Compass Group Raises Full-Year Guidance as Half-Year Profits Rise

Compass Group (LON: CPG) shares were up close to 2% at 30.08p on Monday after the world’s largest contract caterer posted a robust set of half-year results and raised its full-year profit guidance, though shares had pulled back from an opening high of 30.82p.

The FTSE-listed group reported underlying operating profit of $1,839m for the six months ended 31 March 2026, up 12% on a constant-currency basis, as revenue climbed 9% to $25.0bn. Underlying operating margin improved by 20 basis points to 7.4%, benefiting from overhead leverage and merger and acquisition synergies.

Organic revenue growth came in at 7.2%, underpinned by strong client retention of 96% and new business wins of $4.1bn — a 14% increase year-on-year, with half sourced from first-time outsourcing clients. Underlying earnings per share rose 12% to 72.8 cents, while the interim dividend was lifted 13% to 25.5 cents per share.

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The group also announced the $270m acquisition of Pro Care Management in Germany and continued the integration of Dutch firm Vermaat, strengthening its European platform.

Full-year underlying operating profit growth guidance was raised from approximately 10% to above 11%, driven by organic revenue growth of around 7% and around 2% from M&A activity.

Chief Executive Dominic Blakemore said: “We’ve delivered a strong first-half performance… we have great momentum across the business, driven by excellent new business wins, high levels of client retention and margin progression in both regions.”