2023. The operating margin is expected to be close to the previous year's figure of 24.6%./lew/mne/jha/