Rational, the commercial kitchen specialist, reported solid first-half results but tempered expectations for 2025 due to U.S. tariffs and currency volatility. Revenue rose 4% to €606 million, with operating profit up 3% to €153.4 million, though the EBIT margin dipped slightly to 25.3%—still surpassing analyst forecasts. Despite the positive figures, management now anticipates hitting only the lower end of its 26% EBIT margin target, citing newly imposed 15% U.S. tariffs on European exports and a strong euro dampening competitiveness.
Growth Hinges on Global Infrastructure Push
While the company maintained its mid-single-digit revenue growth forecast for 2025, analysts remain divided on the stock’s prospects. Shares rebounded 2% to €687, yet remain nearly 17% down year-to-date, far below their 2021 peak. Long-term optimism stems from global infrastructure investments expected to buoy demand for industrial kitchen systems. Rational’s market leadership remains intact, but investor confidence hinges on navigating near-term headwinds.
