Rational AG posts 16% EBIT rise on US tariff refund, confirms 2026 targets

The German kitchen‑equipment maker Rational AG reported a strong second‑quarter 2026 performance, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) climbing 16% to €94 million despite revenue rising only 4% to €324 million. The profit after tax rose 15% to €73 million and the EBIT margin improved to 29.0% from 26.1% a year earlier. The boost came from a U.S. tariff refund of roughly €14 million under the IEEPA programme, which the company said offset higher material, logistics and duty costs. CEO Peter Stadelmann said the firm is on track for sustainable growth in the second half of the year, while CFO Jörg Walter highlighted the extra financial leeway the refund provides. Rational confirmed its full‑year 2026 outlook, keeping the target operating margin at 25‑26% and reaffirming its 2026 earnings guidance.