Caterer Compass Group has said that it is expecting trading to be approximately 80% to 85% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in the fourth quarter, betting on university campuses reopening in the fall, after reporting margins at the top end of its forecast.
Revenue Growth And Margins
The company, which serves university students, office workers and seniors in old age homes across 45 countries, reported organic revenue growth of 36.4% and margins of 5% for the three months ended June.
Operating margins in the current quarter are expected to rise to between 5.5% and 6% from the third quarter, the British company said.
The world's largest catering firm reiterated its confidence to return to 7% margins, even before the number of meals it serves returns to pre-crisis levels, as it cuts costs.
Gradually Recovering As Economies Reopen
Companies in the food services sector, including France's Sodexo, Elior Group and US-based Aramark, that were hit by the COVID-19 lockdowns are gradually recovering as economies reopen.
In the United States, its largest market where reopening has been much faster, Compass said that revenue was boosted by higher attendance for sports and other leisure events.
News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
